Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 22-500
 
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RE:
Advisory opinion request from former Orleans Parish Schools Superintendent Henderson Lewis Jr., Ph.D regarding the application of the post-employment restrictions in the Code of Governmental Ethics ("Code") following his employment with the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB).
Facts:
Mr. Lewis was employed as Orleans Parish Superintendent until July 10, 2022. He owns a consulting firm, Vision Forward Consulting Group, LLC, and would like to know if he is prohibited from contracting with New Orleans charter schools to provide consulting services. OPSB presides over the public school district in New Orleans. OPSB contracts with Type 1, 3 and 3B charter schools. The charter schools are independently operated by non-profit corporations. As Superintendent, he 1) presented recommendations to school board regarding approval, extension, renewal, and revocation of charter contracts; 2) monitored charter schools' compliance and requiring corrective action as needed; and, 3) made temporary emergency school closure decisions. He stated that he had no direct management of or authority over charter school operations, employees, budgets, spending, curriculum, procurement, or any other organizational activities or decisions. Charter schools are afforded statutory and contractual autonomy.

Mr. Lewis would like to provide consulting services, such as executive coaching and strategic planning support services, to Type 1, 3, and 3B charter schools in New Orleans. His services would not involve and will not require any interactions with or engagement by his former agency OPSB.


Law:
La. R.S. 42:1121(A)(1) provides that no former agency head or elected official shall, for a period of two years following the termination of his public service as the head of such agency or as an elected public official serving in such agency, assist another person, for compensation, in a transaction, or in an appearance in connection with a transaction, involving that agency or render any service on a contractual basis to or for such agency.
Recommendations:
Adopt draft advisory opinion.
Assigned Attorney: Suzanne Mooney
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2022-500 - Advisory Opinion
2022-500 - Advisory Opinion Draft - Lewis (3)