MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
DECEMBER 19, 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, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Jr. and Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present. Ms. Newell Usdin was absent.
Mr. Brown acknowledged Ms. Newell Usdin’s absence due to family emergencies.
-Interpretation services were acknowledged.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Brown.
1.3 Adoption of the Agenda
Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as provided.
· 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
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Newell Usdin
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of the Minutes
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Marshall to adopt the minutes as printed (waiving the reading).
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Newell Usdin
Public Comment
· Ms. Washington, a representative for Friends of King, expressed concern regarding minutes provided as printed.
· A motion to amend and accept changes occurred.
SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA
3.1 Superintendent’s Remarks
Dr. Lewis provided an update regarding the James Singleton Elementary school bus incident. Dr. Lewis expressed his continued support to the students and families and reiterated expectations of schools with their bus operators. Additionally, Dr. Lewis stated the district will take additional measures to ensure safety of students and high-quality bus operators.
Dr. Lewis requested to delay his report on non-renewal recommendations for Joseph A. Craig and Mary D. Coghill during those particular action items to Board President Brown in order to for allow school representatives’ presentations. Mr. Brown moved to consent agenda.
4.1 Amendment to OPSB Policy DFD, Tax and Bond Elections and Sales,
4.2 Amendment to OPSB Policy EBBC, Emergency/Crisis Management,
4.3 Amendment to OPSB Policy GAEAA, Sexual Harassment,
4.4 Amendment to OPSB Policy GBDB, Employment of Retired Personnel,
4.5 Amendment to OPSB Policy GBN, Dismissal of Employees,
4.6 New OPSB Policy IDDFA, Special Education Advisory Council,
4.7 Amendment to OPSB Policy IHAD, Parent Conferences,
4.8 Amendment to OPSB Policy JGCB, Immunizations,
4.9 Amendment to OPSB Policy JGCE, Child Abuse,
4.10 Amendment to OPSB Policy JGCF, Behavioral Health Services for Students,
4.11 Amendment to OPSB Policy JR, Student Privacy and Education Records, and
4.12 Amendment to OPSB Policy JS, Student Fees, Fines and Charges
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Kleban to approve the consent agenda as printed (waiving the reading).
· Final resolution: Motion passes.
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Newell Usdin
ACTION ITEMS
Action Item 5.1 – Request for Proposal No. 20-0019 for Professional Governmental Relations Services
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications for Professional Governmental Relations Services from Roedel, Parsons, Koch, Blache, Balhoff & McCollister, ALC, in the amount of $95,400.00 for two years from date of execution with the option to extend for two additional one-year periods, and to authorize General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
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
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Newell Usdin
Action Item 5.2 - Invitation to Bid NO. 20-FAC-0014 for Chiller Replacement at KIPP Renaissance High School (Frederick Douglass High School)
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid for Chiller Replacement at KIPP Renaissance High School (Frederick Douglass High School) from Arc Mechanical Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $130,500.00, and to authorize the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
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
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Newell Usdin
Action Item 5.3 - First Amendment to Contract For Engineering and Design Services for Phase 2 Warren Easton Roof Parapet, Project Number 19-FAC-0026, and to Extend the Contract Term by 12 Months
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the first amendment to the contract with Verges Rome Architects for engineering and design professional services to add Phase 2 design services for the project and to increase the contract amount by $88,120.00, accordingly, and that the Board authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signature of the Contractor and Board President.
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
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Newell Usdin
Action Item 5.4 - Request for Proposal No. 20-0013 for Capital Planning Services
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications for Capital Planning Services from CSRS, Inc., in the amount of $1,086,500.00, and to authorize the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
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
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Newell Usdin
Action Item 5.5- Joseph A. Craig Charter School Non-Renewal Recommendation
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board rejects the Superintendent's recommendation not to renew The Friends of King Schools' charter to operate Joseph A. Craig Charter School, as authorized by La. R.S. 17:10.7.1(F)(1)(c). The charter for Craig terminates on June 30, 2020.
Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Brown
· Final resolution: Motion fails
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel
· Absent: Ms. Newell Usdin
Superintendent’s remarks continued
Dr. Lewis invited Ms. Young, a representative from Joseph A. Craig Elementary, to make presentation.
· Ms. Young outlined the history of Friends of King with Craig Elementary. Additionally, she provided a profile of a student at Craig, testimonials, information about growth demonstrated under Friends of King, and their continued commitment to students and school.
Dr. Lewis invited a representative from Coghill to make presentation.
· Mr. Jerome Smith, a community advocate, expressed concerns about important African American history, community input or consideration for the recommendation of non-renewal, and the psychological needs of the student population being addressed.
· Rayven Calloway, Head of School at Mary D. Coghill, expressed support to be granted an extension for operation of Coghill. Ms. Calloway expressed concern regarding dynamic factors being considered for the recommendation of non-renewal. Ms. Calloway outlined the efforts implemented at Coghill to improve. Ms. Calloway expressed concern regarding the assistance and support provided to Coghill from NOLA-PS. Ms. Calloway expressed concern regarding consideration of positive efforts made on behalf of Coghill to their academic performance, organizational performance, and financial performance. Ms. Calloway shared the action plan deployed to improve Coghill. Ms. Calloway finalized by expressing her continued commitment to Mary D. Coghill.
Dr. Lewis acknowledged Ms. Young and Ms. Calloway and continued remarks regarding recommendations of non-renewal. Dr. Lewis invited Dr. Kelli Peterson to share more on the non-renewal recommendations.
Dr. Kelli Peterson provided a more in-depth presentation based on the Charter School Accountability Framework supporting the recommendations for non-renewal for Joseph A. Craig Charter School and Mary D. Coghill Charter School.
For Joseph A. Craig: Citywide, Joseph A. Craig’s academic performance, based on the 2019 SPS Score, ranks 42 of 43 amongst Orleans Parish authorized K-8 non-selective admission schools and their Progress Index is ranked in the 4th Quartile. Statewide, based on the 2019 SPS Score, Joseph A. Craig ranks 921 of 940 amongst Louisiana K-8 schools. In November 2018 and 2019, Joseph A. Craig received an “F” School Performance Score for the School Years of 2017-2018 and 2018-2019.
In December 2018, Joseph A. Craig was required to complete additional requirements for having received an “F” SPS Score. On December 6, 2018, Superintendent Lewis and an administrative team conducted a site visit and had a conversation with leadership and the charter board chair. On December 7, 2018, OPSB staff communicated that as a follow-up to the visit, the school was to submit a one-page document summarizing the conversation and any supplemental materials that further outline the current implementation for improving student outcomes, such as an improvement plan. On December 20, 2018, Joseph A. Craig submitted a one-page summary inclusive of a 6-bullet list of the things that were being implemented to yield success. In January 2019, Joseph A. Craig sent home letters from the Superintendent to families regarding school performance scores and requirements set forth. On February 20, 2019, Joseph A. Craig held a parent meeting, per requirements of such plan to inform families of school performance score and plans towards improvement.
An outline of organizational effectiveness, provided by an overview of closed Notices of Non-Compliance for Craig was shared, including: Level 1: Website Review; Level 1: Board Composition; and Level 1: Seclusion and Restraint. Additionally, organization concerns pertaining to student expulsion and special education were reviewed. Finally, the fiscal health of Joseph A. Craig was presented.
· Community advocates expressed concern regarding being able to begin public comment.
· Mr. Brown called the meeting back to order and clarified that the report would need to conclude prior to beginning public comment per board policy.
For Mary D. Coghill: Citywide, Mary D. Coghill’s academic performance, based on the 2019 SPS Score, ranks 40 of 43 amongst Orleans Parish authorized K-8 non-selective admission schools and their Progress Index is ranked in the 4th Quartile. Statewide, based on the 2019 SPS Score, Mary D. Coghill ranks 895 of 940 amongst Louisiana K-8 schools.
An outline of organizational effectiveness, provided by an overview of open and closed Notices of Non-Compliance for Coghill was shared, including:
o Level 2: Financial Management;
o Level 2: Special Education;
o Level 1: Reporting Calendar;
o Level 1: Charter Board Governance.
Additionally, organization concerns included the following:
o Grade change allegations based on an alleged email that was sent to staff by a charter board member; made aware by United Teachers of New Orleans that Teacher Evaluations via COMPASS were not completed for several years prior;
o The organization had not secured bus contracts;
o 17 vacancies that existed within the 2019-2020 staffing plan;
o Through the use of their Pupil Progression Plan, Coghill attempted to promote, overage first time 8th grade students to 9th grade, however, this was not aligned with state policy and was previously explained in July, under the name “Project Success”;
o Approximately 10 teachers and 3 staff members that began the school year, are no longer employed with Better Choice Foundation.
Finally, the fiscal health of Mary D. Coghill was presented and as of July 24, 2019 Better Choice Foundation was considered “Not in Good Standing” for FY19 final assessment of financial health due to the failure to remedy the internal controls as noted in the audit material weaknesses and significant deficiencies. The open Notice of Non-Compliance, Level 2: Financial Management, involves: Checks issued to a board member with insufficient supporting documentation; Board Agenda for Better Choice Foundation’s June 25th board meeting includes an item ratifying the purchase of three Apple MacBook laptop computers without board approval and further email correspondence indicates that four computers were purchased using Title funds; Teacher Appreciation Day total costs of $8,709.64 include expenses of more than $2000 for gift cards, approximately $3000 for catering and $260 for alcohol purchases; Continued involvement of the charter board members in day to day operations of the school; and Payment of a Coghill staff member to remain on-site during the Pontilly Neighborhood Association meetings that the Better Choice Foundation President is also the chair of the association. Regarding, the single audit report for the year ended June 30, 2018; Finding 2018-005 questioned Better Choice Foundation for a single purchase of supplies and services from a vendor in the amount of $81,686 that was reimbursed under the Title I grant, however, BCF did not obtain price or rate quotations from an adequate number of qualified sources as required by the procurement standard in 2 CFR Section 200.320(b). Required Correction Action includes the repayment of the questioned costs totaling $81,686.00.
On, December 6, 2019 Better Choice Foundation submitted a position and appeal for consideration to LDOE.
Dr. Lewis acknowledged Dr. Peterson and shared what is to follow for each school under the recommendation for nonrenewal. Dr. Lewis clarified that both schools will be open for the remainder of this school year, and students will remain enrolled in both Coghill and Craig. Additionally, both school sites will continue to serve students next school year, but with new operators. As for Mary D. Coghill: The district will be directly operating the school for the 2020-2021 school year; In preparation, the district will soon be naming and hiring key personnel for the upcoming school year; After the holiday break, the district will begin initiating the process of creating a budget for district operation and will share the timeline with the board; And, by next fall, announce the plans for the long-term direction of the school. As for Joseph A. Craig: the district is conducting an Open Siting process to identify a new operator for the upcoming school year, and we have received two applications from potential operators; Continuing in January, there will be engagement opportunities for Craig families to receive important information about this process as well as opportunities to share their input; Throughout this transition, NOLA Public Schools remains committed to keeping all stakeholders engaged and informed about what to expect for both schools moving forward. Dr. Lewis acknowledges that this difficult news to receive and the hard work that students, parents, and teachers have put into both school communities.
· Mr. Brown asked if testing state standards changed during this period of time.
· Dr. Peterson stated that the new formula of 2018 versus the old formula were taken in to consideration.
· Mr. Marshall requested that comments be heard before a motion is made.
· Board counsel advised that per OPSB policy, item is to motioned and seconded to allow for public comment.
· Mr. Marshall motions item under the clarification to have public comments heard.
· Mr. Brown sought clarification for seconding the item by board chair to hear public comment.
PUBLIC COMMENT
5.5 Public Comment
· A community advocate for Joseph A. Craig expressed desire to begin comment on item 5.5.
· Shelia Gray, a representative for Joseph A. Craig, noted the school’s effort to fully implement Tier I Curriculum beginning in the 2018-2019 school year and finalized purchase of core materials and manipulatives as of the 2019-2020 school year. Ms. Gray expressed concern regarding timeframe given to Craig to demonstrate growth under the newly implemented curriculum. Ms. Gray requested Craig be granted an opportunity to see out full implementation of curriculum before being recommended for closure. Additionally, Ms. Gray requested feedback from NOLA-PS staff visit findings. Ms. Gray expressed support for Craig to remain open and operated by Friends of King.
· Tracie Washington, a representative of Friends of King, expressed concern with the process of public comment to be heard and with the information provided to support non-renewal recommendation. Ms. Washington expressed continued commitment to the students of Joseph A. Craig and the children of the community. Ms. Washington expressed concern regarding proposed new operators for Craig. Ms. Washington expressed support for a three-year extension under Friends of King and asked for a recommitment to the community by providing additional funding, collaboration with NOLA-PS staff, and additional administrative staffing for Craig.
· Steven Martin, on behalf of Dr. Austin Allen, advocates for Joseph A. Craig, expressed support for continued operation of Craig by Friends of King. Mr. Martin expressed concern over the enrollment process. Mr. Martin expressed support for the rejection of the non-renewal recommendation for Craig.
· Reverend Joseph Recasner expressed concern over the non-renewal recommendation of Joseph A. Craig and Mary D. Coghill. Reverend Recasner expressed continued commitment to the students of the community.
· Melanie Jasmine, a representative for Joseph A. Craig, expressed concern regarding support provided to Craig.
· Ms. M. Kelson, Friends of King representative, expressed concern over information provided in the report for Craig.
BOARD COMMENT
· Board Counsel, Sharronda Williams, clarified that the rejection to the Superintendent’s Non-renewal Recommendation was being voted on and would require 5 yeas for the motion to pass.
Action Item 5.6- Mary D. Coghill Elementary School Non-Renewal Recommendation
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board rejects the Superintendent's recommendation not to renew the Better Choice Foundation, Inc.'s, charter to operate Mary D. Coghill Elementary School, as authorized by La. R.S. 17:10.7.1(F)(1)(c). The charter for Coghill terminates on June 30, 2020.
Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Ashley
· Final resolution: Motion fails
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel
· Absent: Ms. Newell Usdin
PUBLIC COMMENT
5.6 Public Comment
· Rayven Calloway, a representative for Mary D. Coghill, expressed concerns regarding reporting of Coghill’s School Performance Scores, school letter grade, violation of non-compliance items, overaged student population, teacher turnover, and administrative support.
· Lynn Rhodes Polk, a representative for Mary D. Coghill, expressed continued commitment to Coghill and its scholars.
· Marion Madison, a representative for Mary D. Coghill, outlined additional supports implemented for the students and teachers at Coghill.
· Pastor Aubrey Watson, community advocate for Mary D. Coghill, expressed continued commitment of Better Choice Foundation for the Coghill community and support for the rejection of non-renewal recommendation.
· Terri Franklin-Baptiste, a representative for Better Choice Foundation, expressed support for continued operation of Coghill.
· Farren L. Davis, a representative for Mary D. Coghill, expressed support for continued operation of Coghill under Better Choice Foundation.
· Camille Bryant, a representative for Better Choice Foundation, expressed concern regarding the interpretation of the law providing a basis for non-renewal recommendation and expressed support for continued operation of Coghill.
· Dr. Joseph Bouie, Jr., state Senator elect and advocate for Coghill, expressed concern regarding closure of schools and enrollment process. Senator Bouie expressed support for continued operation of Mary D. Coghill under Better Choice Foundation.
· Laura Taylor, a representative for Mary D. Coghill, expressed continued commitment to Coghill and its scholars.
· Gretchen Bradford, community advocate for Mary D. Coghill, expressed support for the rejection of the non-renewal recommendation. Ms. Bradford expressed concern regarding responsiveness from local elected official.
· Audrey Woods, community advocate for Mary D. Coghill, expressed concern regarding responsiveness from local elected official.
· Brian Joseph, a representative for Mary D. Coghill, acknowledged scholars present at the meeting, expressed continued commitment to Coghill, and expressed support for the rejection of non-renewal for Coghill.
· Lynaris Elpheage, a representative for Mary D. Coghill, expressed continued commitment to Coghill and its scholars.
· Niesha Smith, a parent at Mary D. Coghill, expressed support for staff and administration for continued operation of Coghill.
· Jerome Smith, a community advocate, expressed support and concern for students of Joseph A. Craig and Mary D. Coghill.
· Sheldon Williams, a representative for Mary D. Coghill, expressed continued commitment to Coghill and its scholars.
· Elouise Matthews, a parent at Mary D. Coghill, expressed support for staff and administration for continued operation of Coghill. Ms. Matthews expressed concern regarding districtwide school closures.
· Terry Peyton, a representative for Mary D. Coghill, expressed continued commitment to Coghill and its scholars.
· A student at Mary D. Coghill expressed support for Coghill staff and administration.
· A student at Mary D. Coghill expressed concern for the non-renewal recommendation of Coghill and Craig.
· Ellen Weaver, a parent at Mary D. Coghill, expressed support for staff and administration for continued operation of Coghill.
· Community advocate expressed concern for current and past non-renewal schools.
BOARD COMMENT
· Mr. Marshall expressed support for community, administrative leadership, and staff at Mary D. Coghill.
· A roll call was requested.
· A request for a substitute motion was called.
· Board Counsel clarifies that motion fails.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Reconvened from Executive Session at 8:49pm. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown, Sr., Leslie, Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Jr. and Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present. Ms. Newell Usdin was absent.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Ellison
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Newell Usdin
BOARD COMMENT
· Board counsel clarified vote on items 5.5 and 5.6 were not in favor of rejecting the Superintendent’s recommendation.
· Board counsel clarified that items 5.5 and 5.6 are a rejection of the non-renewal recommendation and is not a recommendation for school closure.
· Board counsel rectified motion taken to amend minutes as provided. Corrections were provided in minutes provided as printed.
6.1 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person - School Board personnel.
No action taken.
ADJOURNMENT
7.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Marshal, second by Mr. Kleban
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Newell Usdin
Meeting Adjourned at 8:51pm.