MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

SEPTEMBER 26, 2019

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:33pm 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 Distinguished Gentleman and Ladies of Destiny Club at Bethune Elementary.

 

Dr. Lewis called for a moment of silence in memoriam of the students who have lost their lives due to violence and the families and school communities that have been impacted.

 

1.3 Adoption of the Agenda

Board Council provided one clarification on Action Item 5.3 which includes some language that was not included in the Budget and Finance committee recommendation. Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin to adopt the agenda with recommended additional language, 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

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Koppel to adopt the minutes as printed (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

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

3.1 Superintendent’s Remarks

Dr. Lewis began his monthly report by calling on all former students of Orleans Parish School Board who have not been able to finish school due to testing or other circumstances to contact the office of Mavia Marsalis so that she can assist. Dr. Lewis then thanked the sponsors of the Back to School Fest including Audubon Zoo, Troy Carter, Cox Cable, Core Construction, and We Dat’s Chicken and Shrimp. Dr. Lewis recognized Garri Brown, Chief Talent and Culture Officer and the over 50 staff members who worked to put on the event. Facilities Engagement will be discussed and presented later in the meeting by NOLA-PS Staff.  

 

3.5 District Level Funding Allocation (This item was taken out of sequence.)

NOLA-PS staff presented the differentiated funding formula, which allows NOLA Public Schools to assign monies to schools according to the specific needs of each student in their building, ensuring that students who need more resources get them.

 

3.2 Stay in School Program – Toyota of New Orleans Car Giveaway

Troy Duhon of Toyota of New Orleans presented the Stay in School Program – a partnership with NOLA Public Schools to encourage attendance. In the spring Mr. Duhon and Toyota of New Orleans will award a brand New Toyota to a high school senior with perfect attendance.

 

3.3 OPSB Attendance Award

Ms. Ellison announced that Orleans Parish School Board Members will fund a scholarship award to a high school senior with perfect attendance. The scholarship will be awarded in May 2020 to the same person who wins the car giveaway sponsored by Troy Duhon and Toyota of New Orleans. The purpose of the scholarship is to cover any ancillary costs associated with receipt of the car or the transition to post-secondary life.

 

3.4 State Farm Attendance Award 2020

Jonathan Stewart of State Farm announced that his office will fund a scholarship to cover the insurance fees associated with the winner of the Stay in School Car Giveaway for the first 6 months.  The scholarship will be awarded in May 2020 to the same person who wins the car giveaway sponsored by Troy Duhon and Toyota of New Orleans.

 

Lastly, Dr. Lewis provided an update on John F Kennedy. The report has been finalized and over the course of the review, the OPSB Administration decided to seek revocation of New Beginnings’ charter given the non-compliance. Almost simultaneously, the New Beginnings Schools Foundation Charter Board voted to surrender the charters for both John F. Kennedy at Lake Area High School and Pierre A. Capdau Charter School at Avery Alexander effective at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Although the report summarizes the districts review of facts and even though NBSF voted to surrender its charters there is still an open Notice of Non-Compliance, Level 2 that is currently being monitored. At this time, the focus is on working to support students within the class of 2019 to resolve any outstanding academic issues and ensuring current JFK students are set up for success. NOLA-PS staff will continue to be on site to offer support in daily operations.

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

4.1 NOLA Public Schools Facilities Plan: Community Engagement Presentation

NOLA-PS staff provided an overview of recent community engagement meetings regarding the proposed NOLA Public Schools Facility Plan.

 

Mr. Kleban requested that the District define a financing strategy for the cost of the facilities and a timeline. NOLA-PS staff indicated that it will be an operational next step to determine the funding.

 

Additionally, Mr. Kleban asked if any of the properties mentioned in the plan could be put into service in the community. NOLA-PS staff responded that the team is working with the legal department to determine a best strategy and will work to get a timeline established for the invitation to bid.

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

Action Item 5.1 – Resolution 13-19 2019 Revenue Anticipation Notes

Recommended action – The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 13-19 authorizing the issuance and sale of Anticipation Notes, Series 2019 of the Orleans Parish School Board, State of Louisiana in a principal amount not to exceed $40,000,000; making application to the State Bond Commission for consent and authority for such borrowing; and providing for other matters with respect to the foregoing.

 

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Newell Usdin

·        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 how the budget is prepared in regards to cash flow for capital projects.

 

Mr. Marshall thanked Ms. Lona Hankins for attending the facilities meetings.

 

Action Item 5.2 -  Resolution 14-19 Corporate Resolution Granting Signatory Authority

Recommended action – The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board grants Eric Seling authority to execute the Louisiana Department of Treasury Unclaimed Property Claim Forms submitted on behalf of the Orleans Parish School Board for Claim Nos. 6061456, 6061460, 6061462 and 6061464.

 

·        Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Koppel (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

 

Public Comment

·        Community Member expressed concern about needing the appropriate controls in place and the morale of staff.

 

·        Ms. Ellison responded requesting the staff to address that the concern of the community member. NOLA-PS staff clarified that the recommended action is due to the lengthy process involved in claiming land with the state. The process was initiated prior to the staff member leaving and could not be completed prior to his conclusion of work.

 

Action Item 5.3 -  Request for Proposal No. 20-0008 Citywide Early Childhood Intervention Services

Recommended action – The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposal from ReNEW-Reinventing Education, Inc. for a value not to exceed the per-pupil amount received through the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) and any other available funding sources (e.g. Federal IDEA, Medicaid, etc.) for those students identified with an exceptionality prior to kindergarten, less the costs required of the School District to screen, identify, and evaluate such children as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Sec. 303.302 and BESE Bulletin 1706, and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and ReNEW-Reinventing Education, Inc.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Koppel 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

·        Community member proposed that OPSB partner with Historically Black Colleges and Universities that have teacher education programs and the business community to attract young men of color to teach in New Orleans.

·        Community member expressed concern regarding is the early childhood population figure into the evaluation of the proposal.

 

Action Item 5.4 - Request For Proposal No. 20-0007 Types 1 and 3 Charter Application Review

Recommended action – The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposal from The Learning Collective for Types 1 and 3 Charter Application Review in the amount not to exceed $109,890.00, and authorize General Counsel to prepare the contract for signatures of the Board President and The Learning Collective.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Koppel

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin

·        Nays: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Kleban

·        Absent: None

 

Public Comment

 

Mr. Kleban shared his concern that there was only one bidder and indicated it’s not a healthy practice to only have one bidder.

 

Action Item 5.5- Ratification of Fully-Integrated Contract for Claims Administration Services

Recommended action – The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board ratifies the fully-integrated contract for claims administrative services between the OPSB and Hammerman and Gainer, Inc.

 

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Newell Usdin

·        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

·        Community Members expressed concern regarding the conditions of the buildings that may have caused the injuries referenced. Additionally, a master plan for facilities was called to be addressed.

·        Mr. Marshall indicated that he shared the concern regarding of the condition of the buildings and that the OPSB assumed responsibility of the buildings in June of 2018.

 

Action Item 5.6- Donation from Senator Troy Carter

Recommended action – The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the $500.00 donation from Senator Troy Carter in support of NOLA Public Schools' annual Back to School Festival.

 

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

·        Community member expressed concern about transparency.

 

Action Item 5.7- Donation of Warren Easton Athletic Building

Recommended action – The Property Committee recommends that the board accept the donation of the Warren Easton Athletic Building completed in March of 2019.

 

Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Ms. Newell Usdin

·        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

·        Community member congratulated Warren Easton on the donation and expressed concern for Type B Leases.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Ellison to move to executive session at 6:44pm.

·        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. 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, second by 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

 

6.1 Prospective Litigation re: Hynes Construction Project FEMA Project Worksheets - Status Report

Recommended Action – The Legal/Legislative Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board take action as recommended by Board Counsel.

 

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 5.4 - Request For Proposal No. 20-0007 Types 1 and 3 Charter Application Review

Recommended action – The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposal from The Learning Collective for Types 1 and 3 Charter Application Review in the amount not to exceed $109,890.00, and authorize General Counsel to prepare the contract for signatures of the Board President and The Learning Collective.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Ms. Ellison to reconsider Action Item 5.4.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

7.1 Adjourn Meeting

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

 

Meeting Adjourned at 6:50pm.