MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
MAY 14, 2020
Meeting Norms
Board Counsel provided virtual meeting norms in response to the CDC and the Governor's guidelines for gatherings, given the public health emergency. This including public participation and general format of the meeting under the circumstances.
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 3:06pm by Board President Ethan Ashley. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, 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. John A. Brown, Sr. joined the meeting at 3:07.
-Interpretation services were acknowledged.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Ashley.
1.3 Adoption of the Agenda
Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as amended. Board Counsel read revision to the agenda on Action Items 3.2 and 6.1.
- 3.2 – Rationale: Pursuant to R.S. 17:10.7.1(F)(1), the Superintendent will present his recommendation to the School Board regarding the Type 1 charter application submitted by Community Academies of New Orleans to operate four transformation K-8 charter schools.
- 6.1 – Contingent on Executive Session discussion this item may be modified.
· Motion by Ms. Ellison second by Mr. Ashley
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, 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 board meeting minutes as provided (waiving the reading).
· Motion by Mr. Ashley second by Mr. Koppel
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, 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 provided highlights from Teacher Appreciation Week and recognized the following individuals as semifinalist for the New Orleans Excellence in Teaching Award (NOETA):
- Robert Bassler - Ambramson Sci Academy
- Jennifer Boyce - Opportunities Academy
- Talisha Bryan - Eleanor Mcmain Secondary School
- Terri Clabeaux - Bricolage Academy
- Jennifer Comeaux - Benjamin Franklin Elementary
- Henry Dreyfus - Benjamin Franklin High School
- Arielle Jack - Arise Academy
- Joseph Krafczynski - Martin Behrman Charter School Academy of Creative Arts and Sciences
- Taaqua Lacy-Williams - Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary
- Catherin Morales - Esperanza Charter School
- Alexandra Mossing - Hynes Charter School
- Eric Schroeder - Morris Jeff Community School
- Tara Thomas-Antoine - Martin Behrman Charter School Academy of Creative Arts and Sciences
- Blake Thompson - Livingston Collegiate Academy
- Marla Williams - Martin Behrman Charter School Academy of Creative Arts and Sciences
Dr. Lewis announced that he will be leading a Re-Opening Task Force to support re-entry efforts. The task force will be comprised of practitioners, school leaders, social workers, medical experts, parents and other key leaders. The task force will focus on how the district will return to school safely and produce a road map for schools to follow so that precautions are in place for various scenarios. Additionally, a medical and public health advisor will be hired to oversee the re-entry process to ensure that every potential scenario is reviewed. This advisor will also be available to schools to provide guidance as needed. The goal of this task force is to return students and teachers to the classroom in a safe way as soon as possible. Schools will reopen with a unified calendar which will be a first since Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Lewis applauded all of the school leaders for working together to make this happen.
3.2 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Community Academies of New Orleans
Dr. Lewis recommended that the Community Academies of New Orleans Charter Application be approved.
Comments
· Written correspondence was received from several Community Academies of New Orleans members expressing appreciation for the approval of the CANO charter application.
3.3 Superintendent’s Recommendation: Generation Success
Dr. Lewis Recommended that the Charter Application for Generation Success be denied.
Comments
· Written correspondence was received from a Generation Success member expressing disheartened morale regarding the denial of the Generation Success charter application. Additionally, expressed continued commitment and outlined steps the organization will put in place to better serve the children of New Orleans.
Board Comments
· Mr. Kleban requested clarification around the approval recommendation of three schools.
· Dr. Lewis clarified that based on sound measures and existing leadership from the Foundation Preparatory, Community Academies of New Orleans is being approved to continue operating Foundation Prep, and to take-over the operation of the two Choice Foundation schools.
· Ms. Ellison recommended parents or students be added to the Re-Opening Task Force.
· Dr. Lewis confirmed students and parents would be a part of the conversation as well.
· Ms. Newell Usdin requested clarification on how a 3rd school fits into the merger of these two organizations that are coming together to operate the existing schools under a new management structure.
· Dr. Lewis clarified that three schools are currently operating and those were the schools recommended for approval under the new management structure.
· Mr. Marshall inquired about teacher’s union representation on the task force.
· Dr. Lewis requested that the makeup of the task force be discussed at a later time rather than during the meeting.
· Ms. Ellison requested clarification on the schools Community Academies of New Orleans would oversee.
· Dr. Lewis clarified the three schools approved in this recommendation are Esperanza, Lafayette, and Foundation Prep. The conditional recommendation would be for a 4th school.
ACTION ITEMS
4.1 School-Based Positions: Salary Schedule Revisions
Recommended Action: That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the revised annual salary scale to ensure an hourly rate of $15.00 or above for OPSB staff working in the exceptional children’s services department and OPSB direct run schools.
Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Ashley
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
4.2 Donation from the Members of the Orleans Parish School Board
Recommended Action: That the Orleans Parish School Board accept the donation of its individual members for the purpose of creating a one-time monetary grant made to a high school senior with perfect attendance to incentivize attendance at school.
Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Ms. Newell Usdin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Board Comments
Ms. Ellison acknowledged Mr. Duhon, Johnathan Stewart, and colleagues for providing this opportunity to provide a car to a student that has had perfect attendance. Mr. Ashley recognized Ms. Ellison for her leadership in initiating the effort.
4.3 Acceptance of Donations from Entergy Corporation and Through New Schools for New Orleans to Support Distance Learning Initiatives
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts a donation in the amount of $100,000 from Entergy Corporation and $468,670 from donations from local and national donors as well as individual donors solicited by New Schools for New Orleans to provide distance learning supports to New Orleans students in response to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.
Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. John Brown
· 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
· Leslie Leavoy, acknowledged NOLA-PS, New Schools for New Orleans, and Entergy for their quick action in providing technology to students during this difficult time. Additionally, acknowledged NOLA-PS’ responsiveness as compared to other school districts in providing technology.
· Mr. Ashley recognized Ms. Newell Usdin for her leadership and dedication in working on this effort.
4.4 Ratification of Funding for Preschool Expansion Grant/LA4 Pre-K Program
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board ratifies the Memorandum of Understanding with Agenda for Children for implementation of the combined Preschool Expansion Grant and the Cecil J. Picard LA 4 Early Childhood Programs, both Federal sub-grants that expand high-quality preschool programs in high-need communities and that are reimbursable up to a total of $283,960.00, for the period of August 2019 through May 2022.
Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Koppel
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
4.5 Request to Approve the First Amendment with Concordia LLC to Provide Design Services for the Mahalia Jackson Elementary School Reconfiguration and Security Renovation Project
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the first amendment in the amount of $10,502.91 with Concordia LLC for design services for the Mahalia Jackson Elementary School Reconfiguration and Security Renovation project and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signatures of the Board President and Contractor.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Brown
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Recused: Ms. Newell Usdin
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Executive Session
Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Kleban to move to executive session at 3:42pm.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Reconvened from Executive Session at 4:53pm. The following board members were present: President Ethan Ashley, Vice President Woody Koppel, John A. Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Sarah Newell Usdin. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
5.1 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person – School Board Personnel
The board discussed this item and there will be an action taken under item 6.1
5.2 Larnette M. Smith, wife of/and Emmett Smith, Sr. v. Daniel Busick, et al, CDC No. 2012-528; Subrogation - Settlement Offer
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Newell Usdin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
ACTION ITEM
6.1 Superintendent Contract Amendment
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board take any necessary action regarding the Superintendent’s contract and authorize Board counsel to draft any documents needed to effect those actions.
Board Comments
· Mr. Ashley extended a motion to amend action item 6.1, second by Ms. Ellison
· Ms. Newell Usdin extended a substitute to amended motion, second by Mr. Kleban.
· Robust discussion regarding the separation of the contract extension and performance objective was held by board members.
· Board council clarified that motion referenced two items in a single motion.
Public Comments
· Leslie Leavoy, acknowledged follow-up and clarification provided around the evaluation and extension process. Additionally, expressed concerns about the issue and how a leader is evaluated.
· Pastor Tyrone Jefferson, expressed support for a contract extension and urged the need for consistency in leadership.
· Dr. Donaldo Batiste, expressed support for a contract extension.
· Dr. Valencia Douglass, acknowledged Dr. Lewis’ leadership specifically transparency to his constituents and collaboration with other leaders.
· Mardele Early, expressed support for a contract extension and need for stable leadership during this time.
Board Comment
· Mr. Ashley expressed support of Dr. Lewis’ one-year contract extension, recognized various leadership accomplishments by the Superintendent, and echoed the public’s call for stability in leadership.
· Ms. Ellison called the question
· Board counsel clarified that vote should be taken on the substitute motion and that additional discussion by board members could be hard on the next motion to be voted on.
Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Kleban to defer the contract extension.
· Final resolution: Motion fails
· Yeas: Mr. Kleban, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall
· Absent: None
Mr. Marshall offered a substitute motion to Mr. Ashley’s amended action on item 6.1, second by Ms. Ellison to separate the contract extension and the performance evaluation. Mr. Ashley accepted the substitute motion.
Board Comment
· Ms. Newell Usdin requested procedural clarification regarding OPSB Policy BCBD.
· Robust discussion was held regarding delivery of materials to board members per policy.
· Board Counsel clarified that OPSB Policy BCBD suggests 48-hour time frame when possible but not required.
· Mr. Kleban expressed concern regarding the timing of the contract extension.
· Mr. Marshall echoed the public’s comments regarding the need for an experienced superintendent and provide stability to the district which has historically lacked it.
· Ms. Newell Usdin expressed concern regarding process and financial implications of the contract extension at this time.
· Ms. Ellison call the question.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Ellison to extend Dr. Lewis’ contract for one year.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: Mr. Kleban, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Absent: None
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Ellison to adopt the specific performance objectives discussed in executive session.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
ADJOURNMENT
6.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Brown, second by Mr. Koppel 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 5:41pm.