MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

SPECIAL BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

December 4, 2023

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Special Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:32pm by Board President Olin Parker. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Ethan Ashley, Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Dr. Donaldo Batiste 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 provided by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon.

 

SUPERINTENDENT'S AGENDA

 

2.1 Charter Extensions and Renewals: Process and Superintendent’s Recommendations

Dr. Williams provided an overview of the extension and renewal processes, including an explanation of the CSAF renewal pathways, engagement opportunities, as well as data and information which informed the recommendations for extensions and renewals.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·         Clarification provided regarding the continued operation of Lafayette Academy Charter School and Robert Russa Moton Charter School, as well as the closure of the Living School, with an explanation that the board’s action relates to the contract for entities to continue the operation of a school rather than the designation of an alternative operator which will occur at a future time.

·         Clarity provided regarding the performance score of Living School as the lowest in the state among high schools.

·         Clarification provided regarding the priority status afforded currently enrolled students attending schools facing closure should a new operator assume the charter. Additionally, students attending Living School will also be given priority status with NOLA-PS staff assisting and providing support to families.

·         Clarification offered regarding the Progress Index and Assessment Index for understanding by the general public and board members.

·         Clarity provided regarding the implementation of the Progress Index and its development over time.

·         Commendation offered for the education community and the importance of excellence as a standard for schools.

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

3.1 Charter School Renewal and Extension Recommendations

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the Superintendent’s recommendations concerning extension and renewal for the following charter schools:

 

Extension:

1. Esperanza Charter School (extension recommended)

2. Foundation Preparatory Academy (extension recommended)

3. John F. Kennedy High School (extension recommended)

4. New Orleans Accelerated High School (extension recommended)

5. Lafayette Academy (non-extension recommended)

 

Renewal:

1. Edward Hynes Charter School – UNO (renewal recommended)

2. KIPP East (renewal recommended)

3. KIPP Leadership (renewal recommended)

4. McDonogh 35 Senior High School (renewal recommended)

5. New Orleans Mathematics & Science High School (renewal recommended)

6. ReNEW Dolores T. Aaron Elementary (renewal recommended)

7. ReNEW Laurel Elementary School (renewal recommended)

8. ReNEW Schaumburg Elementary (renewal recommended)

9. Samuel J. Green Charter School (renewal recommended)

10. Sophie B. Wright Institute of Academic Excellence (renewal recommended)

11. Success @ Thurgood Marshall (renewal recommended)

12. Opportunities Academy (renewal recommended)

13. Living School (non-renewal recommended)

14. Lord Beaconsfield Landry High School (renewal recommended)

15. Phillis Wheatley Community School (renewal recommended)

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Marshall  

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

·         Douglas J. Bentley offered observations regarding the current system of public education by different governing entities.

·         Cheryl Beaco spoke regarding Robert Russa Moton Charter School and the implications of the recission of their intent to renew.

·         Ms. Katie Wills Evans expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Dave Cash expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Ms. Kristin Guidry expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Stefin Pasternak expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School and provided clarification regarding the education provided by Living School.

·         Ryan Fuller expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Rio Valdez expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Mr. Rahn Broady expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Dr. Richard Ashmore expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Eric Schroeder expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Joseph Davenport, IV expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Connie Smith expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Gerald McLaughlin read an email  which expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Shantell Alfred expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Ruth Duarte expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Bahareh Javadi expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·        Shannon Johnson expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Marielle Pichon expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Genesis Batiz-Bustillo expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Ms. Colette Tippy yielded her time to Nakeisha Kyle who expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         David Jackson expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·        Rebecca Cavalier expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Ms. Britany Holmes-Nick expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.

·         Re’Kal Hooker expressed support for renewal on behalf of the Living School.  

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·         Importance of maintaining fidelity to the CSAF and its current application to the renewal and extension process and future iterations.

·         Student speakers and the school leadership, as well as staff and the board of the Living School were acknowledged, including the educational programming offered and the school’s unique model.  

·         The school community was praised for their engagement in the renewal and extension process, transparency by the district, and opportunity for schools to be heard.

·         Importance of ensuring diversity within the NOLA-PS portfolio of schools, as well as innovation; possible review of contract terms and authorization process that ensures success, especially for slow growth high schools.

·         Acknowledgment of the tradeoff and balance between autonomy and accountability, characteristic of the charter school system, and deference for the superintendent’s judgment and decision-making.

·         Acknowledgement that the entire education community is working in support of schools; strong advocacy by the Living School and its staff, students, and school leadership; and an assurance that Living School students engaged in Bard College, and with the Career Center, as well as those enrolled at Nunez Community College are able to continue and that the Living School might continue in some form.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

4.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin to adjourn the meeting.

 

 

Meeting Adjourned at 7:37pm.