MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
APRIL 21, 2020
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 1:07pm by Board President Ethan Ashley. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Ben Kleban, Woody Koppel, and Sarah Newell Usdin. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present. Mr. Marshall joined the meeting at 1:46pm
-Interpretation services were acknowledged.
Meeting Norms
Board Counsel provided virtual meeting norms in response to the CDC and the Governor's guidelines for gatherings, given the public health emergency. This including public participation and general format of the meeting under the circumstances.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Ashley.
1.3 Adoption of the Agenda
Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as provided.
· Motion by Mr. Koppel second by Mr. Brown
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Marshall
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of the Minutes
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison to adopt the minutes as printed (waiving the reading).
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Brown, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Ellison Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Marshall
PRESENTATIONS
3.1 Schools Update
NOLA-PS staff provided a Schools Update and COVID-19. This included key updates on school facility closure status; core organizational priorities in response to COVID-19 for continuous learning, technology distribution, end of year and next year planning; philanthropic support for NOLA-PS; child nutrition; and OneApp enrollment information.
Mr. Brown requested more information on the number of students being served via distance learning efforts. Ms. Hasiotis clarified that it remains an ongoing collaboration of data collection between staff and school administrators. Mr. Brown requested clarification on communication between NOLA-PS administrative team and school leaders. Dr. Lewis and Ms. Hasiotis clarified that regular weekly meetings, small working groups and larger zoom meetings with CMO leaders are ongoing and that daily communications have been adjusted including the reactivation of the charter newsletter as information arises.
Ms. Ellison inquired about the current need for our students and if there is an additional need for Chrome Books and hotspots. Ms. Hasiotis shared that staff is conducting a survey to determine emerging needs since the Chrome Books have been deployed. Additionally, clarified that with a system of 45,000 students, existing school technology, the 10,000 Chrome Books, and tools already in homes, identifying the ongoing need continues to be a priority.
Mr. Koppel tasked staff to lend considerations around first-time students to the district with regard to enrollment processes. Dr. Lewis assured that those considerations were being explored.
Mr. Ashley tasked staff to provide the board the cost for the procurement of 35, 000 Chrome Books. Additionally, Mr. Ashley acknowledged the extension of the Cox Connect to Compete Program and response efforts around mental health resources for families. Mr. Ashley tasked staff to consider expanding such resources in response to rising domestic violence and child abuse issues that may happen in this moment and for our homeless student population. Dr. Lewis stated the estimate for the additional Chrome Book procurement would be provided.
Mr. Marshall joined the meeting 1:46pm
3.2 Accountability Update
NOLA-PS staff provided an Accountability Update regarding Southern Poverty Law Center Monitoring, Notices of Noncompliance, Financial Compliance, Charter Board Governance, Charter School Renewals, and Charter Request for Application Process.
3.3 Presentation of February 2020 Financial Reports
NOLA-PS staff presented its Finance Report, including: General Fund Revenues and Expenditures for the period of February 1 – 29, 2020 and the Fiscal Year Projection; General Fund Balance Sheet at February 21, 2020 and Distributions to Charter Schools Through March 2020; Lagniappe: Enterprise Funds; and Coronavirus Update: Expenditures and Revenue Projections.
Mr. Kleban requested clarification related to the projected deficit. Ms. Allison indicated that the drop in the anticipated revenue is due to the effect of Covid-19 sales tax revenue decrease. Mr. Kleban asked Ms. Allison to review additional items related to the budget and she will report out before the end of the meeting.
3.4 April Capital Construction and Facility Update
NOLA-PS staff presented its April Capital Projects and Facility Updates which included Capital Projects Update, Annual Facility Process Updates, and 2020 School Facility Preservation Summer Projects Update.
Ms. Ellison requested information related to Roswenwald High School renovations. Ms. Delcour stated it would be added to next month’s presentation along with McMain and Douglass Auditorium renovations.
Ms. Ashley inquired about the potential of incurred costs related to additional COVID-19 response safety measures required on sites. Ms. Delcour clarified that information is currently being collected via existing site modeling and collaboration with the RSD that have projects further along.
Ms. Delcour acknowledged the efforts of the Facilities Team as first responders and their work during this time. Dr. Lewis acknowledged Ms. Delcour for her leadership during the COVID-19 crisis.
Mr. Koppel inquired about potential projects on the horizon that could continue to move forward during this period of remote working. Ms. Delcour stated that most pressing projects have been prioritized.
Dr. Lewis stated that NOLA-PS will follow all legal requirements to ensure the safety of all construction workers on these sites during these unfamiliar times.
Dr. Lewis welcomed Ms. Allison back for additional information on the Financial Modeling and Projections. Mr. Kleban and Mr. Ashley requested more information on the projected dollar impact due to losses in revenues. Ms. Allison stated that information would be provided during the May presentation.
3.5 Legislative Update
NOLA-PS staff presented an update on its 2020 Legislative Priorities and Legislative Activity.
Ms. Ellison sought clarification on the potential impacts with delays of a legislative session. Mr. McCorkle clarified that remains an ongoing and fluid process given the nature of the COVID-19 crisis.
NOTICE OF INTENT
4.1 Notice of Intent to add New Policy HE, Enrollment
Board counsel read the new policy. There is no action to be taken at this time. There was no discussion by the board members.
FIRST READINGS
5.1 First Reading: Amend Policy CBF, Evaluation of the Superintendent
Board counsel read the new policy. There is no action to be taken at this time.
Ms. Newell Usdin requested more information on efforts of continued engagement with students, parents, and community on projects. Ms. Garton clarifies that engagement efforts remain a priority.
SECOND READINGS
6.1 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy FJ, Orleans Parish
Board counsel read the new policy.
Recommended Action: The purpose of this policy update is to align the policy with 2019 legislative updates to the related statute, specifically to revise the per pupil amount to be used to fund the operations of the facilities office.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Ashley
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
ACTION ITEMS
7.1 2020-2021 Employee Calendar, 2020-2021 ECS Calendar, 2020-2021 Child Nutrition Calendar, and Mary D. Coghill Calendar
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the 2020-2021 Employee Calendar, 2020-2021 ECS Calendar, 2020-2021 Child Nutrition Calendar, and Mary D. Coghill Charter School.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Comments
Dr. Lewis indicated that the calendars are tentatively pending the effects of the Covid-19 and the duration of the crisis. This calendar may be revised based upon recommendations from the state and public health officials.
Public Comments
Jennifer Crockett, a member of the media, requested information around several items outside of the item being heard. Ms. Crockett was directed to the NOLA-PS Communications Department for additional information regarding the media request.
7.2 Extension of CEEAS Contracts for Travis Hill Schools and Amendments to Related Contracts
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board exercises its option to extend the School Management Agreements for services at the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center (formerly "Youth Study Center") and Orleans Justice Center with the Center for Educational Excellence in Alternative Settings for one year and approve the amended payment provision of each school management agreement.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Comments
Mr. Kleban inquired regarding the funding source and of any updates on the city of New Orleans Harrah’s funding to support these contracts.
Dr. Lewis indicated that staff is in preparation to present to the city council on the use of Harrah’s dollars and NOLA-PS’s request related to this project.
7.3 Request for Proposal NO. 20-0055 for Mentor Teacher Training
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposals for Mentor Teacher Training from Relay Graduate School of Education and TNTP, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $320,000.00 for a contract term of one year with the option to extend the contract for two (2) years and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and contractor.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Brown
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.4 Request for Proposal No. 20-0057 for Professional Development Teacher Recruitment and Training
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposals for Professional Development Teacher Recruitment and Training from Relay School of Education, Teach for America and TNTP, Inc. in a dollar amount not to exceed $4,920,000.00 for a contract term of three (3) years; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and contractor.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Newell Usdin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.5 Request to Award Request for Proposal Number 20-0048 for Third Party Contractor – Title I Non-Public Students
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposals for Third Party Contractor - Title I Non-Public Students from Catapult Learning, Sylvan Learning, and Believe to Achieve in the total aggregate amount not exceed $3,433,582.00 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and contractors.
Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Koppel
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.6 Request to Award Request for Proposal Number 20-0049 for Professional Development – Title II Non-Public Students
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposals for Professional Development from Catapult Learning and Learn It Systems at a total aggregate amount not to exceed $162,248.00 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and contractors.
Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Koppel
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.7 Request for One (1) Year Renewal with PFM Financial Advisors, LLC for Financial Municipal Advisory Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the one-year renewal of the contract with PFM Financial Advisors, LLC for financial municipal advisory services for the period of May 21, 2020 through May 20, 2021 at an amount not to exceed $178,000 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signature of the Board President and contractor.
Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Koppel
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.8 Request to Award Invitation to Bid Number 20-FAC-0038 for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Deficiency Repairs at Warren Easton High School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Stallings Construction Company, Inc. for the ADA Deficiency Repairs Project at Warren Easton High School in the amount of $587,000.00 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.9 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 20-FAC-0037 for the Roof Parapet Repairs Phase 2 at Warren Easton High School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Roof Technologies Inc. in the amount of $947,000.00 for the roof parapet repairs, as well as repairs to the rafters and ceiling joists below the roof deck, at Warren Easton High School and authorizes 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
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.10 Request to Approve Change Order #1 for Colmex Construction, LLC for the OPSB 5th Floor Administrative Suite Improvements
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Change Order Number 1 in the amount of $21,032.00 with Colmex Construction, LLC for the OPSB 5th Floor Administrative Suite Improvements.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Koppel
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.11 Request to Approve Change Order #10 with Construction Masters, Inc. for Phase 2 of the Ben Franklin Elementary School Renovation Project
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Change Order #10 in the amount of $109,540.09 with Construction Masters, Inc. for Phase 2 of the Ben Franklin Elementary School Renovation Project.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Brown
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.12 Request to Approve Change Order to Request for Proposal Number 18-0017 for Telephone Services from AT&T
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the first increase in the amount of $40,000 to Request for Proposal number 18-0017 (Purchase Order number 200251) with AT&T for telephone services.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Brown
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.13 Ratification of Memorandum of Understanding for World Central Kitchen's Use of Booker T. Washington High School
Recommended Action: To ratify the Memorandum of Understanding between the Orleans Parish School Board, KIPP New Orleans, and World Central Kitchen Incorporated for the use of the Booker T. Washington for emergency food relief for the New Orleans community in response to COVID-19.
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Ashley
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
7.14 2020 OPSB Legislative Agenda
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the 2020 OPSB Legislative Agenda and authorize the Superintendent to direct the district's legislative activities in accordance with the adopted agenda.
Motion by Mr. Brown, second by Mr. Koppel
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
ADJOURNMENT
8.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison to adjourn the meeting.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Mr. Kleban, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Newell Usdin
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
Meeting Adjourned at 3:08pm.