Warren Easton’s board of directors hosted school board member-elect Sarah Newell Usdin at its board meeting Wednesday night.

“I’d love to know when you’re going to replicate Warren Easton,” said Usdin.

Board member Billy Hatchett said the group would like to charter a Pre-K through eighth grade school before taking on another high school.

Board president David Garland asked for Usdin’s support in the board’s acquisition of the block adjacent to the school.  Garland said the school would turn this into a practice field; it now stands an empty city block.

Garland said the school had visits from Sandra Bullock and the 49ers Foundation over the last month.  Bullock was working on a documentary; she has supported the school for many years.  Garland said the 49ers Foundation was instrumental in opening the health clinic and they were happy to see the clinic up and running.

Principal Alexina Medley delivered her report along with quarterly reports from all support staff.  Board members noted first quarter disciplinary actions, such as suspensions, were down from last year.

Facilities consultant Ken Ducote said contractor BEI has defaulted on the windows project.  Though the project has reached substantial completion there are a few remaining elements, including some caulking, that must be completed.  Ducote said Orleans Parish School Board informed him that the stabilization project is under design with a timeline to be determined.

The school is still in need of roof repairs from delayed maintenance and Hurricane Isaac damage.  Ducote said OPSB requested to use its own contractor for repairs.  A decision members noted would add time to the repair process.

Members David Garland, David Napoleon, Robert Delle, Billy Hatchett, Brenda Christiansen, David Benelli, and Charles Petrey were present.  The meeting began at 6:06 p.m. and adjourned at 7:35 p.m.  The board will not meet in December.