MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Public Hearing:

Comprehensive Evaluations for Renewal

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

October 17, 2023

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Public Hearing: Comprehensive Evaluations for Renewal was called to order at 5:35pm by President Olin G. Parker. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Ethan Ashley was absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present. Ms. Eames departed at 7:35pm and Ms. Baudouin departed at 8:56pm.

 

-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 by Ms. Eames, second by Mr. Zervigon to approve the agenda as  presented.

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley

·         Abstain: None

 

PURPOSE OF HEARING

 

2.1 Orleans Parish School Board Public Hearing: Comprehensive Evaluation Guidelines

The purpose of the Public Hearing is to allow the comprehensive evaluation schools an opportunity to present to the superintendent, board, and public available data and information that support their request for a contract renewal and to receive public comment on the charter renewal presentations.

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

3.1 Esperanza Charter School Comprehensive Evaluation Presentation

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·         A discussion ensued regarding the following: challenges with implementation of the dual language program, increased enrollment of bilingual students, ELPT and LEAP data, percent of students achieving mastery for 2022 and 2023 for reading and math.

 

Public comment:

·         Brooke Wyatt expressed support for Esperanza Charter School.

·         Valerie Bú expressed support for Esperanza Charter School.

·         Myrialis King expressed support for Esperanza Charter School.

·         Mr. Brian K. Simmons expressed support for Esperanza Charter School.

·         Ms. Sharon P. Betz was acknowledged to speak following Item 3.4 but declined to do so; omitted.

 

 3.2 Robert Russa Moton Charter School Comprehensive Evaluation Presentation

 

Public comment :

·         Kelly A. Lawrence expressed support for Robert Russa Moton Charter School.

·         Dr. Roslyn Smith expressed support for Robert Russa Moton Charter School.

·         Terracenia Rodney expressed support for Robert Russa Moton School.

·         Mrs. Bettye P. Johnston expressed support for Robert Russa Moton Charter School.

·         Sabrina C. Mays expressed support for Robert Russa Moton Charter School.

BOARD COMMENT:

·         A discussion ensued regarding the following: receipt of Level 2 Notices of Noncompliance, clarification regarding the school’s financial standing with regard to the cash reserve amount reflected in the presentation, school partners/community resources, the school’s Poverty Index, student participation/enrollment in the LSU Institute of Reading, LEAP performance data, implications for inconsistent staffing.

3.3 Living School Comprehensive Evaluation Presentation

 

Public comment:

·         Ryan C. Fuller expressed support for Living School.

·         Richard D. Ashmore expressed support for Living School.

·         Eduardo Gonzalez expressed support for Living School.

·         Kyla A. Jones expressed support for Living School.

·         Rineisha W. Gorden expressed support for Living School.

·         Genesis G. Batiz-Bustillo expressed support for Living School.

·         Caleb Joshua Weber expressed support for Living School.

·         Angelle Bacchus expressed support for Living School.

·         Emy Edna Y. Maldonado expressed support for Living School.

·         Jarmarrie A. Gordon expressed support for Living School.

·         Dr. Mark Lister expressed support for Living School.

BOARD COMMENT:

·         Discussion ensued regarding: student enrollment, CTE credentialing and students achieving advanced CTE credentials, ACT test performance, including request for disaggregated data for diverse student populations, experiential and project-based learning, board intentionality and dedication, school culture, graduation cohort rate, comparison/disparity of LEAP performance data.  

 

3.4 Lord Beaconsfield Landry High School Comprehensive Evaluation Presentation

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

·         Mrs. Anita W. Dennis expressed support for Lord Beaconsfield Landry High School.

·         Marcia Radetich expressed support for Lord Beaconsfield Landry High School.

·         Calvin J. Roussell expressed support for Lord Beaconsfield Landry High School.

·         Tyrone Casby expressed support for Lord Beaconsfield Landry High School.

·         Kaleb C. Conley expressed support for Lord Beaconsfield Landry High School.

·         Kirklin Woodridge expressed support for Lord Beaconsfield Landry High School.

·         Darren Atkins expressed support for Lord Beaconsfield Landry High School.

·         D’Juan T. James expressed support for Lord Beaconsfield Landry High School.

·         Samiyah Barnes expressed support for Lord Beaconsfield Landry High School.

·         Dr. Gabriell Stewart expressed support for Lord Beaconsfield Landry High School.

·         Mrs. Kenya Campbell played a video voice message from former student, Lacey Jones, who expressed support for Lord Beaconsfield Landry High School.

·         Cassandra Tucker expressed support for Lord Beaconsfield Landry High School.

·         Jada Thomas expressed support for Lord Beaconsfield Landry High School.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·         A robust discussion ensued including: current enrollment and factors for declining enrollment and budget implications based on student enrollment, background of school leader, afterschool curricula offerings: student participation and progress monitoring, academic performance data, percent of students enrolled in career and technical education and receiving advanced credentialing.

 

3.5 Phillis Wheatley Community School Comprehensive Evaluation Presentation

 

Board comment:

·         Following the presentation, a discussion ensued, including: availability of Algebra 1 and advanced/accelerated math course offerings, gifted education programming, inquiry regarding the percent of students who walk to the school, social-emotional supports offered, commendation for the school leadership.

 

3.6 KIPP East Comprehensive Evaluation Presentation

 

Board comment:

·         A discussion ensued regarding the following: Algebra 1 offering, gifted/talented academic and accelerated programming, regional academic excellence recognition and school-level award ceremonies and motivational efforts, use of restorative practices, acknowledgement of the school’s high Poverty Index, parent engagement, school’s consistent and high student enrollment.  

 

-       Vice President Zervigon exercised a point of personal privilege to commend Mr. Parker and Ms. Heilprin on the orderly manner in which the public hearing was conducted.

 

-       President Parker acknowledged Ashley Heilprin for her preparation as well.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

4.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Marshall to adjourn the public hearing.

 

The Public Hearing adjourned at 9:40pm.