Orleans Parish School Board

The Budget and Finance Committee meeting focused on several financial updates and operational matters. Key discussion points included a review of the October 2025 financial statements, noting revenue above projections but significant expenditures related to legislative stipends paid in October following their receipt in September. The committee discussed anticipated budget amendments, including a potential decrease in Harris funding. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the financial status and operational timeline for the Leah Chase School, specifically reviewing enrollment projections against actual enrollment and discussing the expiration of a previously approved $3.8 million allocation for startup costs, of which approximately $1 million was spent. The committee also reviewed historical decisions regarding salary scale revisions implemented in February and April 2024 to maintain competitiveness. Furthermore, the transportation and management contract for busing, approved in May 2024, and the $1.5 million expense cap established for the Leah Chase School in June 2024 were discussed in detail. A motion was made to amend the agenda to include an action item regarding the reallocation of unspent funds previously allocated to the Leah Chase School from the prior fiscal year, prompting procedural discussion.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum and welcoming interpretation services in Vietnamese and Spanish. The body adopted the agenda, noting a minor clerical amendment required for Action Item 3.1 regarding a charter school omission. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the charter renewal process, including the School Performance Renewal Index (SPRI) criteria for K8, high school, combination, and alternative schools, and the renewal pathways based on SPRI and progress scores. The Superintendent presented recommendations for 13 charter schools up for renewal, all of which were recommended for renewal with varying term lengths, including Dorothy Height Charter School, which was added via amendment. Board members expressed congratulations to the school leaders for achieving excellent results despite challenges such as operating through a global pandemic and financial issues, noting that the district's emphasis on growth was reflected in the performance scores.

The meeting commenced with roll call establishing a quorum, followed by acknowledgments regarding interpretation services availability. The Superintendent's report began with condolences for the passing of Veronica Lee DS Dorsy, a respected vocal music educator, including sharing a tribute video. Key discussion points highlighted the New Orleans Parish School Board district achieving a B district rating for the first time ever, representing a significant increase in performance score since 2024. The report celebrated numerous schools demonstrating overall SPS rating improvement, with specific recognition for schools showing substantial growth (10 points or more) such as Sophie B. Wright Institute of Academic Excellence and Martin Burman Charter Academy of Creative Arts and Sciences. Schools were also recognized for outstanding impact on student growth (Top Gain Honorees) and performance for students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, or English learners (Opportunity Honorees). Additionally, the Superintendent recognized recipients of the Years of Service celebration and awarded Samantha Pan, Executive Director of Organizational Learning and Planning, the Excellence in Action award for her work on professional development and creating the NOLA PS learning hub. Other highlights included the New Orleans Excellence in Teaching Awards event (NOET) and the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the state-of-the-art Katherine Johnson Steam Center at Benjamin Franklin High School. The Superintendent also reported on the kickoff of the inaugural Superintendent Student Leadership Council focused on leadership through service, and updates on the 'Superintendent Stay Connected' dialogue series.

The meeting was a public hearing concerning a Charter Request for Application from the applicant group Legacy of Excellence. The applicant group seeks to transform and run a potential Grade K through 8 school. The presentation covered the organization's mission centered on exposure, experience, and excellence, supported by core values ('bears values'). Key operational areas discussed included curriculum, data-driven instruction, student interventions (such as the SORE hour for academic strengthening), restorative approaches, and teacher development. The applicant also detailed their facility structure, noting plans to consolidate from two buildings (one being a Tier 4 facility) into a single Tier 1 facility for all students. Board members and the Superintendent commended the organization's demonstrated student success, including a 100% passing rate in high school level courses taken by current students.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum, followed by the board counsel outlining the rules for public comment. The agenda was adopted without modification, and the minutes from the November 18, 2025 meeting were approved. The primary focus was the School Support Update provided by Dr. Kelly Jordan, detailing systemwide needs program spending and fund balances for Round Two. Discussion covered spending percentages, anticipated rollovers, and details regarding awards for talent pipeline partners and specialized programming, including individual attendance grants. A member inquired about the allocation process and the status of specific schools, like Leah Chase, in receiving grants. The administration explained the application process and confirmed consideration for future rounds of attendance grants. Further discussion elaborated on the definition of program impact, which is currently tied to school touch points, and the long-term goal of impacting 50% of schools or students as required by legislation. The update also covered guiding principles such as collaboration, access, and expertise, and reviewed the Round Two budget and performance objectives for the talent pipeline, emphasizing primary and secondary objectives.