MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

HTTPS://ZOOM.US/J/99760470488

NOVEMBER 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 1:03 pm by Board President Ethan Ashley. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Grisela A. Jackson, Woody Koppel, and Sarah Newell Usdin. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present. Nolan Marshall, Jr. arrived at 1:05 pm.

 

-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. Koppel second by Mr. Brown

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Ms. Jackson, Mr. Koppel, Ms. Newell Usdin

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Marshall

·        Abstain: None

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Koppel to adopt the minutes of the October 20, 2020 Committee of the Whole as printed (waiving the reading).

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Brown, Ms. Ellison, Ms. Jackson, Mr. Koppel, Ms. Newell Usdin

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Marshall

·        Abstain: None

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

3.1 Schools Update

NOLA-PS staff provided a Schools Update.  This included Key Health and Safety Updates – COVID-19 Testing, Enrollment Updates, and acknowledgment of school psychologists.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Robust discussion around the enrollment process was held. 

 

3.2 Accountability Update

NOLA-PS staff provided an Accountability Update which included key updates on Notices of Non-Compliance, Pupil Progression Plan, Proposed Policy Changes, and 2020-2021 Charter School Renewals.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Robust discussion around closing school policy and timelines was held.  Additionally, regarding data reporting for Comprehensive Evaluation and attendance reporting.

 

3.3 Presentation the September 2020 Financial Reports

NOLA-PS staff presented its September 2020 Financial Reports and Department Updates which included Charter School Funding Distribution, Policy, and Treasury Summary. 

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Discussion around investment returns was held.

 

3.4 Capital and Facilities November Update

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

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Discussion around the Booker T. Washington football field exchange was held.

 

3.5 Equity Evaluation Presentation - Beloved Community

Lesley Brown Rawlings, Beloved Community, presented an initial assessment of the scope of work as commissioned by the Board via Resolution No. 11-20.  Approving the engagement of a consultant to evaluate School District policies, practices, and procedures to develop a racial equity plan to ensure that racism does not affect outcomes and experiences for our students and families.  

 

3.6 Facilities Renaming Initiative

NOLA-PS staff presented on the Facilities Renaming Initiative which included key historical updates, Facilities Policy, Facility Renaming Process, and Facility Renaming Components.

 

NOTICE OF INTENT

 

4.1 Notice of Intent re: Discipline Policy Provisions for Distance Learning

 

FIRST READINGS

 

5.1 First Reading: Amendment to Policy HB, Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools

5.2 First Reading: New Policy DCBD, “School Transformation Fund”

5.3 First Reading: Amendment to Policy DC, Annual Operating Budget

5.4 First Reading: New Policy BCAB, Remote Participation in School Board Meetings

5.5 First Reading: Amendment to Policy CBD, Employment of Superintendent

5.6 First Reading: Amendment to Policy DJA, Authorized Signatures

5.7 First Reading: Amendment to Policy DJE, Purchasing

5.8 First Reading: Amendment to Policy DJED, Bids and Quotations

5.9 First Reading: Amendment to Policy EFP, Data Protection and Recovery, Data Protection and Recovery (to be renamed "Business Continuity and Technology Disaster Recovery")

5.10 First Reading: Amendment to Policy GAAA, Equal Opportunity Employment

5.11 First Reading: Amendment to Policy GAE, Complaints and Grievances

5.12 First Reading: Amendment to Policy GAEAA, Sexual Harassment (to be renamed "Employee Sexual Harassment")

5.13 First Reading: Amendment to Policy GAMC, Investigations

5.14 First Reading: Amendment to Policy GBDB, Employment of Retired Personnel

5.15 First Reading: Amendment to Policy IDFAB, Sports Injury Management and Concussions

5.16 First Reading: New Policy JAAA, Title IX Sexual Harassment

5.17 First Reading: Amendment to Policy JBH, Attendance Reports for Student Drivers

5.18 First Reading: Amendment to Policy JGC, Student Health Services

5.19 First Reading: Amendment to Policy JGCE, Child Abuse

5.20 First Reading: Amendment to Policy JCEA, Student Sexual Harassment (to be renamed "Student Sexual Misconduct")

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Provisions to include auditor review for any financial policy amendments was recommended. 

·        Discussion regarding the School Transformation Fund Policy distribution was held.

·        NOLA-PS staff was acknowledged for their continuous work around policy changes.

 

SECOND READINGS

 

6.1 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy BBC, School Board Committees

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy BBC, School Board Committees.

 

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

·        Holly Reid, New Schools for New Orleans representative, expressed support for this item and related polices: 6.2. 6.3, 6.4, and 6.7.

 

6.2 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy BCBB, Notification of Board Meetings

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy BCBB, Notification of Board Meetings.

 

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

 

6.3 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy BCBD, Agenda Preparation and Dissemination

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy BCBD, Agenda Preparation and Dissemination.

 

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

 

6.4 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy BD School Board Policy

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy BD School Board Policy.

 

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

 

6.5 Second Reading: New Policy DCBC, “Deferred Revenues”

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts new Policy DCBC, “Deferred Revenues”.

 

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

·        Holly Reid, New Schools for New Orleans representative, expressed support for this item.

 

6.6 Second Reading: Amendment Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority.

 

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

 

6.7 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy HAA, Charter School Operating Agreement

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy HAA, Charter School Operating Agreement.

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

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

7.1 2020-2021 Pupil Progression Plan

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the 2020-2021 Pupil Progression Plan, as written, for school in its LEA.

 

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison

 

7.2 Request to Approve the 2020-2021 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of New Orleans for Safe Routes to School Program

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of New Orleans in which the Orleans Parish School Board will continue to fund the City's Grant Coordinator’s position in the amount of $70,000.00 annually for a program to increase safety for students going to and coming from school.

 

Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Brown

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Robust discussion regarding the collaborative position was held.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

·        Kenneth Ducote, Greater New Orleans Collaborative representative, expressed support for this item.

 

7.3 Resolution No. 34-20 re: National Purchasing Cooperative (BuyBoard) Interlocal Participation Agreement

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution No. 34-20 authorizing the Superintendent to enter into the membership agreement with BuyBoard National Purchasing Cooperative Interlocal Participation Agreement to make purchases under the authority of HB NO. 409, Act 265 of the Regular Legislative Session and in compliance with Louisiana R. S. 38.2212.1 (N) procurement method; and authorizes the Board President or Superintendent to execute any and all relevant documents.

 

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

 

7.4 Commissioning Contract with Thompson Building Energy Solutions, LLC (TBES) for Rosenwald Renovations

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes execution of a commissioning contract with Thompson Building Energy Solutions, LLC, for commissioning of the Rosenwald School Facility in the amount of $176,287.00 and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signature.

 

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Ms. Ellison

 

7.5 Request for Award of Invitation to Bid No. 20-FAC-0073 for the Chiller Plant Replacement at Sylvanie Williams Elementary School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Gottfried Contracting LLC, in the amount of $418,413.00 for the Chiller Plant renovations at Sylvanie Williams Elementary School and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Brown

 

7.6 Request for Award of Proposal No. 21-FAC-0012 Environmental Consulting Services

Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposals meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions to Materials Management Group Inc. and Terracon Consultants, Inc. to perform as needed environmental consulting services. The total amount for both contracts are not to exceed $2,000,000 for three years; each Contractor shall have a not to exceed contract amount of $1,000,000 per Contract subject to Board approval and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signature of the Board President and the Contractors. The three-year contract period will be through June 2024.

 

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Ashley

 

7.7 Request to Approve Donation of Personal Protective Equipment

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the donation of 110,000 disposable face masks provided by Every PPE Inc. for the use NOLA Public Schools.

 

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

 

7.8 Amendment to Commissioning Contract with Thompson Building Energy Solutions, LLC (TBES) for Four Schools

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorize an amendment to the commissioning contract with Thompson Building Energy Solutions, LLC, for commissioning services at Audubon Elementary, Lake Forest Elementary, Moton (North Kenilworth) Charter and Alice Harte Elementary to increase the amount of the contract by $47,843.00 for additional work to be performed at Moton (North Kenilworth). The amended contract value will total $115,913.

 

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

 

7.9 Resolution 37-20 re: Signature Authority for State Funding for "A Model for the a 21st Century Workforce Development Urban High School - New Orleans Science and Mathematics High School"

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the board approves Resolution 37-20 authorizing the Superintendent or his/her designee to perform ministerial and administrative acts on behalf of the Orleans Parish School Board as required by the State of Louisiana for the receipt of Capital Outlay funding for the purchase of equipment at 2011 Bienville Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, pursuant to the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for "A Model for the a 21st Century Workforce Development Urban High School - New Orleans Science and Mathematics High School".

 

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

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Ms. Ellison, second by Mr. Koppel to move to executive session at 3:12pm.

 

Reconvened from Executive Session at 3:22pm. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, John A. Brown, Sr., Leslie Ellison, Grisela A. Jackson, Woody Koppel, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Sarah Newell Usdin. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

8.1 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person - School Board personnel.

 

8.2 Prospective Litigation re: Lusher Refurbishment Project - Status Report

Recommended Action: That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the course of the action recommended by its legal counsel in this matter.

 

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Ashley

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

9.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Koppel, second by Mr. Marshall to adjourn the meeting.

 

 

Meeting Adjourned at 3:24pm.