MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
2401 Westbend Parkway
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
August 23, 2018
The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order by Board President, John Brown, Sr. at 5:41PM. The following Board members were present: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin. Superintendent, Dr. Henderson Lewis and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
National Anthem by Landry-Walker High School Choir
John Brown, Sr. - Before the meeting -- a moment of silence for loss of lives of some of our OPSB students and one teacher.
Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr., offers a moment of silence for the following:
· Chloe Lavoie- Lusher Class of 2018 Graduate
· Chance Smith- McMain 9th Grade Student
· Ms. Sonovia Hicks- Teacher at John F. Kennedy at Lake Area campus
· Tajana Williams- 17 yr. old student Renew Schools
1.3 Adoption of the Agenda
Motion to adopt the Board meeting agenda with the following modifications;
· Action items 4.2 and 4.3 will be addressed before 4.1
· Action items 4.21 and 4.22 will be considered after executive session
Motion to adopt the agenda as amended.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley, Woody Koppel
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of minutes
Move that the Orleans Parish School board adopts the minutes of July 19, 2018, Board Business Meeting as printed waiving the reading of the minutes.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ethan Ashley.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Nolan Marshall, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley, Woody Koppel
SUPERINTENDENT'S AGENDA
3.1 Superintendent’s Report
· The superintendent welcomed back 45,000 students to the new school year. Acknowledged staff for the work done at Mc#35 with special thanks to Sue Robertson and Tiffany Delcour. Everyone helped to make the school suitable as a temporary location for Lafayette students.
· Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr., also expressed excitement about the work being done at the Travis Hill School. Both the Travis Hill School and the Orleans Justice Center held a version of the Children’s Defense Fund-Freedom School session over the summer.
· This year there 5 students will graduate from the Travis Hill School at the Orleans Justice Center.
· Over 24 young people and legacy graduates will celebrate at the OPSB Summer Graduation.
· Third year for Student Advisory Council
· Back to School Fest at Audubon Zoo to kick off the new school year on August 24, 2018
3.2 Honoring the 2019 Louisiana High School Teacher of the Year Mr. Stephen Goodly from Warren Easton High School
4. ACTION ITEMS
4.2 Resolution 13-18 re: Approval of General Fund Balance Transfer for OPSB Central Office
It is recommended that Orleans Parish Board approves resolution 13-18 authorizing a total allocation of $812,890.00 from the general fund balance reserve to the FY 2018-2019 general fund budget for the purpose of partially funding educational services at the Travis Hill Schools and salaries for the family and community engagement team.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Jr., John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
4.3 Resolution 14-18 Approval of General Fund Balance Transfer to McDonogh 35
It is recommended by the Budget and Finance Committee that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Resolution 14-18 authorizing and directing the creation of the McDonogh 35 Transition Fund in the total amount of $5,000,000.00 to make funds available for additional supports for students at McDonogh 35 Senior High School; authorizing an initial allocation of up to $2,000,000.00 in FY 2018-2019; providing for additional allocations from the McDonough 35 Transition Fund for 2018-2019 or any subsequent year with OPSB’s approval based upon a review of the school’s actual revenues and expenditures, as well as a review of the measurable academic progress of students
Ben Kleban reads the substitution.
***Substitute for Resolution 14-18
It is recommended by the Budget and Finance Committee that the Orleans Parish School Boardapproves resolution authorizing and directing the creation of a dedicated fund (hereinafter the “McDonogh 35 Transition Fund”) in the total amount of $5,000,000.00 to make funds available for additional supports for students at McDonogh 35 Senior High School; authorizing an initial allocation of $2,000,000.00 in FY 2018-2019; providing for additional allocations for FY 2019-2020 and FY 2020-2021 in amounts not to exceed $1.5M each year contingent upon Orleans Parish School Board’s prior approval to be granted no later than June 30, 2019.
Motion to approve the amended version of Resolution 14-18.
Motion by Ben Kleban, second by Sarah Newell Usdin
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Jr., John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
Ben Kleban – expressed excitement about the progress being made at Mc#35.
Public Comment Cards
· Wanda Romain-Mc#35 Graduate- Concerned that students who are there now have been withheld from funds that could help them have a measurable academic progress.
· Monroe Coleman- What enrollment of the school is this budget calculated on?
· Dr. Margaret Montgomery Richard- Mc#35 Graduate- Thank you for the positive shift. Asked that the board vote for the budget that has been presented.
· Ronald Magee-Stated that it’s never too late to do the right thing. Let’s get it done.
· Omar Mason-Mc#35 Graduate-In favor of the budget item. He wants to ensure that Mc#35 is restored to its level of prominence. Thanked the Board.
Board Counsel restates the amended Resolution 14-18
4.1 Resolution 12-18 Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Consolidated Budget
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Resolution 12-18 adopting the Consolidated Operating Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018, and ending June 30, 2019.
Eric Seling presented the following amendment to the 2019 Consolidated Budget:
· Reduce the McD#35 total revenue from $7,989,810 to $7,526,994
· Reduce the McD#35 Salary and Benefits expense from $5,830,532 to $5,612,716
· Reduce the Transportation expense from $755,000 to $510,000
· Reduce the total General Fund expenditures from $41,765,516 to $41,302,700
· Reduce the total Consolidated budget expenditures from $450,189,418 to $449,726,602
Motion to approve Resolution 12-18 with the amended changes to the 2019 Consolidated Budget.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ben Kleban .
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Jr., John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
4.4 Approval of Environmental Services Contract Amendment
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes an increase in the Materials Management Group contract for environmental services in the amount of $200,000 and to authorize legal counsel to prepare the contract amendment.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ethan Ashley
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Sarah Newell Usdin, Nolan Marshall, Jr., John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Ethan Ashley, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
4.5 Direct Diversion of USDA Commodities for Fiscal Year 2018-2019
That the Orleans Parish School Board authorize the purchase of Direct Diversion of USDA Donated Products as listed in the rationale for the Child Nutrition Program for the 2018-2019 School year.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Nolan Marshall, Jr.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
4.6 Approval of Donation from Women of the Moose Topsail, Chapter 2104, Holly Ridge, NC
It is hereby recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the $21,669.50 donation from Women of the Moose Topsail, Chapter 2104, for the specified use to purchase school supplies.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
4.7 Award of RFP No. 18-0029 for Types 1 and 3 Application Review
That the Orleans Parish School Board accept the proposal meeting the specifications for Types 1&3 Charter Application Review Services from the National Association of Charter School Authorizers and authorize General Counsel to prepare the contract between the Consultant and the Board President.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Nolan Marshall, Jr.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: Leslie Ellison
Abstain: None
Recused: None
Ethan Ashley states, let’s make sure we focus on folks that are culturally competent to understand New Orleans.
4.8 Award of RFP No. 19-0008 for Forensic Accounting and Auditing Services
The administration recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board awards RFP No. 19-0008 for Forensic Accounting and Auditing Services to Postlethwaite & Netterville and authorizes its legal counsel to prepare a contract for signatures.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
4.9 Safe Routes to School Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA)
Recommend that the Orleans Parish School Board approve a Safe Routes to School CEA with the City of New Orleans for FY 2018-2019.
Motion by Leslie Ellison, second by Woody Koppel
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
Public Comment Cards
· Ernest Charles- stated that bus drivers will not be paid until October 31st. Please look into this.
· Janice Long- gave encouragement to the board to keep our students safe. She applauded the board efforts.
4.10 Award of Bid for Mahalia Jackson Elementary School Interior Renovations
That the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes the Board President to accept the bid and execute a contract in the amount of $148,000.00 by C.D.W. Services LLC for the interior renovations at the Mahalia Jackson Child & Family Services site at 2405 Jackson Avenue.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ben Kleban
Final Resolution: Motion passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
4.11 Award of ITB No. 2018-001-DOUG for Douglass Gymnasium Renovation
That the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from the lowest bidder, Crescent Commercial Construction, Base Bid and Alternate One (1) for the price of $611,000.00; and to authorize the OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin
Final Motion: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
4.12 Contract Amendment for MUNIS Enterprise Resource Planning Software (ERP)
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the contract amendment to extend ERP services for the district for three (3) years at an annual rate of $165,000.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
4.13 Resolution 15-18 Capital Project Budget Amendment #1 - Facilities Preservation Fund
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 15-18 authorizing the first (1st) amendment to the Capital Projects Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018, and ending June 30, 2019.
Motion to approve, waiving the reading of the resolution.
Motion by Sarah Newell Usdin, second by Woody Koppel
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
4.14 Resolution 16-18 re: Check Signatories
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 16-18 authorizing check signatories for checking accounts utilized by the Orleans Parish School Board.
Motion to approve, waiving the reading of the resolution.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Sarah Newell Usdin
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
4.15 Orleans Parish School Board - Stoploss Carrier for Self-Funded Health Plan
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School renews the agreement with Houston Casualty Company (HCC) as the Stoploss Carrier for the self-funded health insurance plan.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ben Kleban
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
4.16 Orleans Parish School Board - Third Party Administrator for Self-Funded Health Plan
The Budget and Finance Committee recommends that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the agreement with UMR, a United Healthcare Company, as the third party plan administrator for the Orleans Parish School Board Self-Funded Health plan.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Nolan Marshall, Jr.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
4.17 2018 - 2019 Flood Insurance Renewals
The Orleans Parish School Board approves the renewal of flood insurance for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, in the amount of $550,000, through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Ben Kleban
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
4.18 Resolution 17-18 re: High School Voter Registration
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 17-18 encouraging schools under the jurisdiction of the Orleans Parish School Board to make voter registration and voter education opportunities available to students.
Motion by Nolan Marshall, Jr., second by Ethan Ashley
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
Public Comment Cards
· Walter Goodwin- Thanked the board for a resolution that allows student, voter registration
· Willie Calhoun-Encouraged the board to support the resolution
*Nolan Marshall, Jr. stated that we could have voter registration again for those students who make 18 after this registration, so that they can have an opportunity to register as well.
· Shawon Bernard- stated that they are making a collaborative effort to fill the gaps with the student voter registrations as a celebration of making 18 yrs. of age. Thank You.
John Brown asked how schools could get involved if they were interested.
· Shawon Bernard responded that on tomorrow the Lower 9th Ward Collaborative will send out an invite to the schools that are under the jurisdiction of OPSB. She also stated that they were working with the mayor’s office.
Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. stated that he would give the information to school leaders at the next school leaders meeting, and he would also send the information via newsletter with the resolution attached.
John Brown, Sr. thanked the Lower 9th Ward Collaborative.
4.19 Resolution 18-18 re: Charter Board Governance Working Group
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 18-18 establishing a Charter Board Governance Working Group to research and provide recommendations to the Orleans Parish School Board regarding policies to strengthen charter board governance and to ensure that the governing boards of charter schools are properly trained.
Motion by Ben Kleban, second by Ethan Ashley
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
4.20 Approval of CEA with Algiers Charter School Association for Parking Lot Space
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes a CEA with Algiers Charter School Association (ACSA) to use a portion of the Timbers parking lot to house school buses in exchange for improvements to be made by ACSA to the lot or fair market rental value, as applicable, and authorizing its legal counsel to prepare the CEA.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Nolan Marshall
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
5. Executive Session
Motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 6:32pm
Motion by Nolan Marshall, second by Ethan Ashley
Reconvened from Executive Session at 7:04pm
5.1 Threatened Litigation re: Orleans Parish School Board's Demand for Withheld Millage Collections
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes its Board Counsel to take any and all steps necessary, including litigation, to recover withheld mileages collected on its behalf.
Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Ben Kleban
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
5.2 Prospective Litigation re: Lafayette Academy Renovation Project - Settlement Recommendation
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves a partial settlement as recommended by legal counsel.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Ethan Ashley
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: Sarah Newell Usdin
Public Comment Cards
Mickey Landry-Choice Foundation- Thanked OPSB for all the work done to the Mc#35 building with special thanks going to Sue Robertson and Tiffany Delcour.
4.21 Resolution 20-18 Fund Balance Transfer to Replace Material and Supplies
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Resolution 20-18 authorizing a total allocation of $2,000,000.00 from the general fund balance reserve to the FY 2018-2019 general fund budget, for the purpose of funding estimated reimbursement costs for replacement educational material and supplies at Lafayette Academy.
Motion to approve waiving the reading of the resolution.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: Sarah Newell Usdin
4.22 Resolution 21-18 FY 2018-2019 General Fund Budget Amendment #1
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approved Resolution 21-18 authorizing the first (1st) amendment to the Operating Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2018, and ending June 30, 2019.
Motion to approve waiving the reading of the resolution.
Motion by Woody Koppel, second by Leslie Ellison
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: Sarah Newell Usdin
6. Adjournment
Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Woody Koppel
Yea: Ethan Ashley, John Brown, Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin, Woody Koppel
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Recused: None
Meeting Adjourned at 7:11pm