MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
FEBRUARY 11, 2020
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:37pm by Board President Ethan Ashley. 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 Ben Franklin Students Julia Garrison, Kennedi George, and Lauren Ejiaga.
1.3 Adoption of the Agenda
Board Council noted that Item 2.1 the Adoption of the Minutes included the minutes deferred during the Committee of the Whole, earlier in the day, and Action Item 4.6 included a typo in the subject. Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as amended.
· 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
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of the Minutes
Motion to adopt the January 14, 2020 Accountability, Policy, Budget & Finance, Property, and Legal/Legislative Committee Meeting Minutes as provided.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison, waiving the reading.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Mr. Ashely, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Board Counsel noted the deferral of minutes regarding a vote amendment by Ms. Newell Usdin was clarified and that the item would have to be reconsidered by the board.
Motion to adopt the January 16, 2020 Board Business Meeting Minutes as provided.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison to adopt the minutes, 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 acknowledged highlights across the district by recognizing students and schools. Dr. Lewis welcomed Ms. Cathy T. Chase, Mr. Ulyses Collins, and Ms. Dina Hasiotis to present their recognitions.
3.2 Academic Recognition
Orleans Parish School Board Proudly recognizes Ms. Lauren Ejiaga for winning the $10,000 STEM Talent Award sponsored by the Department of Defense for her research on the impact that current levels of ultraviolet light from the sun due to ozone depletion effect plant growth.
3.3 Athletics Recognition
The Orleans Parish School Board proudly recognizes:
Ben Franklin High School for their achievement as 2019 State Runner-Up in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) Division II Volleyball Championship. OPSB congratulates, Dr. Patrick Widhalm, Principal, Ms. Chrissa Hailey, Athletic Director, Jodee Pulizzano, Head Coach, and Captains Julia Garrison and Kennedi George.
Warren Easton High School for their achievement as the 2019 State Runner-Up in the LHSAA Class 4A Football Championship.
Edna Karr High School for their Victory in the (LHSAA) Class 4A Football Championship.
3.4 Black History Month Recognition
In recognition of Black History Month, Orleans Parish School Board will recognize Dr. Joe Bouie, Jr. and Kenneth Rene Michael Carter for their social and civic contributions to students and families of Orleans Parish.
3.5 Greater New Orleans Foundation Presentation
A representative for the Greater New Orleans Foundation opened their presentation expressing its purpose and mission. A report on its Process, Finding, Recommendations, Next Steps, And Current Efforts Was Shared.
ACTION ITEMS
Action Item 4.1 – Approval of 2020 Board Committee Appointments
Recommended action – That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the committee appointments as recommended by the Board President.
Motion by Mr. Kleban, second by Ms. Ellison
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: Ms. Newell Usdin
Action Item 4.2 – New Policy EBBB, School and Student Safety
Recommended action – That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Policy EBBB.
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 4.3 – Request for Independent Local Educational Agency (LEA) Status - Foundation Preparatory
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the request from Foundation Preparatory, Inc. to allow Foundation Preparatory to operate as its own Local Educational Agency status effective July 1, 2020.
Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Ms. Ellison, 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 4.4 - Resolution Number 04-20 Approving the Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Application Number 20190282-ITE, Submitted By Iriapak USA, LLC.
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 04-20 approving Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) application number 20190282-ITE submitted by Iriapak USA, LLC because it does meet the criteria established by the Orleans Parish School Board on July 19, 2018 and amended on September 20, 2018.
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 4.5- Resolution Number 07-20 Denying the Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Application Number 20190193-ITE, Submitted by Iriapak RE USA, LLC.
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 07-20 denying Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) application number 20190193-ITE submitted by Iriapak RE USA, LLC because it does not meet the criteria established by the Orleans Parish School Board on July 19, 2018 and amended on September 20, 2018.
Motion by Mr. Kleban, 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- Budget Amendment Resolution 05-20 Authorizing the First Amendment to the General Fund Operating Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2019 and Ending June 30, 2020
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 05-20 authorizing the first amendment to the General Fund Operating Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2020.
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
Action Item 4.7- Budget Amendment Resolution 06-20 Authorizing the Second Amendment to the Capital Projects-FEMA Fund Budget of Revenues and Expenditures For The Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2019 And Ending June 30, 2020
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 06-20 reallocating $8,500,000 from the New School Pk-8 Kenilworth project to the Bio Med District-New High School project, also known as New Orleans Charters Science and Mathematics High School, both on FEMA Project Worksheet 19290.
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
Action Item 4.8- Invitation to Bid Number 20-FAC-0021 for a Roof Replacement at Benjamin Franklin High School
Recommended action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid for Benjamin Franklin Roof Replacement from Rycars Construction, Inc., in the amount of $452,950.00, and to authorize the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
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 4.9 - Contract Amendment for Concordia, LLC for Envelope Repair at McMain High School
Recommended Action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves a contract amendment in the amount of $26,379.00 with Concordia, LLC for additional design services for Envelope Repair Project Number 2017-0594-0001 at McMain High School.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Kleban
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Recusal: Ms. Newell Usdin
Action Item 4.10 - Design Contract for Rosenwald Renovations, Grace Hebert Curtis Architects, APAC
Recommended Action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorize execution of design contract with Grace Hebert Curtis Architects, APAC for the renovation of the Rosenwald Facility in the amount of 949,607.25.
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 4.11 - Gentilly Terrace Facility Alteration
Recommended Action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the requested Facility Alteration submitted by Audubon Charter Schools for Gentilly Terrace ES as required by Policy HD.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Kleban to amend.
· 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 Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Koppel as amended with recommendation.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Mr. Marshall sought clarification regarding reimbursement to school for expenditure. Ms. Delcour clarified that the schools could not be reimbursed by the district.
Action Item 4.12 - Invitation to Bid Number 20-FAC-0020 for a Chiller Replacement at James Johnson Elementary School
Recommended Action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid for Chiller Replacement at James Johnson Elementary School from Arc Mechanical Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $428,900.00, and authorizes the 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, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Reconvened from Executive Session at 7:48pm. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown, Sr., Leslie, Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Jr. Ms. Newell Usdin. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present.
5.1 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person - School Board personnel.
No action taken.
ADJOURNMENT
6.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Marshall
· 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 7:49pm.