MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

SPECIAL BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

HTTPS://ZOOM.US/J/96772732422

DECEMBER 8, 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 Special Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:33pm 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 meeting agenda as provided.

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

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: None

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

BOARD COMMENT:

Board Counsel cited La. RS 17:10.7.1F regarding the Superintendent’s Recommendations and clarified subsequent processes.

 

2.1 Superintendent’s Remarks

Dr. Lewis welcomed, NOLA-PS administration to provide the 2020 – 2021 Charter Renewal Presentation which included: Updates to 2020 – 2021 Charter Renewal Process; 2020 – 2021 Charter Renewal Process Overview; an overview of the Role as the Charter Authorizer; Overview of Charter School Accountability Framework (CSAF) Renewal Standards; 2020 – 2021 Renewal Qualification: Automatic Renewal, Renewal Review, and Comprehensive Evaluation; and Key Takeaways of the 2020 – 2021 Comprehensive Evaluation. 

 

The Superintendent provided his charter renewal recommendations for the following schools: 

 

Automatic Renewal:

Benjamin Franklin High School – 10-year renewal

Lake Forest Elementary Charter School – 10-year renewal

Lusher Charter School – 10-year renewal

 

Renewal Review:

Arthur Ashe Charter School – 5-year renewal

Homer A. Plessy Community School – 5-year renewal

KIPP: Believe College Prep – 5-year renewal

KIPP: Booker T. Washington High School – 5-year renewal

KIPP: Central City – 5-year renewal

KIPP: Morial – 5-year renewal

Livingston Collegiate – 5-year renewal

Mildred Osborne Charter School – 5-year renewal

Morris Jeff Community School – 5-year renewal

Paul B. Habans Elementary – 5-year renewal

 

Comprehensive Evaluation:

Lawrence D. Crocker College Prep – Non-renewal (transformation, non-closure)

Phillis Wheatley Community School – 3-year contingent renewal

Robert R. Moton Charter School – 3-year contingent renewal

Schaumburg Elementary – 3-year contingent renewal

Sci Tech Academy – 3-year contingent renewal

 

BOARD COMMENT:

Robust discussion regarding the 2020 – 2021 Charter Renewal Presentation, the Superintendent’s Recommendations, parental engagement during renewal process was held.

 

 ACTION ITEMS

 

3.1 Approval of Discipline Policy Review Committee

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Discipline Policy Review Committee in compliance with OPSB Policy BD and La. R.S. 17:416.8. This discipline policy is for OPSB district operated schools only.

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

·        Betty DiMarco, community member, expressed concern regarding language in this item.

·        Lona Edward Hankins, community member, expressed concern regarding language in this item.

·        Kayonna Armstrong, expressed concern regarding language in this item.

·        Ja’kia Russell was unable to make comment and sent comment via chat.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

Clarification regarding the Discipline Policy Review Committee in compliance with OPSB Policy BD and La. R.S. 17:416.8 was held.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

4.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Ms. Jackson 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 6:27pm.