MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

SPECIAL BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

NOVEMBER 19, 2019

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Special 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, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Jr., and Sarah Newell Usdin. Superintendent, Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel, Sharonda Williams were also present.

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance

The pledge of allegiance was led by the Board President John A. Brown, Sr.

1.3 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as provided.

·        Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Newell Usdin (waiving the reading)

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: None

PRESENTATIONS

2.1 Overview of Board Resolutions Adopting 2020 Millage Rates

Dr. Lewis discussed the public hearing meeting held prior in the day. He attested to how everyone who testified earlier wanted a full roll forward on the millage in light of the fact that the school district is currently facing a $9.1 reduction in MFP. Which proves more need for the millage.

Ms. Diane Allison, Chief Financial Officer, presented on the fund balance and the need for the roll forward of the millages. She also provided information on the property value in New Orleans which has increased.  Resolutions 18-19,19-19,20-19, and 21-19 would result in an increase to schools of $325 per student. Additionally, there will be no more outstanding debt in February 2021. 

RESOLUTIONS

3.1 Resolution 18-19 Setting Constitutional and Other Dedicated Millages 2020 Adjusted Rates

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison (waiving the reading)

·        Final resolution: Motion Passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: None

Public Comment

·        There was one comment card, but the person opted out of speaking.

3.2 Resolution 19-19 Setting forth and Designating the Adjusted Millage Rate(s) and Increased Millage Rate(s) - Constitutional and Other Dedicated Millages 2020

Correction made by board council: “It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts resolution 19-19 setting forth and designating the millage rates and increased millage rates constitutional and other dedicated millages for calendar year 2020 on all property subjected to taxation in Orleans Parish State of Louisiana.

Motion by Mr. Kleban, second by Mr. Koppel with correction from Board Council (waiving the reading)

·        Final resolution: Motion Passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: None

Public Comment

·        Representative from Greater New Orleans Collaborative commends staff on excellent presentation and documents to back up information provided. Shares support for full roll forward of millage.

·        Parent Representative from Audubon Uptown school shares support for full roll forward for the millage. 

·        Representative from Audubon Schools shares support for full roll forward for millage.

·        Representative from Bricolage Academy shares support for full roll forward for millage.

3.3 Resolution 20-19 Setting Forth and Designating General Obligation Refunding Bonds Millage Rate 2020

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison (waiving the reading)

·        Final resolution: Motion Passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: None

3.4 Resolution 21-19 Setting Forth and Designating Capital Repair Millage Rate 2020

Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Brown (waiving the reading)

·        Final resolution: Motion Passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: None

Public Comment

·        Ken Ducote from the Greater New Orleans Collaborative of Charter Schools acknowledges the fact that voters voted on 4.79 mils. Also states that the Boards use of the money within the last year has been very transparent.

ADJOURNMENT

4.1 Adjourn Meeting

·        Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Ellison to adjourn the meeting.

·        Final resolution: Motion Passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: None

Meeting Adjourned at 5:53pm.