MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
NOVEMBER 21, 2019
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:34pm 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. and Sarah Newell Usdin. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present. Mr. Kleban arrived at 5:54pm.
-Interpretation services were acknowledged.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Laci Jones, a sophomore at Landry Walker High School.
1.3 Adoption of the Agenda
Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as provided.
· Motion by Mr. Marshall second by Ms. Ellison
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Kleban
Public Comment
· A representative from Friends of King requested that the board considers creating an opportunity for parents and community members to comment on the future of the leadership at their schools.
· Mr. Brown responded that the decision to close schools will be an item on the agenda for a future meeting. Dr. Lewis clarified that if the board does not agree with the recommendations of the Administration that it could be added as an item in a future meeting. Mr. Brown announced that he will allow a representative from each group to speak on the issue during the meeting at the allotted time.
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of the Minutes
Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Ms. Ellison to adopt the minutes as printed (waiving the reading).
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Kleban
SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA
3.1 Superintendent’s Remarks
Dr. Lewis began his monthly report by inviting Dr. Kelli Peterson to provide the overview of renewal standards for NOLA Public Schools. Dr. Peterson outlined the standard renewal process and the State’s accountability data. As a result of schools being up for renewal, NOLA Public School staff has been conducting school site visits as well as meeting with school leadership. The school staff has been in communication with families and will continue to do so to ensure they understand the process and next steps.
3.2 Charter Renewal Recommendations
Dr. Lewis listed the renewal recommendations for the following schools:
Andrew H. Wilson Charter School will be renewed for 5 years; Foundation Preparatory will be renewed for 3 years; G. W. Carver Collegiate Academy will be renewed for 5 years; Langston Hughes Charter Academy will be renewed for 3 years; The NET Charter High School: Central City will be renewed for 5 years; Booker T. Washington will be given their extension; Livingston Collegiate Academy will be given their extension; Joseph A. Craig Charter School will not be renewed; and Mary D. Coghill Elementary School will not be renewed.
Dr. Lewis informed the public that OneApp will be opening November 22nd. The results from the first round will be available in March 2020; which is one-month sooner than they were available in 2019. Additionally, he announced a facility siting decision: Lycee Francais will be housed in the McNair building on Carrolton Ave for the 2020-2021 school year.
Mr. Jerome Smith, a community member, expressed concerns about the importance of reading and African American history being included in the current curriculum.
3.3 Instructional Quality Initiative Presentation: New Schools for New Orleans
Dr. Alexander from New Schools for New Orleans (NSNO) presented on Instructional Quality Initiative(IQI). The State created a framework around IQI. This framework allows schools to partner with NSNO, NOLA Public Schools, and the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). Funding is given to those schools to purchase high quality curriculum and support. Dr. Alexander presented data on where NOLA Public Schools stood in comparison to the State. Originally, New Orleans was at about 3% but since then has rose to 85%. LDOE and NSNO provided schools with about $5 mil in support in year 1.
2018-2019 Highlights
1. Schools made significant progress
2. Teachers need more training
3. Vendor partnerships are strongly correlated with improvement
Public Comment
· Mr. Brown called on representatives from each of the groups who requested to speak.
· Raven Porter from Coghill and students expressed concern regarding the nonrenewal decision for Better Choice Foundation. Ms. Porter requested that the board reconsider Dr. Lewis’ recommendation and extend the charter that will allow Better Choice Foundation to continue to operate the school. Cory, a student from Coghill, spoke about how important Coghill is important to her.
· Rev. Calhoun, a representative from Craig Elementary expressed concern about the nonrenewal decision of Craig Elementary. He asked for everyone to come together to address what is wrong in the school system.
ACTION ITEMS
Action Item 4.1 – Board Meeting Calendar 2020
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the proposed meeting calendar for the 2020 calendar year.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, 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 4.2 - Resolution 16-19 Specialized Programming Grant
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 16-19 creating the Specialized Programming Grant to be funded with CENF dollars; authorizing the Superintendent to implement the eligibility criteria, program eligibility requirements, application submission and evaluation processes, and monitoring processes developed by the administration for said grant; and authorizing the Superintendent to approve all grant awards.
· Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Koppel (waiving the reading) with attached amendments to defer to later in the meeting.
· 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 4.3 - OPSB Policy DGA, Cash Management
Recommended action – The Policy Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Cash Management, policy DGA.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Newell Usdin 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
Action Item 4.4 - OPSB Policy DFE, Investments
Recommended action – The Policy Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Investments, Policy DFE.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Newell Usdin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Kleban
· Absent: None
Action Item 4.5- Resolution 22-19 Authorizing the Sale and Delivery of Not-to-Exceed $40,000,000 Orleans Parish School Board Revenue Anticipation Notes, Series 2019 To JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (The "Purchaser"); and Providing for Other Matters With Respect to the Foregoing.
Recommended action – The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 22-19 authorizing the sale and delivery of not-to-exceed $40,000,000 revenue anticipation notes, Series 2019, of the Orleans Parish School Board; and providing for other matters with respect to the foregoing.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Newell Usdin (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 4.6- Approval of Louisiana State Contract Purchase for ActivPanels, Peripherals and Installation for Village de'Lest Elementary School
Recommended action – The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the purchase of 40 ActivPanels, Peripherals and installation from AXI Education Solutions, who holds a Louisiana state-approved contract. The total amount of this purchase is not to exceed $193,470.80.
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
Action Item 4.7- Approval of Change Order Roof Technologies Inc., Contract for Warren Easton Charter High School Roof Parapet Repairs, Project Number. 19-FAC-0026
Recommended action – The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves change order number 2 with Roof Technologies Inc., for Warren Easton Charter High School Roof Parapet Repairs, project number 19-FAC-0026 in the amount of $83,057.36, and authorize General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
Ms. Allison presented that the contractor has lowered the price for change order 1 and 2 for a total of $5,629.00 by eliminating costs associated with sales tax, project equipment, and overhead.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Ashley to amend the item as follows:
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves change order number 2 with Roof Technologies Inc., for Warren Easton Charter High School Roof Parapet Repairs, project number 19-FAC-0026 in the amount of $2,864.50 and change order 2 in the amount of $77,492.36, and authorize General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
· 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. Ashley to approve the item as amended.
· 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- Donation to Orleans Parish School Board from The Hartford
Recommended action – The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the $10,000 donation from The Hartford to support the district's fire safety education efforts and programming.
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 4.9- Request For Proposal No. 20-0011 Public Relations and Communications Specialist
Recommended action – The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications for Public Relations and Communications Specialist, from The Ehrhardt Group in the amount of $100,000.00, for one (1) year, with the option to extend the contract for three (3) additional one (1) year periods, subject to Board approval, and authorize General Counsel to prepare the contract for signatures of the Board President and the Consultant.
Motion by Ms. Ellison, 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 4.2 - Resolution 16-19 Specialized Programming Grant
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 16-19 creating the Specialized Programming Grant to be funded with CENF dollars; authorizing the Superintendent to implement the eligibility criteria, program eligibility requirements, application submission and evaluation processes, and monitoring processes developed by the administration for said grant; and authorizing the Superintendent to approve all grant awards.
· Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Koppel (waiving the reading) with attached amendments.
· 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. Ashley, second by Ms. Ellison to move to executive session at 6:28pm.
· 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 7:25pm. 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 Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Koppel 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 Rosa Reed, et al. v. Orleans Parish School Board, CDC No. 2006-01275; Employment Litigation - Settlement Recommendation
Recommended Action – The Legal/Legislative Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed settlement in this matter as recommended by its legal counsel.
Motion by Ms. Ellison, 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 5.2 - Discussion of the Character, the Professional Competence, Physical or Mental Health of a Person - School Board Personnel
In connection with this matter, 2019-2020 Superintendent Performance Objectives as proposed by the board are being recommended for approval.
Motion by Mr. Kleban, 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
ADJOURNMENT
7.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Marshall, 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
Meeting Adjourned at 7:31pm.
ATTACHMENTS
Amendment to Item 4.2