MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

SEPTEMBER 17, 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 Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 5:33 pm by Board President Ethan Ashley. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Grisela A. Jackson, Nolan Marshall, Jr., and Sarah Newell Usdin. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present. Woody Koppel was not present at the meeting.

 

-Interpretation services were acknowledged.

 

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by a cohort of students previously recorded.  

 

1.3 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as amended by Board Counsel.

 

Amendment: Addition of agenda item to discuss the 2020-2021 Superintendent performance Objectives

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin second by Mr. Brown

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Koppel

·        Abstain: None

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Marshall. to adopt the minutes of the August 20, 2020 Board Business Meeting and Public Hearing: Consolidated Budget as printed (waiving the reading).

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Koppel

·        Abstain: None

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

3.1 Superintendent’s Remarks

Dr. Lewis’ remarks included a COVID-19 update and acknowledgment of district staff, teachers, school leaders, and school staff.  Discussion around return to in-person learning was held.

 

3.2 Recognitions

Dr. Lewis recognized the following individuals:

Morrah Burton Edwards - A student from a NOLA Public Schools was recognized as a national Doodle for Google Competition finalist.

Ms. Sylvia Crier – 56 years of teaching excellence

Kate Youngblood – Teacher of the year (LDOE)

Jerel Bryant – Principal of the Year (LDOE)

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

4.1 Amendment to Policy HB, Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy HB, Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Ashley

 

Public Comment

·        Holly Reid, New School for New Orleans representative, expressed support of this item.

·        Leslie Leavoy, Louisiana State Director, DFER at Democrats for Education Reform, expressed support of this item.

·        Angele Delarge was unable to articulate her comment and sent it via the meeting chat. 

Board Comment

Ms. Jackson reiterated her previous remarks that her concern is to strength this process and ensure we are as objective as possible when evaluating the schools.

 

4.2 New Policy GBRIC, Parental Leave

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts new Policy GBRIC, Parental Leave as amended. 

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Ashley

 

4.3 Amendment to Policy GBRIB, Sick Leave

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy GBRIB, Sick Leave.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Ashley

 

4.4 New Policy DIF, Internal Control

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts new Policy DIF, Internal Control.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Newell Usdin

 

Public Comment

·        Ken Ducote, GNO Collaborative, expressed support and gratitude for this policy.

 

4.5 Assignment of Contract for Governmental Relations

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the assignment of the contract for Professional Governmental Services (RFP No. 20-0019), awarded to Roedel, Parsons, Koch, Blache, Balhoff, & McCollister, to its former employee, Suchitra J. Satpathi.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Newell Usdin

 

4.6 Second Amendment to Contract for Middle School Expulsion Program with Educators for Quality Alternatives

Recommended Action: It is recommended that NOLA-PS approves the second amendment to the contract with Educators for Quality Alternatives to administer The Bridge Program for 7th and 8th grade students who have been expelled or are at risk of expulsion for the 2020-21 school year to include services related to current need due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Ashley

 

4.7 Amendment to Public Relations and Communications Specialist Contract with The Ehrhardt Group

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves an amendment to the Public Relations and communications Specialist Contract with The Ehrhardt Group to increase the total contract amount from $100,000.00 to $112,000.00 and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the amendment.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Brown

 

4.8 Amendment to Motion on Contract Award for Professional Development Services for Trauma-Informed Practices Previously Adopted on July 30, 2020

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board amends the motion the Board previously adopted on July 30, 2020, relative to the award of the contract for professional development services for trauma-informed practices to now read: "It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Professional Development Services for Trauma-Informed Practices from Akoben, LLC in the amount of $225,000.00 per year, for a term of two (2) years, with a one (1) year option to renew, subject to Board approval, and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and Contractor."

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Marshall,

 

4.9 2020-2021 Center for Resilience Contract for Services at Mary Coghill School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the contract with Center for Resilience to provide educational, medical, and therapeutic services to students at Mary D. Coghill Elementary School, in the total amount of $120,000.00.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Newell Usdin

 

4.10 Resolution Number 26-20 Levying Constitutional and Other Dedicated Millages 2021

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution Number 26-20 setting forth and designating Constitutional mills and other dedicated mills on all property subject to taxation in the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana for 2021.

 

Motion by Ms. Jackson, second by Ms. Ellison, waiving the reading of the resolution.

 

Public Comment

·        Ken Ducote, GNO Collaborative, expressed support for this resolution.

 

4.11 Resolution 27-20 Designating the 2021 Capital Repairs Adjusted Millage Rate

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 27-20 setting forth and designating the 2021 capital repairs adjusted millage rate of 4.63 mills on all property subject to taxation in Orleans Parish, State of Louisiana.

 

Motion by Ms. Jackson, second by Mr. Marshall, waiving the reading of the resolution.

 

4.12 Resolution 28-20 Designating the 2021 Capital Repairs Adjusted Millage Rate and the Increased Millage Rate

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 28-20 setting forth and designating the 2021 Capital Repairs adjusted millage rate and the increased millage rate on all property subject to taxation in Orleans Parish, State of Louisiana.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Ellison, waiving the reading of the resolution.

 

Public Comment

·        Ken Ducote, GNO Collaborative, expressed support for this resolution.

 

4.13 Resolution 30-20 Updating Check Signers

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 30-20 designating check signatories, which updates August 2019 Resolution 12-19 for changes in titles in the Finance department and other staffing changes.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Brown, waiving the reading of the resolution.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Ashley to approve items 4.14 through 4.19 as consent items.

 

4.14 Request to Award Proposal Number 21-0008 for Racial Equity Consultant Professional Services

 

4.15 Acceptance of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Grant for Non-Public Schools in Orleans Parish

 

4.16 Acceptance of Donations from HCM Strategists to Support Distance Learning Initiatives

 

4.17 Acceptance of Grant from The Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation Service Learning Program

 

4.18 Approval of the Louisiana State Contract Purchase for Furnishings, Fixtures and Equipment for the New Orleans Science and Math High School

 

4.19 Declaration of Surplus for A.P. Tureaud

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board move to approve Consent Agenda Items 4.14 through 4.19 as presented in globo.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Ashely

 

4.20 Superintendent performance Objectives

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the 2020-2021 performance objectives to the superintendent evaluation process as presented to the board. 

 

Motion by Mr. Ashely, second by Ms. Jackson

 

Board Counsel clarified that items 4.1 through 4.4 were designated as Second Readings on the written agenda but were presented to the Board for final adoption.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

5.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Ms. Jackson to adjourn the meeting.

 

 

Meeting Adjourned at 6:21PM.