MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD RETREAT

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

July 26, 2022

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Retreat was called to order at 8:30am. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, Katherine Baudouin, Leila J. Eames, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Olin G. Parker, and Carlos Luis Zervigon. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams, and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.

 

-Interpretation services were acknowledged.

 

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Parker.

 

1.3 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as provided.

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Ms. Baudouin

 

OPSB RETREAT AGENDA

 

2.1 OPSB BOARD RETREAT AGENDA

President Parker yields to Dr. Avis Williams. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams provided context for the retreat’s purpose as an opportunity for her and the board to collectively engage in conversation and reflect on the work they will do together. She acknowledged Ms. Krystal Allen, who provided facilitation for the board’s retreat. Dr. Williams also provided an overview of her 100 Days plans, including referencing the district’s core values and vision, as well as her guiding principles of equity, excellence, and joy. She also referenced mental health and community engagement as areas for additional focus.

 

In response to President Parker’s inquiry, clarity was provided by Dr. Williams about the ABC (Dr. Avis’ Beignets & Conversations) Tours as opportunities for listening and learning from stakeholders that will be held throughout New Orleans beginning in August.

 

Ms. Allen presented information relevant to board governance and board self-evaluation, as well as engaged board members in a series of facilitated exercises and discussions around team building, understanding of individual leadership and conflict resolution styles.

 

Dr. David Braswell joined the retreat via Zoom to offer insights and observations relative to balancing board roles and responsibilities, positive workplace culture, and effective working relationships.

 

The board engaged in a working lunch focused on legal considerations and facilitated by Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin. Ms. Heilprin’s presentation included: articulation of the powers and duties of the board and superintendent under Louisiana law; overview of the governance role of the board; review of board meeting policies; and common pitfalls (i.e., interaction with administrative staff rather than superintendent, disregarding media protocols, neglecting procurement protocols, and Open Meetings Law requirements) the board should avoid.

 

Following the presentation on legal considerations, Ms. Allen engaged board members in a discussion and exercise around public perceptions. She offered closing remarks for how the board might move forward indicating additional details would be forthcoming from Dr. Williams. She thanked board members for their engagement throughout the board retreat.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

3.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin

 

Meeting adjourned at 12:59pm.