september-18-2012-board-business-meeting

OPSB Business Board Meeting Minutes September 18, 2012

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD BOARD BUSINESS MEETING McDonogh #35 High School 1331 Kerlerec Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70116 September 18, 2012 5:00pm

The Orleans Parish School Board convened for a Board Business Meeting on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, in the Auditorium of McDonogh #35 High School, 1331 Kerlerec St., New Orleans, LA. Mr. Thomas Robichaux, Board President, called the meeting to order at 5:07 PM. Board Roll Call: Mr. Ira Thomas, present; Mrs. Cynthia Cade, present; Mr. Brett Bonin, present; Mrs. Lourdes Moran, present; Mr. Seth Bloom, absent; Mr. Woody Koppel, present; Mr. Thomas Robichaux, present; Mr. Stan Smith, Interim Superintendent, present; Mr. Edward Morris, General Counsel, also served as parliamentarian.

An audio recording of the meeting is available in the Board Office.

Mr. Thomas Robichaux led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Additions, Modifications or Deletions 

There were one addition to the agenda regarding the following items: 1. Discussion Item – Superintendent Search



There was one deletion to the agenda regarding the following item: 1. Troy Duhon Presentation



There were two modifications to the agenda regarding the following items: 1. Updated background information on the Mahalia Jackson Office Space Conversion 2. Revised Recommendation for Board agenda action item #10 which states that the Orleans Parish School Board renews the contract with Houston Casualty Company, for the twelve-month period in the amount of $276,213 and authorizes the Board President to sign the renewal agreement

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OPSB Business Board Meeting Minutes September 18, 2012

Motion to amend the agenda was made by Brett Bonin and seconded by Cynthia Cade.

The motion passed unanimously.

Motion to approve the agenda as amended was made by Brett Bonin and seconded by Woody Koppel. The motion passed unanimously.

Motion to approve the agenda passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays.

Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux YAYS NAYS ABSENTS ABSTENTIONS

Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes

Yes 6 0 1 0

CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES o o o o o o

June 14, 2012 Accountability Committee Meeting June 14, 2012 Property Committee Meeting June 14, 2012 Budget & Finance Committee Meeting June 14, 2012 Policy Committee Meeting June 14, 2012 Legal & Legislative Committee Meeting July 17, 2012 Regular Business Board Meeting



Motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes was made by Brett Bonin, seconded

by Woody Koppel.



Motion to approve minutes of the following meetings: June 14, 2012 Committee meetings and July 17, 2012 Board meeting was made by Brett Bonin, seconded by Woody Koppel.



Motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux

Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes

Yes 2

OPSB Business Board Meeting Minutes September 18, 2012

YAYS NAYS ABSENTS ABSTENTIONS

6 0 1 0

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA Presentation(s) o

Premier Stay In School Program RE: Perfect Attendance Annual Car Giveaway

o

Louisiana Restaurant Association

o

OPSB Collection at UNO

o

Gold Award of Distinction

o

Ron Leone Retirement

COMMITTEE REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS/ACTION ITEMS: 1a)

Accountability Committee, Mr. Brett Bonin, Chair The Accountability Committee did not meet at 1:00pm on August 16, 2012. A quorum was not established. All agenda items were deferred to the September Committee meeting: The following presentations were given: o Pupil Progression Plan (Modified Version) o Transfer of Schools Update o The Institute for Innovation in Public School Choice - Neil Dorosin

b)

2a)

Accountability Committee, Mr. Brett Bonin, Chair The Accountability Committee did not meet on September 13, 2012.

Property Committee: Mr. Woody Koppel, Chair The Property Committee met at 2:08pm on August 16, 2012.

The below items were forwarded to the full Board with recommendation: o Approval for Expropriation of Condominiums (located on Patterson Ave in New Orleans) owned by Teche Federal o Adoption of Commissioning Services The committee received and discussed the following informational items: 3

OPSB Business Board Meeting Minutes September 18, 2012

o

Clarification on the Algiers Development District & Algiers Economic Development Foundation AEDF McMain Health Clinic o Edna Karr Gymnasium Repairs The committee received the following report(s): o Superintendents Report o Capital Projects Report b)

Property Committee: Mr. Woody Koppel, Chair The Property Committee met at 2:40pm on September 13, 2012.

The committee received and discussed the following informational items: o Mahalia Jackson School Office Space Conversion o Authorization to Execute Purchase Agreement on South Rendon Property o Authorization to Execute Letter of Intent for Property at 1212 S Roman Street o Approval of Master Plan Stabilization True Up The committee received the following report(s): o Capital Projects Report

3a)

Legal and Legislative Committee: Seth Bloom, Chair The Legal and Legislative Committee met at 2:41pm on August 16, 2012.

The Legal & Legislative Committee went into Executive Session at 2:43 pm and reconvened at 3:29 pm. A quorum was established and Executive Session report was provided by Mr. Ed Morris, General Counsel.

b)

Legal and Legislative Committee: Seth Bloom, Chair

The Legal and Legislative Committee did not meet on September 13, 2012.

4a)

Policy Committee: Mrs. Cynthia Cade, Chair The Policy Committee met at 3:35 pm on August 16, 2012.

The committee discussed the following: o Policy E530 – Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Program o Policy C303- Recruitment of Superintendent o Policy B213 – Minutes of the Board Meetings

b)

Policy Committee: Mrs. Cynthia Cade, Chair The Policy Committee met at 2:13 pm on September 13, 2012.

The committee discussed the following: o E530 – Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program o B213 – Minutes of the Board Meeting 4

OPSB Business Board Meeting Minutes September 18, 2012

o

Attorney General’s Opinion on Deputy Superintendent Appointment

The committee received the following policies on First Reading: o E522 - Computer and Internet Use for Employees (amendment to current policy) o I809- Computer Access and Use Students (amendment to current policy

5a)

Budget and Finance Committee, Mrs. Lourdes Moran, Chair The Budget & Finance Committee met at 4:32pm on August 16, 2012.

The below item(s) were forwarded to the full Board with recommendation: o Orleans Parish School Board Annual Stoploss Renewal The committee received the following report(s): o Budget Timeline The Committee received and discussed the following items. The items below are forwarded to the full board as CONSENT AGENDA: o Edna Karr Charter High School Gymnasium Repairs o Elementary Second Education Act (ESEA) Federal Programs – Title I Rollover

b.)

Budget and Finance Committee, Mrs. Lourdes Moran, Chair The Budget & Finance Committee met at 3:38pm on September 13, 2012.

The below item(s) were forwarded to the full Board with recommendation: o o o o o

Authorization to Execute Purchase Agreement on South Rendon Property Authorization to Execute Letter of Intent for Property at 1212 S Roman Street Resolution 17-12 RE: Loan Borrowing FY 2012 -2013 Proposed Budget Approval of Master Plan Stabilization True Up

The Committee received and discussed the following items.

The below items were forwarded to the full board as CONSENT AGENDA: o Mahalia Jackson School Office Space Conversion Motion to adopt the Consent Agenda items was made by Lourdes Moran, and seconded

by Woody Koppel. The motion passed unanimously with 6 Ayes / 0 Nays.

ACTION ITEMS/RESOLUTIONS The Orleans Parish Board is asked to act upon the following action items:

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OPSB Business Board Meeting Minutes September 18, 2012

 Action Item No. 1: Adoption of Amended Policy G737-Reduction in Force Recommendation: That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts amended G737 - Reduction in Force (amendment to current policy) Motion to adopt amended policy G737-Reduction in Force was made by Cynthia Cade, and seconded by Woody Koppel. The motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux YAYS NAYS ABSENTS ABSTENTIONS

Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes

Yes 6 0 1 0

Action Item No. 2: Adoption of Amended Policy C306 – School Principals /Building Administrators Recommendation: That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts amended Policy C306–School Principals /Building Administrators (amendment to current policy) Motion to adopt amended policy C306 – School Principals /Building Administrators was made by Cynthia Cade, and seconded by Woody Koppel. The motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux YAYS NAYS ABSENTS ABSTENTIONS

Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes

Yes 6 0 1 0

 Action Item No. 3: Adoption of Amended Policy G734 – Tenure Recommendation: That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts amended Policy G734 – Tenure (amendment to current policy)

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OPSB Business Board Meeting Minutes September 18, 2012

Motion to adopt amended policy G734 – Tenure was made by Cynthia Cade, and seconded

by Brett Bonin. The motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux YAYS NAYS ABSENTS ABSTENTIONS

Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes

Yes 6 0 1 0

 Action Item No. 4: Adoption of Amended Policy G748 – Sabbatical Leave Recommendation: That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts amended Policy G748 – Sabbatical Leave (amendment to current policy) Motion to adopt amended policy G748 – Sabbatical Leave was made by Brett Bonin, and seconded by Woody Koppel. The motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux YAYS NAYS ABSENTS ABSTENTIONS

Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes

Yes 6 0 1 0

 Action Item No. 5: Adoption of Amended Policy G751 – Sick Leave Recommendation: That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts amended Policy G751 – Sick Leave (amendment to current policy) Motion to adopt amended policy G751 – Sick Leave was made by Cynthia Cade, and seconded by Brett Bonin. The motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom

Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes 7

OPSB Business Board Meeting Minutes September 18, 2012

Mr. Thomas Robichaux YAYS NAYS ABSENTS ABSTENTIONS

Yes 6 0 1 0

 Action Item No. 6: Pupil Progression Plan Recommendation: That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Pupil Progression Plan Motion to approve the Pupil Progression Plan was made by Cynthia Cade, and seconded by Brett Bonin. The motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays.

Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux YAYS NAYS ABSENTS ABSTENTIONS

Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes

Yes 6 0 1 0

 Action Item No. 7: Adoption of Textbooks Recommendation: That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the recommended textbooks for purchase for the 2012-2013 school year.

Motion to approve the Adoption of the Textbooks was made by Brett Bonin, and seconded by Woody Koppel. The motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays.

Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux YAYS NAYS ABSENTS ABSTENTIONS

Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes

Yes 6 0 1 0

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OPSB Business Board Meeting Minutes September 18, 2012

 Action Item No.8: Approval for Expropriation of Condominiums (located on Patterson Ave in New Orleans) owned by Teche Federal Recommendation: That the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes administration to initiate expropriation proceedings on these two units, if the financing bank is not successful in securing clear title to these two units.

Motion to approve the Expropriation of Condominiums (located on Patterson Ave in New Orleans) owned by Teche Federal was made by Lourdes Moran, and seconded by Woody Koppel. The motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays.

Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux YAYS NAYS ABSENTS ABSTENTIONS

Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes

Yes 6 0 1 0

 Action Item No. 9: Adoption of Commissioning Services Recommendation: That the Orleans Parish School Board approves use of the collaborative list solicited by the RSD through LDOE RFQ 2010-08, with OPSB participation, as part of the previously agreed upon consolidation of services between the two Districts, and that the Orleans Parish School Board approves (see attached score sheets) the following company(s) to perform commissioning services for the remaining phase II projects in the Master Plan.

Motion to approve the Adoption of the Commissioning Services was made by Lourdes Moran, and seconded by Woody Koppel. The motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays.

Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux YAYS NAYS ABSENTS ABSTENTIONS

Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes

Yes 6 0 1 0 9

OPSB Business Board Meeting Minutes September 18, 2012



Action Item No. 10: Orleans Parish School Board Annual Stoploss Renewal Recommendation: That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the execution of nonbinding purchase agreements for the purchase of 3 adjoining tracts of property on Patterson Avenue and Thayer in Algiers. The use of the property is a K-8 school specified in the school facilities master plan. The combined tracts will encompass slightly more than 4 acres; the minimum for a K-* school.

Revised Recommendation: That the Orleans Parish School Board renews the contract with Houston Casualty Company, for the twelve-month period in the amount of $276,213 and authorizes the Board President to sign the renewal agreement Motion to approve the Annual Stoploss Renewal was made by Cynthia Cade, and seconded by Brett Bonin. The motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays.

Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux YAYS NAYS ABSENTS ABSTENTIONS



Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes

Yes 6 0 1 0

Action Item No. 11: Authorization to Execute Purchase Agreement on South Rendon Property Recommendation: That the Orleans Parish School Board approves execution of a purchase agreement for the purchase of the South Rendon property reference above.

Motion to approve the Authorization to Execute the Purchase Agreement on the South Rendon Property was made by Lourdes Moran, and seconded by Woody Koppel. The motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays.

Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux YAYS NAYS ABSENTS

Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes

Yes 6 0 1 10

OPSB Business Board Meeting Minutes September 18, 2012

ABSTENTIONS

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A substitute motion to amend the initial motion was made by Lourdes Moran, and seconded by Woody Koppel so that the contract can be converted to a non-binding purchase agreement. The substitute motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays. 

Action Item No. 12: Authorization to Execute Letter of Intent for Property at 1212 S Roman Street Recommendation: That the Orleans Parish School Board approves dialogue and negotiations for the 53153 sq feet of property located at 1212 S. Roman in accordance with terms and conditions allowable for the purchase of property.

Motion to approve the Authorization to Execute Letter of Intent for Property at 1212 S Roman Street was made by Lourdes Moran, and seconded by Woody Koppel. The motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays.

Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux YAYS NAYS ABSENTS ABSTENTIONS



Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes

Yes 6 0 1 0

Action Item No. 13: Approval of Master Plan Stabilization True Up Recommendation: That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the increase for Chenevert Architects in the amount of $164,452.60, bringing the total contract value to $406,646.60 for Stabilization projects assigned as part of the Master Plan.

Motion to approve the Master Plan Stabilization True Up was made by Lourdes Moran, and seconded by Woody Koppel. The motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays.

Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux

Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes

Yes 11

OPSB Business Board Meeting Minutes September 18, 2012

YAYS NAYS ABSENTS ABSTENTIONS

6 0 1 0

RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION: Litigation Matters:

1. Victoria Joseph, et al v. Orleans Parish School Board, et al., CDC No. 2003-16689; Personal Injury Litigation – Request for settlement approval; 2. Joy Walker Slocum v. Dr. Armand Devezin, Dr. Rosalynn Dennis, Darryl Kilbert and Charlotte Matthew, USDC-EDLA No. 12-cv-01915; Employee Litigation (New Lawsuit) – Status Report; 3. Joseph W. Johnson v. The Orleans Parish School Board, The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and The Louisiana Department of Education, CDC No. 2012-6619; Employment Litigation (New Lawsuit) – Status Report 4. Taryn Edwards, et al. v. Orleans Parish School Board, et al., CDC No. 2005-13074; Personal Injury Litigation – Request for settlement approval.

5. BP Oil Spill Claim; Potential Litigation – Request to pursue claims for damages, including but not limited to, loss of tax revenues.

RECONVENE FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION/ROLL CALL: Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux

P P A P

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

P P P

REPORT ON EXECUTIVE SESSION Litigation Matters

1. Victoria Joseph, et al v. Orleans Parish School Board, et al., CDC No. 2003-16689; 12

OPSB Business Board Meeting Minutes September 18, 2012

Personal Injury Litigation – Request for settlement approval; 2. Joy Walker Slocum v. Dr. Armand Devezin, Dr. Rosalynn Dennis, Darryl Kilbert and Charlotte Matthew, USDC-EDLA No. 12-cv-01915; Employee Litigation (New Lawsuit) – Status Report; 3. Joseph W. Johnson v. The Orleans Parish School Board, The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and The Louisiana Department of Education, CDC No. 2012-6619; Employment Litigation (New Lawsuit) – Status Report 4. Taryn Edwards, et al. v. Orleans Parish School Board, et al., CDC No. 2005-13074; Personal Injury Litigation – Request for settlement approval.

5. BP Oil Spill Claim; Potential Litigation – Request to pursue claims for damages, including but not limited to, loss of tax revenues.

Motion to approve the recommendations made by General Counsel for BP Oil Spill Claim litigation was made by Brett Bonin, and seconded by Cynthia Cade. The motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays.

Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux YAYS NAYS ABSENTS ABSTENTIONS

Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes

Yes 6 0 1 0

ACTION ITEMS/RESOLUTIONS The Orleans Parish Board is asked to act upon the following action items: 

Action Item No. 14: Resolution 16-12 British Petroleum (BP) Oil Spill Contingency Fee Contract Recommendation: That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 16-12, authorizing its General Counsel to seek the Louisiana Attorney General’s approval to enter into an attorney contingency fee contract to pursue BP Oil Spill claims.

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OPSB Business Board Meeting Minutes September 18, 2012

Motion to dispense with the reading of Resolution 16-12 British Petroleum (BP) Oil Spill Contingency Fee Contract was made by Brett Bonin, and seconded by Cynthia Cade.

Motion to adopt Resolution 16-12 British Petroleum (BP) Oil Spill Contingency Fee Contract was made by Lourdes Moran, and seconded by Woody Koppel.

The motion passed with 6 Ayes and 0 Nays.

Mr. Ira Thomas, Sr. Mr. Brett Bonin Mr. Seth Bloom Mr. Thomas Robichaux YAYS NAYS ABSENTS ABSTENTIONS

Yes Yes

Mrs. Cynthia Cade Mrs. Lourdes Moran Mr. Woody Koppel

Yes Yes Yes

Yes 6 0 1 0

ADJOURNMENT On motion by Brett Bonin, the Orleans Parish School Board adjourned at 7:15 pm

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