MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

https://zoom.us/j/98571830219

DECEMBER 15, 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 1:04 pm by Board President Ethan Ashley. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, 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. John A. Brown, Sr., arrived at 1:05 pm and Woody Koppel arrived at 1:20 pm.

 

-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. Board Counsel noted:

·        Item 6.1 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person - School Board personnel – was deleted from the agenda.

 

Motion by Ms. Ellison 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:

·        Abstain: None

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

·      Collette Tippy, a member of the community, urged for the monitoring of concerns submitted via websites as related to the Website Compliance Review and for public’s ability to provide ongoing feedback related to Covid19 in schools.   

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Ms. Jackson to adopt the minutes of the November 17, 2020 Committee of the Whole and Public Hearing: Roll Forward Capital Repairs Millage 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

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

3.1 Schools Update

NOLA-PS staff provided a Schools Update.  This included COVID-19 Ongoing Monitoring and Support and Systemwide Needs Program Update.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·      Robust discussion around COVID-19 restrictions, guidance, response and testing was held. 

 

3.2 COVID 19 Response: Guidance for Music & Arts Education

Orleans Parish School Board Resolution No. 29-20 established a Music and Arts Education COVID-19 Response Working Group to research and provide recommendations regarding policies for continued access to high-quality K-12 music and arts instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Partnered with Artist Corps New Orleans and the New Orleans Arts Education Alliance presented input of more than 60 local stakeholders from New Orleans Music and Arts Education COVID-19 Response Working Group, including music and arts educators, teaching artists, school leaders, education researchers, arts and cultural partners, and service organization leaders.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·      Acknowledgment of response efforts were made.  Additionally, administration was urged to provide updates around this effort.

 

3.3 Accountability Update

NOLA-PS staff provided an Accountability Update which included key updates on Notices of Non-Compliance, Website Compliance Reviews, Charter Board Governance, Charter Request for Application Process, Proposed Policy Changes, and the 2020-2021 Renewal Qualification: Extension Review.

 

3.4 Presentation the October 2020 Financial Reports

NOLA-PS staff presented its October 2020 Financial Reports and Department Updates which included Charter School Funding Distribution, Policy, Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program (ITEP), and an Annual Audit Update. 

 

3.5 Capital and Facilities December Update

NOLA-PS staff presented its November Capital Projects and Facility Updates which included key updates on NOLA-PS Capital Projects, RSD Capital Projects, and FY 20 School Facility Preservation Report. 

 

SECOND READINGS

 

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

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

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

 

4.2 Second Reading: New Policy DCBD, School Transformation Fund

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves proposed new Policy DCBD, School Transformation Fund.

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

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

 

4.3 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy DC, Annual Operating Budget

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy DC, Annual Operating Budget.

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Ashley

 

4.4 Second Reading: New Policy BCAB, Remote Participation in School Board Meetings

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves proposed new policy BCAB, Remote Participation in School Board Meetings.

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Jackson

 

4.5 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy CBD, Employment of Superintendent

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy CBD, Employment of Superintendent.

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Brown

 

4.6 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy DJA, Authorized Signatures

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy DJA, Authorized Signatures.

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison

 

4.7 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy DJE, Purchasing

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy DJE, Purchasing.

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison

 

4.8 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy DJED, Bids and Quotations

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy DJED, Bids and Quotations.

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Ashley

 

4.9 Second Reading: Amendment and Renaming Policy EFP, Data Protection and Recovery (to be renamed "Business Continuity and Technology Disaster Recovery")

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy EFP and renames the policy to "Business Continuity and Technology Disaster Recovery".

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison

 

4.10 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy GAAA, Equal Opportunity Employment

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy GAAA, Equal Opportunity Employment.

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Brown

 

4.11 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy GAE, Complaints and Grievances

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy GAE, Complaints and Grievances.

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

 

4.12 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy GAEAA, Sexual Harassment (to be renamed "Employee Sexual Harassment")

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy GAEAA and renames the policy to "Employee Sexual Harassment".

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

 

4.13 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy GAMC, Investigations

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy GAMC, Investigations.

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

 

4.14 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy GBDB, Employment of Retired Personnel

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy GBDB, Employment of Retired Personnel.

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison

 

4.15 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy IDFAB, Sports Injury Management and Concussions

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy IDFAB, Sports Injury Management and Concussions.

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

 

4.16 Second Reading: New Policy JAAA, Title IX Sexual Harassment

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves proposed new Policy JAAA, Title IX Sexual Harassment.

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Brown

 

4.17 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JBH, Attendance Reports for Student Drivers

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy JBH, Attendance Reports for Student Drivers.

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Koppel

 

4.18 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JGCE, Child Abuse

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy JGCE, Child Abuse.

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison

 

4.19 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JGC, Student Health Services

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy JGC, Student Health Services.

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Jackson

 

4.20 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JCEA, Student Sexual Harassment (to be renamed "Student Sexual Misconduct")

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy JCEA and renames the policy to "Student Sexual Misconduct".

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

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

5.1 Acceptance of Grant from New School for New Orleans (NSNO)

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts grant funding in the amount of $35,500 from New Schools for New Orleans (NSNO) to fund retention stipends for teachers and staff at Mary Coghill.

 

Motion by Mr. Brown, second by Mr. Ashley

 

5.2 Resolution 38-20 re: Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) Application 20170466-ITE

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts resolution 38-20 denying the Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption application number 20170466-ITE submitted by The Folger Coffee Company.

 

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

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·      Discussion regarding the denial of applications was held.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

·      Mark Moore, a Folger’s representative, expressed dissent for this item.

·      Kenneth Ducote, Greater New Orleans Collaborative representative, expressed support for this item.

·      Betty Dimarco, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Holly Reid, New Schools for New Orleans, expressed support for this item.

·      Jimmy Leonard, a Folger’s representative, expressed dissent for this item.

·      Caroline Senter, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Colette Tippy, United Teachers of New Orleans representative, expressed support for this item.

·      Dave Thomas, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Kahlida Lloyd, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Robert Desmarais Sullivan, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Broderick Bagert, Together LA representative, expressed support for this item.

 

5.3 Resolution 39-20 re: Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) Application 20170467-ITE

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 39-20 denying the Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption application number 20170467-ITE submitted by The Folger Coffee Company.

 

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

·      Mark Moore, a Folger’s representative, expressed dissent for this item.

·      Jimmy Leonard, a Folger’s representative, expressed dissent for this item.

·      Colette Tippy, United Teachers of New Orleans representative, expressed support for this item.

·      Dave Thomas, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Kahlida Lloyd, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Robert Desmarais Sullivan, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Broderick Bagert, Together LA representative, expressed support for this item.

 

5.4 Resolution 40-20 re: Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) Application 20180297-ITE

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 40-20 denying the Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption application number 20180297-ITE submitted by The Folger Coffee Company.

 

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

·      Mark Moore, a Folger’s representative, expressed dissent for this item.

·      Jimmy Leonard, a Folger’s representative, expressed dissent for this item.

·      Colette Tippy, United Teachers of New Orleans representative, expressed support for this item.

·      Dave Thomas, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Kahlida Lloyd, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Robert Desmarais Sullivan, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Broderick Bagert, Together LA representative, expressed support for this item.

 

5.5 Resolution 41-20 re: Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) Application 20180298-ITE

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 41-20 denying the Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption application number 20180298-ITE submitted by The Folger Coffee Company.

 

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

·      Mark Moore, a Folger’s representative, expressed dissent for this item.

·      Jimmy Leonard, a Folger’s representative, expressed dissent for this item.

·      Colette Tippy, United Teachers of New Orleans representative, expressed support for this item.

·      Dave Thomas, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Kahlida Lloyd, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Robert Desmarais Sullivan, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Broderick Bagert, Together LA representative, expressed support for this item.

 

5.6 Resolution 42-20 re: Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) Application 20190391-ITE

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 42-20 denying the Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption application number 20190391-ITE submitted by The Folger Coffee Company.

 

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

·      Mark Moore, a Folger’s representative, expressed dissent for this item.

·      Jimmy Leonard, a Folger’s representative, expressed dissent for this item.

·      Colette Tippy, United Teachers of New Orleans representative, expressed support for this item.

·      Dave Thomas, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Kahlida Lloyd, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Robert Desmarais Sullivan, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Broderick Bagert, Together LA representative, expressed support for this item.

 

5.7 Resolution 43-20 re: Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) Application 20190392-ITE

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 43-20 denying the Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption application number 20190392-ITE submitted by The Folger Coffee Company.

 

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

·      Mark Moore, a Folger’s representative, expressed dissent for this item.

·      Jimmy Leonard, a Folger’s representative, expressed dissent for this item.

·      Colette Tippy, United Teachers of New Orleans representative, expressed support for this item.

·      Dave Thomas, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Kahlida Lloyd, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Robert Desmarais Sullivan, a community member, expressed support for this item.

·      Broderick Bagert, Together LA representative, expressed support for this item.

 

5.8 Amendment to Policy BD, School Board Policy

Recommended Action: That the Orleans Parish School Board suspends it ordinary processes for policy adoption and approves the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy BD, School Board Policy, to bring the policy into alignment with La. R.S. 17:416.8, which sets forth the Discipline Policy Review Committee requirements.

 

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

 

5.9 Amendment to Policy JD, Discipline

Recommended Action: That the Orleans Parish School Board suspends it ordinary processes for policy adoption and approves the proposed amendment to Policy JD, Discipline, which aligns the policy with the provisions of Act 48 of 2020.

 

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

·      Betty Dimarco, a community member, encouraged restorative practices and trauma informed process. 

 

5.10 New Policy JDF, Discipline During Virtual Instruction

Recommended Action: That the Orleans Parish School Board suspends it ordinary processes for policy adoption and approves new policy JDF, Discipline During Virtual Instruction, in order to comply with the provisions of Act 48 of 2020.

 

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

 

5.11 Amendment to Policy JDD, Suspension

Recommended Action: That the Orleans Parish School Board suspends it ordinary processes for policy adoption and approves the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy JDD, Suspension, which aligns the policy with the provisions of Act 48 of 2020.

 

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison

 

5.12 Amendment to Policy JDE, Expulsion

Recommended Action: That the Orleans Parish School Board suspends it ordinary processes for policy adoption and approves the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy JDE, Expulsion, which aligns the policy with the provisions of Act 48 of 2020.

 

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Marshall

 

5.13 Award of Invitation To Bid NO. 21-FAC-0042 for the Rosenwald- Collegiate Academy Renovation Project

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Gibbs Construction LLC in the amount of $10,400,000.00 for renovations at Rosenwald Collegiate Academy, which includes the base bid and alternates numbers 1 through 3; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

 

Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Koppel

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

7.1 Adjourn Meeting

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

 

 

Meeting Adjourned at 3:29pm.