MINUTES OF THE

PUBLIC HEARING

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

AUGUST 22, 2019

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Public Hearing called to order by Board Vice President Leslie Ellison. at 5:04pm The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, and Nolan Marshall Jr. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present.

-Interpretation services were acknowledged.

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance

The pledge was led by Board Vice President Leslie Ellison.

1.3 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion to adopt the Public Hearing meeting agenda as provided.

·        Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Ashley (waiving the reading)

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yea: Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Marshall

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Brown, Mr. Koppel, Ms. Newell Usdin

PURPOSE OF HEARING

2.1 Orleans Parish School Board – Public Hearing Guidelines

Board Counsel, Sharonda Williams, read the guidelines for public hearing.

Ms. Ellison recognized the students present at the meeting and thanked them for being engaged in the process.

PRESENTATIONS

3.1  Presentation of FY20 Consolidated Budget for Adoption.

Diane Allison, Chief Financial Officer presented the FY20 Consolidated Budget. For the first time in four years, the budget calls for $0 of General Fund Balance to supplement on-going operations. The budget does not currently include additional $2.0M - $2.5M of funding from House Bill 393 Legislative changes. This money ($2.0M - $2.5M) will be proposed to be used to offset the Adopted Harrah’s Fund Balance usage of $2.46M (adopted as part of general fund) and to allow a portion of Harrah’s Fund Balance to be used to cover unanticipated needs to support students and families. NOLA Public schools will be working with partners to finalize this fund recommendation.

PUBLIC COMMENT

4.1 Public Comment

·        A representative from Greater New Orleans Collaborative of Charter Schools provided recommendations to include in the budget.

·        A community member expressed concern about the timeline that the budget is posted to the website and that the intent for use of capital funds is not listed in the budget. NOLA PS Staff clarified that the budget is viewable on the internet 15 days prior to the meeting. Additionally, the funds referenced are approved as emergency funds and do not require details as they are for use if an emergency occurs requiring capital needs.

BOARD COMMENT

5.1 Board Comment

·        In reference to the Harrah’s Funds, Mr. Ashley asked what plans are in place so that OPSB is not contingent on those funds. NOLA PS staff indicated that strategic planning had been done the year prior such that the budget is now sustainable through revenues and expenses without the use of additional funds. Mr. Ashley then asked, what the plan would be if more schools exit the LEA. NOLA PS staff indicated that OPSB is in the preliminary stages of providing a contingency plan if more schools exit the LEA. The LEA continues to communicate with schools regarding exit strategy and continuity of operations upon exit.

ADJOURNMENT

6.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Ashley second by Mr. Marshall to adjourn the public hearing.

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yea: Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Marshall

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Brown, Mr. Koppel, Ms. Newell Usdin

Meeting adjourned at 5:20pm.