MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

SPECIAL BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

NOVEMBER 29, 2022

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Special Board Business Meeting was called to order at 1:05pm by Board President Olin Parker. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Katherine Baudouin, Leila J. Eames, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Ethan Ashley was absent. 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 President Parker.

 

1.3 Rules for Public Comment

Board Counsel provided a high-level overview of the OPSB guidelines for public comment/participation at OPSB meetings.

 

1.4 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as amended, with the addition of Item 2.3 Vote on the Superintendent’s  Charter Renewal and Extension Recommendations

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Eames

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall

 

SUPERINTENDENT'S AGENDA

2.1 Superintendent's Remarks

Dr. Williams acknowledged the recent celebration of the Thanksgiving Holiday, as well as offered introductory remarks regarding the recent release of SPS data.

 

2.2 Superintendent's Charter Renewal and Extension Recommendations

NOLA-PS staff provided an overview of the data used and process to determine the recommendations for renewal and extension, as well as follow-up actions. Dr. Williams announced renewal and extension recommendations, along with providing rationale for Audubon Gentilly, ENCORE Academy, and Langston Hughes Academy. The Superintendent’s recommendations are as follows:

 

Renewals:

  1. Abramson Sci Academy

  2. Benjamin Franklin Elementary Mathematics and Science School

  3. Dwight D. Esienhower Charter School

  4. Frederick A. Douglass High School

  5. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary Charter School

  6. Rosenwald Collegiate Academy

Extensions:

  1. Living School

  2. Opportunities Academy

  3. Edward Hynes Charter School - UNO

  4. McDonogh 35 Senior High School

 Renewals (Comprehensive Evaluation):

  1. Audubon Charter School - Gentilly

  2. ENCORE Academy – Nonrenewal

  3. Langston Hughes Academy

  4. Walter L. Cohen College Prep High School (withdrew Intent to Renew) – N/A

BOARD COMMENT:

·        President Parker acknowledged the inclusion of the additional information and data as requested during the Public Hearing: Comprehensive Evaluations for Renewal.

·        A thorough discussion ensued regarding efforts to remediate and support low performing schools, the superintendent’s recommendations, the rationale provided, and  facilities.

·        Board members commended the superintendent and staff for their efforts and the information presented.

·        Clarification was provided with regard to the review process going forward, including review of information on a quarterly basis, allowing for use of formative data, not only summative data, for decision-making.

 

2.3 Vote on the Superintendent’s Charter Renewal and Extensions Recommendations

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon to approve the superintendent’s recommendations for renewal and extension, and pursuant to Policy HB,  waive the board’s right to reject the recommendations at the next board business meeting.

 

Mr. Marshall offered an amendment to the motion for a vote on each school separately; the proposed amendment failed, as there was not a second offered.

 

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

·        Sabrina Pence, of Langston Hughes Academy, spoke in support of the charter renewal for Langston Hughes Academy.

·        Terri L. Smith, with ENCORE Academy, spoke in opposition to the non-renewal for ENCORE Academy.  

·        Sara Vandergriff Kelley, LAPCS, expressed the need for transparency and consistency in the use of data in the renewal and extension process.

·        Steve Corbett, with Audubon Gentilly, spoke in support of the charter renewal for Audubon Gentilly.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·        Ms. Baudouin reiterated the need for transparency and consistency in the use of data and information in the decision-making process and requested that additional data is provided to the board in the future.

·        President Parker clarified the impact of non-renewal for ENCORE Academy’s current student body; articulated continued support for families affected by non-renewal; confirmed that closing school priority within the NCAP process would be given to ENCORE students, as well as support for administrative and teaching staff affected in terms of future employment.

·        Mr. Marshall inquired whether the superintendent might reconsider her recommendation regarding non-renewal for ENCORE Academy, given the public comment from Terri L. Smith.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Zervigon to move to executive session at 2:17pm.

 

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall

 

Reconvened from Executive Session at 3:08pm. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Katherine Baudouin, Leila J. Eames, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Ethan Ashley was absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

3.1 Orleans Parish School Board v. Woodrow Wilson Construction, LLC and Hanover Insurance Company, CDC No. 2016-12346; Construction Litigation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves settlement of this matter as recommended by its legal counsel.

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall

 

3.2 Securities and Exchange Commission, Matter A-3935

Discussion; no action taken.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

4.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Dr. Batiste to adjourn the meeting.

 

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall

 

Meeting Adjourned at 3:09pm.