MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

PUBLIC HEARING: CHARTER RENEWAL PRESENTATIONS

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

SEPTEMBER 22, 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 5:04pm by Board President Ethan Ashley. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Grisela A. Jackson, 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 a cohort of students previously recorded.  

1.3 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as provided.

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

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: None

PURPOSE OF HEARING

2.1 Orleans Parish School Board Public Hearing Charter Renewal Presentations

The purpose of the Public Hearing is to allow the comprehensive evaluation schools an opportunity to present to the Superintendent, Board and Public available data points that support their request for a contract renewal. The public will have an opportunity to comment and Board Members will have an opportunity ask questions.

 PRESENTATIONS

3.1 Charter Renewal Presentation

3.2 Firstline: Phillis Wheatley Community School

3.3 Robert Russa Moton Charter School

3.4 New Orleans College Prep: Lawrence D. Crocker College Prep

3.5 ReNew SciTech Academy

3.6 ReNew Schaumburg Elementary

PUBLIC COMMENT

4.1 Public Comments

·        Vasy McCoy, school director, expressed support for ReNew Schaumburg Elementary.

·        Maurice McMorris, school principal, expressed support for ReNew Schaumburg Elementary.

·        Raven Frederick, school teacher, expressed support for ReNew Schaumburg Elementary.

·        Greta Brustie, a member of the community, expressed support for ReNew Schaumburg Elementary.

·        Yolanda Azpilcueta, a member of the community, expressed support for ReNew SciTech.

·        Rameisha Johnson, a member of the community, expressed need for better public understanding of the renewal process.

·        Kim Andrews, grades 3-5 school principal, expressed support for ReNew SciTech.

·        Candria Alexander, a member of the community, expressed support for FirstLine Phillis Wheatley Community School. 

BOARD COMMENT

5.1 Board Comment

Robust discussion was held after each presentation around special education student populations, teacher retention, School Performance Scores, interim assessments, school improvement plans, parent engagement specifically around the renewal process, network best practices, community of practices across charter network organizations, and response to COVID-19 around academic engagement and attendance. 

ADJOURNMENT

6.1 Adjourn Meeting

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

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: None

Meeting Adjourned at 7:29pm.