MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
AUGUST 22, 2019
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:32pm by Board President John A. Brown, Sr. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown, Sr. Leslie, Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Jr. and Sarah Newell Usdin. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present.
-Interpretation services were acknowledged.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Jones siblings from Hynes Elementary.
1.3 Adoption of the Agenda
Motion by Mr. Koppel to adopt the agenda as printed, second by Mr. Ashley.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin, Ms. Ellison
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA
Dr. Lewis began his monthly report offering a moment of silence for Nancy Parker, news anchor who recently passed away in an accident. Dr. Lewis then provided updates on John F. Kennedy High School and New Beginnings Schools Foundation. The report on NOLA Public Schools’ investigation into JFK is nearing completion and will be released soon. Regarding the class of 2019: One hundred and seventy-eight (178) students were a part of the 2018-2019 senior cohort at JFK; Eighty-five (85) students graduated in May. Of those eighty-five (85) students, 40 students have been deemed eligible for graduation after completing summer school. Fifteen (15) students signed waivers that will permit them to be eligible for graduation. These waivers are pending approval from the Louisiana Department of Education. Three (3) students are currently enrolled in JFK in order to complete their outstanding coursework. Six (6) students have enrolled in other high schools to complete their requirements. Lastly, there are twenty-nine (29) students that must complete various other requirements to be eligible for graduation at this time. NOLA PS Staff continues to be present at JFK and will continue to track each students’ progress toward graduation.
Once informed that NBSF will surrender their charter on July 18, 2019, NOLA PS began initiating the process to identify a new charter operator in order to provide clarity to JFK families on the future of the school. Based upon the engagement of charter operators along with students, parents and alumni of the JFK community, Dr. Lewis announced that he is granting the authority to manage JFK High School to KIPP New Orleans starting in the 2020-2021 school year.
3.1 2020 Louisiana Teacher of the Year Finalist – Jessica Breaux
Ms. Jessica Breaux was recognized as the 2020 Teacher of the Year Finalist.
3.2 2020 Louisiana Principal of the Year – Jennifer Dennis Carey
Ms. Jennifer Dennis Carey was recognized as the 2030 Louisiana Principal of the Year.
Dr. Lewis discussed the 3rd Annual City-Wide Summer Graduation. At this graduation, twenty-seven (27) students earned their high school diploma. Several were legacy graduates, meaning they were first enrolled in high school many years ago. Some were as long ago at 30 years.
Last year the Board passed a resolution to have a week for voter registration in every high school. We collaborated with the 9th Ward Voter’s Coalition and the City of New Orleans Office of Youth and families to hold voter registration drives in our high schools. This year we’re doing more. High school voter registration week will be Aug 23-Sep10. Dr. Lewis encouraged the community to register to vote during this week.
Dr. Lewis acknowledges feedback from the community regarding keeping families together and mentioned that siblings will have top priority when enrolling in schools.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of Minutes
· Motion by Mr. Koppel second by Mr. Marshall (waiving the reading)
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Mr. Brown recognized Dr. Lewis and his staff regarding the Summer Graduation. The graduation at the Jazz Market was outstanding.
Dr. Lewis acknowledged Ms. Mavia Marsalis for tracking down all of the students from many years ago that may have met all graduation requirements but could not pass the state exam. She worked tirelessly to assist those in need.
Ms. Antoinette Williams, NOLA PS intern and Valedictorian of McDonogh 35 High School class of 2017 was acknowledged as the MC of the graduation.
ACTION ITEMS
Action Item 4.1 – Resolution 11-19 Fiscal Year 2019 – 2020 Consolidated Budget
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Resolution 11-19 adopting the Consolidated Operating Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the Fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019, and ending June 30, 2020.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Marshall
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Public Comment
· A community member expressed concern about compliance and special needs.
Action Item 4.2 - Adoption of OPSB Policy HA (Section 10-Transportation)
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to the Policy HA that all school buses transporting students attending Orleans Parish authorized charter schools that are leased or directly operated by the charter organization shall meet the requirements set forth in New Orleans City Code of 1995, Article XVI.
· Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Ms. Ellison
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Public Comment
· Representative from the Greater New Orleans Collaborative expressed support for this amendment. This is a result of determining improvements to school safety.
· Community Member expressed concern that charter board members live outside of Orleans Parish.
Ms. Ellison reminded the general public about ensuring the safety of children while school zones are in effect. She requested that the general public be mindful of school zones, to refrain from use of cell phones while driving, and generally be mindful of the students as you are traveling during school zone hours.
Action Item 4.3 - Adoption of OPSB Policy DCBB, Systemwide Needs Program
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed policy to create and manage a district Systemwide Needs Program.
Mr. Kleban offered a substitute motion to amend the policy to insert the words on page 43 of the policy that “district administration shall distribute a survey to all school leaders, parent advisory council members, and student advisory council members.” It was seconded by Ms. Ellison.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Ashley to adopt the policy as amended.
· Final resolution: Motion passes as amended
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Public Comment
· Representative from the Greater New Orleans Collaborative spoke in favor of the policy and urged the board to ensure a transparent process. The representative indicated that the policy provides for the appropriate level of transparency and it indicates that the Board is on track in this regard.
· Community member expressed concern regarding district approved vendors and requested transparency in how businesses are selected to be district approved vendors.
Action Item 4.4- 3rd Amendment to Orleans Parish School Board Meeting Schedule for 2019
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board amends its 2019 Meeting Schedule to change the September committee meetings and board meeting to the fourth week of September. Specifically, Committee Meetings should be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 starting at 1pm, and the Board Business Meeting be held on Thursday, September 26th, starting at 5:30 pm.
Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Ms. Ellison
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Action Item 4.5- Revisions to NOLA Public Schools Salary Schedule
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the revised salary schedules.
Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Ms. Ellison
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Action Item 4.6- Resolution 12-19 Check Signatories
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 12-19 authorizing check signatories for checking accounts utilized by the Orleans Parish School Board.
Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Ms. Ellison (waiving the reading)
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Action Item 4.7- Renewal of the Orleans Parish School Board’s Stoploss Carrier for Self-Funded Health Plan
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board renews the agreement with Houston Casualty Company (HCC), as the Stoploss Carrier for the self-funded health insurance plan.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Action Item 4.8- Renew for the Orleans Parish School Board’s Third Part Administration for Self-Funded Health Plan
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves renewal of the agreement with UMR, a United Health Care Company, as the third party administrator for the Orleans Parish School Board Self-funded Health Plan.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Marshall
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Action Item 4.9- Donation to NOLA Public Schools from Jewish Endowment Foundation
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the donation from Jewish Endowment Foundation.
Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Koppel
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Action Item 4.10- Extension of Center of Resilience Contract and Amendment to Relate Contract
Recommended action – The budget committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board exercises its option to extend the contract for educational and therapeutic services with the Center for Resilience (CfR), for one year, and approve the CfR performance measures to be added to the contract.
Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Koppel
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Action item 4.11- Approval of Contract Modification #7 to Increase the Architect’s Fees for phase 1 of the Benjamin Franklin Elementary (Jefferson Campus) Project
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve Contract Modification # 7 to increase the architect’s fees for Phase 1 of the Benjamin Franklin Elementary (Jefferson Campus) project by $45,211.00.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Kleban
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Action item 4.12 Request for Qualifications: Design Service for Schools in /Orleans Parish
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the use of the designers, as selected under Request for Qualifications No. 19-0023. Sharonda Williams, Board Counsel noted that #4 in the document should be corrected to “Duplantier and Merrick Architects LLC” and #9 should be listed as “Mark I. Baum Architects LLC”
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison with corrections
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Recused: Ms. Newell Usdin
Action item 4.13- Authorization of McDonogh 19 historic Tax Credit Application
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorize LTFC-Alembic LLC to apply for Historic Tax Credits for the McDonogh 19 facility and to execute the application as the owner's representative, as well as authorizes the Board President to execute a letter of no objection to the organization's request for certification from the National Park Service and Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office.
Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Koppel
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Action Item 4.14 Formal Registration of “NOLA Public Schools”
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes the General Counsel to formally register the trade name "NOLA Public Schools" with the Louisiana Secretary of State, as well as all related logos and trademarks.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Ashley
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Action Item 4.15 – Request for Conflict Waiver re Koeppel Clark, LLC
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) grant the request of law firm of Koeppel Clark, LLC, to waive any potential conflict of interest arising from its representation of the Orleans Parish School Board while also representing the New Beginnings Schools Foundation, Inc., a co-defendant and potentially adverse party in an OPSB litigation matter, and authorizes the General Counsel to execute the necessary documents to effect such a waiver with such waiver being revocable if a conflict arises.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Marshall
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Marshall to move to executive session at 6:13pm.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Reconvened from Executive Session at 7:41pm. The following board members were present: President John A. Brown, Sr., Vice President Leslie Ellison, Ethan Ashley, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Sarah Newell Usdin. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present.
Motion by Mr. Kleban, second by Ms. Ellison to reconvene from executive session.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
5.1 Prospective Litigation re: Hynes Construction Project
Recommended Action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the legal strategy recommended by its legal counsel regarding this matter.
Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Ms. Ellison
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
ADJOURNMENT
6.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Ms. Ellison.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Meeting Adjourned at 7:43pm.