MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
SPECIAL BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
MARCH 31, 2022
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Special Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:41pm by Board President Olin Parker. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Dr. Jancarlos (J.C.) Wagner Romero, Katherine Baudouin, and Carlos Luis Zervigon. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present. Ethan Ashley arrived at 5:44pm and Nolan Marshall, Jr. was absent.
-Interpretation services were acknowledged.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Parker.
1.3 Adoption of the Agenda
Modification to the agenda- election of interim board member-District 1 will be Action Item 3.1. The Adoption of Proclamation/Resolution 07-22 will be action item 3.2.
Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as amended.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon second by Ms. Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Nolan Marshall, Jr.
Abstain: None
PRESENTATIONS
2.1 District 1 Interim Candidate Presentations
Applicants have been invited to give a five-minute presentation regarding their qualifications, experience, and interest, followed by a question-and-answer period from the Board. The applicants presented in alphabetical order by last name as follows:
Shawon Bernard
Leila Eames
Lois Jones
Debra Morton
Patrice Sentino
Board Comments:
Robust question and answer session related to the information presented by each District 1 candidate was held.
ACTION ITEMS
3.1 Election of Interim Board Member District 1
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board Appoint an Interim School Board Member for District 1.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Nolan Marshall, Jr.
Abstain: None
Nomination for Leila Eames for Interim School Board Member for District 1 by Mr. Ashley, second Mr. Parker
Nomination for Patrice Sentino for Interim School Board Member for District 1 by Mr. Zervigon, second Mr. Parker
Motion to close nominations to proceed with voting.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin second by Dr. Wagner Romero
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Nolan Marshall, Jr.
Abstain: None
Voting results: 4 votes for L. Eames and 1 vote for P. Sentino, as listed below:
Mr. Ashley- L. Eames
Ms. Baudouin- L. Eames
Mr. Parker- L. Eames
Dr. Wagner Romero- L. Eames
Mr. Zervigon- P. Sentino
Mr. Marshall - Absent
Public Comment:
Ms. Wanda Romain commented on item 3.1 Election of Interim Board Member District 1 and asked questions to candidates.
Ms. Centrell Ewell commented on 3.1 Election of Interim Board Member District 1 in support of P. Sentino.
Rev. Brenda Square commented on item 3.1 Election of Interim Board Member District 1 in support of S. Bernard.
Ms. Yvonne Mitchell-Grubb commented on item 3.1 Election of Interim Board Member District 1 in support of P. Sentino.
Mr. Walter Goodwin commented on item 3.1 Election of Interim Board Member District 1 in support of S. Bernard.
Board Comment:
The Board engaged in discussion regarding the Interim District 1 applicants. Additionally, Board Counsel outlined the election process by write-in ballots.
3.2 Proclamation and Resolution 07-22 Appointment of Interim District #1 Board Member
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Proclamation and Resolution 07-22 appointing an Interim School Board Member for District 1 and calling for a Special Election to fill the unexpired term of the former School Board member for District 1.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Ashley, waiving the reading of the resolution.
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Nolan Marshall, Jr.
Abstain: None
ADJOURNMENT
4.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Dr. Wagner Romero to adjourn the meeting.
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Nolan Marshall, Jr.
Abstain: None
Meeting Adjourned at 8:09pm.