MINUTES OF THE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
FEBRUARY 11, 2020
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole was called to order by Board President Ethan Ashley at 12:05 pm. The following committee members were present: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel Michael Dodson were also present.
-Interpretation services were acknowledged.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
Board President Ethan Ashley led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1.3 Adoption of the Agenda
Motion to adopt the Committee of the Whole agenda as provided.
· Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison (waiving the reading)
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Mr. Ashely, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of the Minutes
Motion to adopt the January 14, 2020 Accountability, Policy, Budget & Finance, Property, and Legal/Legislative Committee Meeting Minutes as provided.
· Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Newell Usdin, waiving the reading.
Motion to defer adoption of the Meeting Minutes as provided.
· Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Kleban
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Mr. Ashely, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Ms. Newell Usdin sought for clarification regarding amending of a vote after the ratification of the minutes. Board Counsel was unable to provide clarification and the adoption of minutes were deferred to board business meeting.
PRESENTATIONS
3.1 Schools Update
NOLA-PS staff provided a Schools Update. This included key updates on the Systemwide Needs Program, Transportation Planning, Coghill Planning. An InspireNOLA representative provided an update on McDonogh 35 Senior High School. The winter update included key updates on expectations around the Charter School Accountability Framework, investments made for the school, enrollment, academics, FAFSA completion, and Student Experience & Engagement.
3.2 Accountability Update
NOLA-PS staff provided an Accountability Update regarding Notices of Noncompliance, Website Compliance, and Charter School Renewals. Round 1 results and next steps for High School Credit Accumulations was presented. Additionally, Portfolio Innovation Updates included: New School Development and Charter Request for Application Process.
Dr. Lewis clarified the High School Credit Accumulation results are to create a standard and to ensure past shortcomings are not repeated.
Mr. Kleban acknowledged staff and the Superintendent for strengthening the accountability of the authorizer. Additionally, Mr. Kleban tasked staff to share school level performance metrics.
Mr. Marshall requested clarification regarding transcript reporting. Dr. Peterson provided clarification that information varied from school to school.
3.3 Presentation of the December 2019 Financial Report
NOLA-PS staff presented its Finance Report, including: General Fund Revenues and Expenditures for the period of December 1 – 31, 2019 and Best Available Estimates; General Fund Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019; Disbursements to Charter Schools Through January 2020; and Lagniappe Investments.
Mr. Kleban sought clarification regarding revenue anticipation note draw down. Ms. Allison provided clarification and that these types of notes have not been issued within the past few years. Mr. Kleban tasked staff to report any draw down to board.
Mr. Marshall requested clarification regarding the budget for Coghill. Dr. Lewis clarified that this budget is within the already approved budget from the board and that the district is not requesting additional funds to cover these operational costs in preparation for the acquisition of Coghill.
3.4 February Capital Construction and Facility Update
NOLA-PS staff presented its February Capital Projects and Facility Updates which included Capital Projects Update, Annual Facility Process Updates, Summer 2020 School Facility Preservation Projects Overview, and School Facility Preservation Program: Planning Update.
Ms. Delcour provided a special update regarding the Lafayette Elementary School project, managed by the RSD. Ms. Delcour clarified implications to the project in response to the protest to the bid for Lafayette Elementary. NOLA-PS is working with the school to identify a location for the remainder of the project if bids are re-advertised and delays move date for Lafayette. NOLA-PS is also engaging with the Career and Technical Education Center as they would also be affected by any potential delays.
3.5 Legislative Session Update
NOLA-PS staff presented its 2020 Legislative Outlook which included Legislative Priorities, Legislative Activity, and Legislative Bills for Consideration.
NOTICE OF INTENT
4.1 Notice of Intent: New Policy DIF, Internal Control
FIRST READINGS
5.1 First Reading - Amendment to OPSB Policy FJ, Orleans Parish School Facility Preservation Program
SECOND READINGS
6.1 New Policy EBBB, School and Student Safety
Recommended Action – That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Policy EBBB.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Brown
· Final resolution: Motion passes to full board
· Yeas: Mr. Ashely, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
ACTION ITEMS
7.1 Request for Independent Local Educational Agency (LEA) Status - Foundation Preparatory
Recommended Action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the request from Foundation Preparatory, Inc. to allow Foundation Preparatory to operate as its own Local Educational Agency status effective July 1, 2020.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Kleban
· Final resolution: Motion passes to full board
· Yeas: Mr. Ashely, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.2 Resolution Number 04-20 Approving the Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Application Number 20190282-ITE, Submitted By Iriapak USA, LLC.
Recommended Action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 04-20 approving Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) application number 20190282-ITE submitted by Iriapak USA, LLC because it does meet the criteria established by the Orleans Parish School Board on July 19, 2018 and amended on September 20, 2018.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Brown, waiving the reading.
· Final resolution: Motion passes to full board
· Yeas: Mr. Ashely, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.3 Resolution Number 07-20 Denying the Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Application Number 20190193-ITE, Submitted by Iriapak RE USA, LLC.
Recommended Action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 07-20 denying Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) application number 20190193-ITE submitted by Iriapak RE USA, LLC because it does not meet the criteria established by the Orleans Parish School Board on July 19, 2018 and amended on September 20, 2018.
Motion by Mr. Kleban, second by Ms. Ellison, waiving the reading.
· Final resolution: Motion passes to full board
· Yeas: Mr. Ashely, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.4 Budget Amendment Resolution 05-20 Authorizing the First Amendment to the General Fund Operating Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2019 and Ending June 20, 2020.
Recommended Action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 05-20 authorizing the first amendment to the General Fund Operating Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2020.
Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Ms. Koppel
Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Ms. Ellison to amend per typo.
· Final resolution: Motion passes to full board
· Yeas: Mr. Ashely, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.5 Budget Amendment Resolution 06-20 Authorizing the Second Amendment to the Capital Projects-FEMA Fund Budget of Revenues and Expenditures For The Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2019 And Ending June 30, 2020
Recommended Action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 06-20 reallocating $8,500,000 from the New School Pk-8 Kenilworth project to the Bio Med District-New High School project, also known as New Orleans Charters Science and Mathematics High School, both on FEMA Project Worksheet 19290.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Kleban, waiving the reading.
· Final resolution: Motion passes to full board
· Yeas: Mr. Ashely, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.6 Invitation to Bid Number 20-FAC-0021 for a Roof Replacement at Benjamin Franklin High School
Recommended Action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid for Benjamin Franklin Roof Replacement from Rycars Construction, Inc., in the amount of $452,950.00, and to authorize the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Koppel
· Final resolution: Motion passes to full board
· Yeas: Mr. Ashely, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.7 Contract Amendment for Concordia, LLC for Envelope Repair at McMain High School
Recommended Action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves a contract amendment in the amount of $26,379.00 with Concordia, LLC for additional design services for Envelope Repair Project Number 2017-0594-0001 at McMain High School.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Marshall
· Final resolution: Motion passes to full board
· Yeas: Mr. Ashely, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Ms. Newell Usdin is recused from this item.
7.8 Design Contract for Rosenwald Renovations, Grace Hebert Curtis Architects, APAC
Recommended Action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorize execution of design contract with Grace Hebert Curtis Architects, APAC for the renovation of the Rosenwald Facility in the amount of 949,607.25.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Marshall
· Final resolution: Motion passes to full board
· Yeas: Mr. Ashely, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.9 Gentilly Terrace Facility Alteration
Recommended Action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the requested Facility Alteration submitted by Audubon Charter Schools for Gentilly Terrace ES as required by Policy HD.
Motion by Mr. Kleban, second by Ms. Newell Usdin to amend item with recommendation.
· Final resolution: Motion passes to full board
· Yeas: Mr. Ashely, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.10 Invitation to Bid Number 20-FAC-0020 for a Chiller Replacement at James Johnson Elementary School
Recommended Action – It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid for Chiller Replacement at James Johnson Elementary School from Arc Mechanical Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $428,900.00, and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Marshall
· Final resolution: Motion passes to full board
· Yeas: Mr. Ashely, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
ADJOURNMENT
8.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Ms. Ellison second by Mr. Kleban to adjourn the meeting.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yea: Mr. Ashely, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Meeting Adjourned at 1:38 pm.