MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
MAY 21, 2019
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Board President John A. Brown Sr. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present. Ben Kleban arrived at 5:34pm.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The pledge was led by Torri Green.
1.3 Adoption of the Agenda
Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as provided.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison (waiving the reading)
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
· Absent: Ben Kleban
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of Minutes
Move that the Orleans Parish School board adopts the minutes of the April 11, 2019 Board Business Meeting as provided waiving the reading of the minutes.
· Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
· Absent: Ben Kleban
SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA
Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. acknowledged the winners of this year’s New Orleans Excellence in Teaching Award.
3.1 Recognition of the Warren Easton Girls Basketball Team for winning the 4A State Basketball Championship
Ulyses Collins, Senior Safety and External Affairs Officer, recognized the Warren Easton Girls Basketball Team for winning the 4A State Basketball Championship.
3.2 Recognition of the Gilder Lehrman – Hamilton Student Performers
Amanda Aiken, Senior Chief and Portfolio Officer, recognized the Hamilton student performers.
3.3 Recognition of ACT High Scoring Seniors for 2018-2019
Ms. Aiken recognized high school seniors that scored a 30 or higher on the ACT for 2018-2019.
3.4 Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council Presentation
Erica Freeman, Director of Program Operations, introduced the student presenters from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council and recognized the graduating seniors.
3.5 Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council Presentations
Avione Pichon, Chief External Affairs Officer, introduced the parent presenters from the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council to give the end of year report.
3.6 Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council
Dina Hasiotis, Senior School Support and Improvement Officer, introduced the teacher presenters from the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council to give the end of year report.
3.7 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Crescent City Schools
The Superintendent recommended the approval of the application submitted by Crescent City Schools to operate two Type-1 transformation PK through 8th grade charter schools, each with independent LEA status, contingent upon the submission and approval of a master plan and improving behavior and discipline in accordance with R.S. 17-252.
3.8 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Educators for Quality Alternatives
The Superintendent recommended the approval of the application submitted by Educators for Quality Alternatives to operate one Type-1 transformation 9th through 12th grade charter school with independent LEA status.
3.9 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Lyceum Schools, Inc.
The Superintendent recommended the approval of the application submitted by Lyceum Schools to operate one Type-1 new start 9th through 12th grade charter school operating within the Orleans Parish School Board LEA; Superintendent’s approval for extension of operating agreement contingent upon a district assessment of citywide need and pre-opening evaluation.
3.10 Superintendent’s Recommendation: The Next Generation
The Superintendent recommended the denial of the application submitted by The Next Generation Academy to operate one Type-1 new start K through 12th grade charter school.
3.11 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Pathways in Education – New Orleans
The Superintendent recommended the denial of the application submitted by Pathways in Education – New Orleans to operate one Type-1 new start 9th through 12th grade charter school.
3.12 Acknowledgement of School Board Member Continuing Education
The Superintendent acknowledged all Orleans Parish School Board members for meeting their annual required hours of training and instruction for the year 2018.
NOTICE OF INTENT
4.1 Notice of Intent: Systemwide Needs Fund Policy
Mary Garton, Assistant Superintendent, presented the notice of intent for a systemwide needs fund policy.
4.2 Notice of Intent: Revisions to Policies BCB, School Board Meeting Procedures, and BCBI, Public Participation in School Board Meetings
Sharonda Williams, Board Counsel, presented the notice of intent for revisions to Policies BCB, School Board Meeting Procedures, and BCBI, Public Participation in School Board Meetings.
ACTION ITEMS
5.1 McDonogh 35 Transition Fund
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board amends the December 20, 2018 authorization to allocate $3.0M from the McDonogh 35 transition fund to the McDonogh 35 Senior High School budget for FY20 and FY21 by deleting the following language: “to be available for reimbursement of approved actual expenditures on additional student supports by the Short-term Operator of McDonogh 35.” Instead the transition funds will be allocated to the Short-term Operator via lump-sum distributions of $1.5M for FY20 and $1.5M for FY21.
After public comment, Mr. Kleban explained his concerns and opposition to the item.
· Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Leslie Ellison (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: Ben Kleban
Public Comment
· Community member expressed concern for the future of McDonogh 35.
5.2 Extension of FirstLine Schools Deadline to Open Second Approved Charter
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board grants FirstLine Schools an extension to begin operations of the second charter approved by the Orleans Parish School Board on December 17, 2017 to first serve students by the 2020-21 school year. Such extension shall include district review of the operator’s Pre-Opening Plan, including any material changes in the applicant team. Opening of the 2nd school is subject to Superintendent’s approval, based on a review of performance expectations and citywide planning factors during the Pre-Opening Process. In the case of a material change in the applicant team, the district will conduct further due diligence and may reconsider the application.
During public comment, Ms. Newell Usdin asked that Dr. Peterson follow up with the community member regarding concerns.
· Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: Ethan Ashley
Public Comment
· Community member encouraged the board to further review charter applications.
5.3 Approval of Scholarship Disbursement of Abramson Alumni Fund
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the transfer of $7,500 from the Abramson Alumni fund to five scholarship recipients in the amount of $1,500 each.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
Public Comment
· Representative from the Abramson Alumni Association offered to any answer any questions from board members.
5.4 McDonogh 35 Personalized License Plate Proceeds
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board establishes a McDonogh 35 Scholarship Fund with proceeds to be received from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles for the sale of McDonogh 35 license plates and approves an agreement with the McDonogh 35 Alumni Association to develop the scholarship criteria and manage the scholarship award process.
· Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Sarah Newell Usdin
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
· Absent: Nolan Marshall Jr.
5.5 Amendment to Concordia, LLC, Contract for Design Services at McMain High School
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves an amendment to increase the contract with Concordia, LLC, dated August 14, 2017, for the McMain Envelope Repair by $31,729.00 to add design services for exterior improvements to the front portion of the site.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ethan Ashley (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Ben Kleban, Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel
· Nays: none
· Recused: Sarah Newell Usdin
· Absent: Nolan Marshall Jr.
5.6 Approve Award of Contract to Stallings Construction Company for Crossman Framing & Finish Repairs
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Stallings Construction Company for repairs at Crossman Elementary, in the amount of $102,700; and to authorize the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
5.7 Change Order to Construction Masters, Inc., Contract for Phase I Repairs at Benjamin Franklin Elementary
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves a change order to increase the contract with Construction Masters, In., for repairs at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School Phases I by $41,590.22.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
5.8 Revised CEA for Brick Pavers at McDonogh 35
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the recised CEA between OPSB and the McDonogh 35 Alumni Association for the installation of brick pavers.
· Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
· Absent: Nolan Marshall Jr.
Public Comment
· Community member expressed support for the CEA
· Community member expressed concern with the district’s website
5.9 Servitude Agreement at Booker T. Washington
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves a servitude for property located on HANO property and abutting the Booker T. Washington property.
· Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
5.10 Request for Proposal No. 19-0021 Grounds Keeping Services for Fiscal Year 2019-2020
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the request for proposal meeting the specifications for Grounds Keeping Services to 4 A Era, LLC in an amount not to exceed $250,000.00 annually for three Fiscal Year(s), with the option to extend the contract for two (2) additional one (1) year periods, subject to Board approval.
During public comment, Mr. Kleban stated that he had received complaints regarding the state of the Israel Augustine site.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
Public Comment
· Community member encouraged maintenance staff to visit vacant sites
5.11 Invitation to Bid No. 20-CN-0002 Milk
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the bid meeting the specifications for Milk for the Child Nutrition Program for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 from Brown’s Dairy. The total amount of this purchase is $152,434.35. Funds will become available pending Board Approval of the Child Nutrition 2019-2020 Fiscal Year Budget.
· Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
5.12 Invitation to Bid No. 20-CN-0004 Canned Goods and Staples for Fiscal Year 2019-2020
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the bid meeting the specifications for Canned Good and Staples for the Child Nutrition Program for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 from Groestch Wholesale Grocers. The total amount of this award is $168,262,75. Funds will become available pending Board Approval of Child Nutrition 2019-2020 Fiscal Year Budget.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
5.13 Invitation to Bid No. 20-CN-0003 Paper Products
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the bid meeting the specifications for Paper Products for the Child Nutrition Program for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 from Economical Janitorial and Paper Supplies LLC. The total amount of this award is $109,278.55. Funds will become available pending Board Approval of the Child Nutrition 2019-2020 Fiscal Year Budget.
After the vote, Mr. Kleban asked that in the future, the dollar value of all competitive bids and DBE participation be included in all bid-related action items.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
5.14 New Policy HDB, Community Use of Charter School Facilities
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts New Policy HDB, Community Use of Charter School Facilities.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
Public Comment
· Community member expressed concern with religious symbols in school buildings.
· Community member commended the school board on including the community, and expressed concern with the demographics of Lycee Francais.
5.15 Amendment to Policy KF, Use of School Facilities
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the amendment to Policy KF, Use of School Facilities.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
Public Comment
· Community member expressed concern with the demographics of the Leonidas neighborhood.
Mr. Brown asked for a motion to move to Executive Session at 6:32pm.
· Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Woody Koppel
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Reconvened from Executive Session at 6:38pm. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin. Board Counsel Sharonda Williams was also present.
6.1 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person – School Board personnel
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the recommended revision to evaluation procedures for the 2018-19 school year.
· Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
6.2 Cheryl Moore, et al. v. Ferdinand Rochon, et al., CDC No. 2001-18507; Personal Injury Litigation – Settlement Recommendation
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed settlement in this matter as recommended by the General Counsel.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
6.3 Prospective Litigation Versus Woodrow Wilson Construction Company, Inc., re: Delay of Work on Alice Harte Elementary School Project
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves negotiation authority as recommended by its legal counsel.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
6.4 Prospective Litigation Versus Jacobs/CSRS re: Project Close Out
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes its Board Counsel to take any and all steps necessary, including litigation, to protect the Board’s interests.
· Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
6.5 Prospective Litigation Versus F.H. Paschen re: Delay of Work on Audubon Renovation Project
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves negotiation authority as recommended by legal counsel.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
6.6 James Lawson v. Anco Insulations, Inc., CDC No. 2018-05054; Personal Injury Litigation
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves negotiations authority as recommended by its legal counsel.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
6.7 Mary Ramos v. Anco Insulations, Inc., CDC No. 2018-6737; Personal Injury Litigation
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves negotiation authority as recommended by legal counsel.
· Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ethan Ashley (waiving the reading)
· Final Resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin
· Nays: none
ADJOURNMENT
7.1 Adjourn Meeting
· Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Sarah Newell Usdin
Meeting Adjourned at 6:42pm.