MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

JUNE 23, 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 included public participation and general format of the meeting under the circumstances. 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 10:05am by Board President Ethan Ashley. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, 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 Mr. Ashley.

1.3 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as provided waiving the reading of the minutes.

Motion by Mr. Koppel second by Ms. Ellison

·      Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·      Nays: None

·      Absent: None

·      Abstain: None

ACTION ITEMS

2.1 Reappointment of Grisela Jackson

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board reappoint Grisela Jackson as Interim Orleans Parish School Board Member – District 5, based upon information received prior to and during the June 11, 2020 Board Business meeting.

Motion by Mr. Koppel second by Mr. Ashley

·      Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·      Nays: None

·      Absent: None

·      Abstain: None

Public Comment:

·      Lauren Jewett expressed concern regarding high school teacher representation on the Reopening Task Force and Dr. Lewis clarified that there are high school teachers represented on the task force.

2.2 Lease Amendment for 3332 Huntlee Drive New Orleans, LA 70131

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School approve a lease amendment for the current lease at 3332 Huntlee Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131 to allow the NOLA Public Schools to pay for utilities and select site services at the campus until August 31, 2020 while the site remains under the control of Inspire NOLA Charter Schools.

Motion by Mr. Koppel second by Ms. Ellison

·      Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·      Nays: None

·      Absent: None

·      Abstain: None

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Executive Session

Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Koppel to move to executive session at 10:15am.

·      Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·      Nays: None

·      Absent: None

·      Abstain: None

Reconvened from Executive Session at 11:21am. The following board members were present: President Ethan Ashley, Vice President Woody Koppel, John A. Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Nolan Marshall, Sarah Newell Usdin. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

3.1 Orleans Parish School Board v. The City of New Orleans, et al., CDC No. 2019-05174; Summary Proceedings - Status Report

There were no action items from executive session.

Mr. Marshall requested a point of personal privilege to announce a meeting today at 2pm and requested that board members check their email for the information. The meeting is regarding a tax issue.

ADJOURNMENT

4.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Brown to adjourn the meeting.

·      Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·      Nays: None

·      Absent: None

·      Abstain: None

Meeting Adjourned at 11:23am.