MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

 

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. 

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 1:04pm pm by Board President Ethan Ashley. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, and John A. Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Grisela A. Jackson, Nolan Marshall, Jr. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present. Sarah Newell Usdin joined at 1:10pm and Woody Koppel was not present.

 

-Interpretation services were acknowledged.

 

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by a cohort of students previously recorded.  

 

1.3 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as provided.

Motion by Mr. Brown second by Ms. Ellison

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison Ms. Jackson, and Mr. Marshall,

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Koppel, Ms. Newell Usdin

·        Abstain: None

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Ashley to adopt the minutes of the August 18, 2020 Committee of the Whole as printed (waiving the reading).

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Ms. Jackson, and Mr. Marshall

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Koppel, Ms. Newell Usdin

·        Abstain: None

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

3.1 Schools Update

NOLA-PS staff provided a Schools and COVID-19 Update.  This included Highlights from Schools, Recognitions, Summary of NOLA-PS Return to In-Person Learning Plan, Key Health and Safety Updates, Ongoing School Support Priorities, and Hurricane Laura Response.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Robust discussion around enrollment and attendance of Pre-K – 4th grade students, adjustments in repose to COVID-19, and adherence to State guidelines regarding class size was held.

 

3.2 Accountability Update

NOLA-PS staff provided an Accountability Update which included key updates on Directors of School Accountability, Notices of Non-Compliance, Charter Renewal Cycle 2020-2021, Notice of Intent for Proposed Policy Changes, The Bridge Contract Amendment, Innovation Zone Updates, and Spring/Summer 2020 High School Credit Accumulation Audit Results.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Robust discussion around compliance, improvements and the greatest challenges to compliance was held. 

 

3.3 Presentation of Preliminary June 2020 Financial Reports

NOLA-PS staff presented its update of the General Fund Revenues and Expenditures for the period of July 1 – July 31, 2020; General Fund Balance Sheet at July 31, 2020; Millage Roll Forward impact and Charter School funding.

 

3.4 Capital and Facilities September Update

NOLA-PS staff presented its September Capital Projects and Facility Updates which included key updates on NOLA-PS Capital Projects, RSD Capital Projects, and the Roadmap to Reopening: Safety Inspections.

 

NOTICE OF INTENT

 

4.1 Notice of Intent to amend Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority

 

4.2 Notice of Intent to add New Policy DCBC, “Deferred Revenues”

 

4.3 Notice of Intent: Notice of Intent to amend Policy BBC, School Board Committees, Policy BCBB, Notification of Board Meetings, and Policy BCBD, Agenda Preparation and Dissemination

 

FIRST READINGS

 

5.1 First Reading: New Policy DEC, Post-Issuance Tax Compliance

Rationale: The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recommends that any state or local government that issues public securities, such as bonds and other tax-exempt borrowings, has a Post-Issuance Tax Compliance Policy primarily to ensure ongoing compliance with Rule 15c2-12 of the Securities and Exchange Commission, bond covenants, and continuing disclosure agreements and to preserve the tax-exempt status of the debt obligations. 

New Policy DEC:

·        designates the Chief Financial Officer as the post-issuance compliance officer,

·        requires periodic reviews with external advisors, such as bond counsel and other legal counsel and advisors,

·        specifies record retention periods for the various records of all tax-exempt obligations,

·        requires monitoring the proper use of tax-exempt bond proceeds, and

·        requires the preparation of regular statements regarding the use and investment of bond proceeds.

GFOA's best practices were used to write the policy, which has been reviewed by PFM, our financial advisors.

 

SECOND READINGS

 

6.1 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy HB, Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy HB, Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools.

 

Substitute motion by Ms. Jackson and second by Mr. Ashley to approve the amendment to Policy HB, Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools with the amendment as articulated by Ms. Jackson.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Recommended Amendment: Section on renewal terms and standards (p.86) of the binder. Ms. Jackson proposed an amendment to the policy in two sections to strengthen this policy and add a stronger layer of objectivity:

o   6.Given the unforeseen accountability impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 renewal process, the Superintendent may [insert shall or will] permit a comprehensive evaluation for any school that fails to meet the standards outlined in the above table. [insert - “The comprehensive evaluation shall include based on metrics to objective reflect evaluation results”]

·        Robust discussion regarding the logistics of adding the amendments and how that would affect the timeline of the work to oversee and evaluate charter schools.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Ashley, to approve the amendment to Policy HB, Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools as presented.

 

6.2 Second Reading: New Policy GBRIC, Parental Leave

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts new Policy GBRIC, Parental Leave with the friendly amendment as articulated by Ms. Newell Usdin.

 

Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Marshall

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Robust discussion regarding existing benefits available to NOLA-PS employees.

·        Ms. Newell Usdin extended amendment to strike the language in the top of page 93

o   “birth, adoption or placement occurs (e.g., the birth of twins or adoption of siblings) will not increase the two week total amount of paid parental leave granted for the event.  In addition, an employee will not receive more than two weeks of paid parental leave in a rolling twelve month period regardless of whether more than one birth, adoption or foster care placement event occurs within that twelve month timeframe.”

 

6.3 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy GBRIB, Sick Leave

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy GBRIB, Sick Leave.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Ms. Ellison

 

6.4 Second Reading: New Policy DIF, Internal Control

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts new Policy DIF, Internal Control.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Ashley

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

7.1 Assignment of Contract for Governmental Relations

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the assignment of the contract for Professional Governmental Services (RFP No. 20-0019), awarded to Roedel, Parsons, Koch, Blache, Balhoff, & McCollister, to its former employee, Suchitra J. Satpathi.

 

Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Ashley

 

7.2 Second Amendment to Contract for Middle School Expulsion Program with Educators for Quality Alternatives

Recommended Action: It is recommended that NOLA-PS approves the second amendment to the contract with Educators for Quality Alternatives to administer The Bridge Program for 7th and 8th grade students who have been expelled or are at risk of expulsion for the 2020-21 school year to include services related to current need due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Brown.

 

7.3 Amendment to Public Relations and Communications Specialist Contract with The Ehrhardt Group

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves an amendment to the Public Relations and communications Specialist Contract with The Ehrhardt Group to increase the total contract amount from $100,000.00 to $112,000.00 and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the amendment.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Newell Usdin.

 

7.4 Amendment to Motion on Contract Award for Professional Development Services for Trauma-Informed Practices Previously Adopted on July 30, 2020

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board amends the motion the Board previously adopted on July 30, 2020, relative to the award of the contract for professional development services for trauma-informed practices to now read: "It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Professional Development Services for Trauma-Informed Practices from Akoben, LLC in the amount of $225,000.00 per year, for a term of two (2) years, with a one (1) year option to renew, subject to Board approval, and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and Contractor."

 

Substitute motion encouraged to try the local group; Ms. Newell Usdin withdrew her motion

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Robust discussion regarding alternate vendors, DBE status, and local group designation was held.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Ellison.

 

7.5 2020-2021 Center for Resilience Contract for Services at Mary Coghill School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the contract with Center for Resilience to provide educational, medical, and therapeutic services to students at Mary D. Coghill Elementary School, in the total amount of $120,000.00.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Newell Usdin  

 

7.6 Resolution Number 26-20 Levying Constitutional and Other Dedicated Millages 2021

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution Number 26-20 setting forth and designating Constitutional mills and other dedicated mills on all property subject to taxation in the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana for 2021.

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Ms. Ellison, waiving the reading of the resolution.

 

7.7 Resolution 27-20 Designating the 2021 Capital Repairs Adjusted Millage Rate

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 27-20 setting forth and designating the 2021 capital repairs adjusted millage rate of 4.63 mills on all property subject to taxation in Orleans Parish, State of Louisiana.

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Ms. Newell Usdin, waiving the reading of the resolution.

 

7.8 Resolution 28-20 Designating the 2021 Capital Repairs Adjusted Millage Rate and the Increased Millage Rate

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 28-20 setting forth and designating the 2021 Capital Repairs adjusted millage rate and the increased millage rate on all property subject to taxation in Orleans Parish, State of Louisiana.

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Ashley, waiving the reading of the resolution.

 

7.9 Resolution 30-20 Updating Check Signers

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 30-20 designating check signatories, which updates August 2019 Resolution 12-19 for changes in titles in the Finance department and other staffing changes.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Ashley, waiving the reading of the resolution.

 

7.10 Request to Award Proposal Number 21-0008 for Racial Equity Consultant Professional Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposal for Racial Equity Consultant Professional Services from Beloved Community, in the amount of $150,000.00 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and Contractor.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Brown

 

7.11 Acceptance of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Grant for Non-Public Schools in Orleans Parish

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Grant for the Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund (ESSERF), ESSERF Formula, ESSERF Incentive and Governor’s Emergency Relief Funds (GEERF) to service students enrolled at 42 Non-Public Schools in the total amount of $3,297,668.00 (ESSERF Formula $3,062,025.97, ESSERF Incentive $179,723.34, GEERF $55,919.58), to fund purchased educational services, technology, connectivity, materials and supplies accounts.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Ashley

 

7.12 Acceptance of Donations from HCM Strategists to Support Distance Learning Initiatives

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts a donation in the amount of $500 from HCM Strategists to provide distance learning supports to New Orleans students in response to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Ashley

 

7.13 Acceptance of Grant from The Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation Service Learning Program

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the grant in the amount of $2,766.00 from The Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation Service Learning Program.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Ashley

 

7.14 Approval of the Louisiana State Contract Purchase for Furnishings, Fixtures and Equipment for the New Orleans Science and Math High School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the purchase of furnishings, fixtures and equipment for the new New Orleans Science and Math High School. All items can be obtained on Louisiana State approved contract for a total cost of $748,971.99.

 

Motion by Mr. Brown, second by Ms. Newell Usdin.

 

BOARD COMMENT

·        Discussion regarding old furnishing was held.

 

7.15 Declaration of Surplus for A.P. Tureaud

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board add the vacant A.P. Tureaud school building and site to the list of surplus property as that property has been deemed unnecessary for future use by OPSB for school purposes.

 

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Ashley

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

8.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Ms. Newell Usdin, second by Mr. Marshall to adjourn the meeting.

 

 

Meeting Adjourned at 3:05pm.