MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Public Hearing:
Comprehensive Evaluation
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
October 28, 2024
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Public Hearing: Comprehensive Evaluation was called to order at 5:32pm by President Katherine Baudouin. The following board members were present: Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Nolan Marshall, Jr., and Carlos Luis Zervigon. Ethan Ashley and Olin G. Parker were 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 Baudouin.
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 Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Zervigon to approve the agenda as presented.
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
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 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. The administration shares factual information on how a comprehensive evaluation school's data compares to other schools in the district.
Presentation by Rafael Simmons, chief portfolio innovation and accountability officer.
PRESENTATIONS
3.1 Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School for Sci Tech
Comprehensive Evaluation presentation from Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School for Sci Tech for SY2024-2025 Renewal Cycle.
Presentation by Mr. Steve Martin, test coordinator; other school personnel in attendance: Mrs. Velta Simms, CEO, Mrs. Sheila Gray, Compliance Officer, Mrs. Marianne Lemle, Staff Developer, Mrs. Donnis Ringstaff, Counselor, and Mrs. Dale Simeon, Counselor.
Public comment:
Rev. Joseph Recasner spoke in support of Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School for Sci Tech.
Valeri Bocage spoke in support of Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School for Sci Tech.
Rev. Willie Calhoun spoke in support of Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School for Sci Tech.
Tracy Brown spoke in support of Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School for Sci Tech.
Attorney Willie Zander spoke in support of Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School for Sci Tech.
Wesley Bishop spoke in support of Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School for Sci Tech.
BOARD COMMENT:
An exchange ensued regarding the following: high school programming; recruitment and retention of high school students; implications for reduction in force; curriculum rigor and Tier 1 focus, as well as student identification utilizing MTSS, including student interventions and supports within school day and teacher support and feedback; teacher retention; tutoring and afterschool program interventions and level of student participation; utilization of paraprofessionals; number of certified teaching personnel; student capacity of K-8 school and high school; experiential opportunities for elementary students at the high school; shift in focus to student-centered; and long-term financial stability and enrollment implications.
The school was congratulated on its Esports and Criminal Justice Academy.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, seconded by Mr. Marshall to move to executive session at 6:54pm.
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Abstain: None
Reconvened from Executive Session at 8:09pm. The following board members were present: Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Nolan Marshall, Jr., and Carlos Luis Zervigon. Ethan Ashley and Olin G. Parker were absent. Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin was also present; Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams was absent.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
4.1 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person - School Board Personnel
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the course of action recommended by its legal counsel.
Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: Mr. Marshall
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Abstain: None
ADJOURNMENT
5.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by President Baudouin to adjourn the public hearing.
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Abstain: None
The Public Hearing adjourned at 8:10pm.