MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

https://zoom.us/j/91059262752

JANUARY 12, 2021

 

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 1:04 pm by Board President Ethan Ashley. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, Katherine Baudouin, John A. Brown, Sr., Olin G. Parker, Dr. Jancarlos (J.C.) Wagner Romero, and Carlos Luis Zervigon. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present.  Nolan Marshall, Jr. arrived at 1:18 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 meeting agenda as provided.

Motion by Ms. Baudouin second by Mr. Parker

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Brown, Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Marshall

·        Abstain: None

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Brown to adopt the minutes of the December 15, 2020 Committee of the Whole (waiving the reading).

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Brown, Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Marshall

·        Abstain: None

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

3.1 Schools Update

NOLA-PS staff provided a Schools Update.  This included COVID-19 Ongoing Monitoring and Support and Systemwide Needs Program Update.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·      Discussion around student support during distance learning, school nurse vaccination, teacher talent recruitment, and financial impact to the Systemwide Needs Program was held. 

 

3.2 Accountability Updates

NOLA-PS staff provided an Accountability Update which included key updates on Notices of Non-Compliance, Charter Request for Application Process, Upcoming Renewals, and Lawrence D. Crocker Open Siting Process.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·      Robust discussion around charter request for applications, Open Siting engagement meetings, program diversity, Notice of Non-Compliance process and school leader autonomy was held. 

 

3.3 Presentation the November 2020 Financial Reports and Other Finance Updates

NOLA-PS staff presented its November 2020 Financial Reports and Charter Funding YTD.

 

3.4 Capital and Facilities January Update

NOLA-PS staff presented its January Capital Projects and Facility Updates which included key updates on NOLA-PS Capital Projects and RSD Capital Projects. 

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·      Discussion around auditorium renovations, Disadvantage Business Enterprise reporting, and Career Technical Education High School governance and operation was held. 

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

4.1 Acceptance of Grant from Special Olympics Louisiana (SOLA)

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the grant award in the amount of $8,000.00 from Special Olympics Louisiana.

 

Motion by Mr. Brown, second by Mr. Ashley

 

4.2 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase for Furnishings, Fixtures and Equipment

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, in the total amount of $500,862.83, to be funded by a Capital Outlay Grant from the State of Louisiana.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Mr. Brown, second by Mr. Marshall to move to executive session at 2:26pm.

 

Reconvened from Executive Session at 2:53pm. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, Katherine Baudouin, John A. Brown, Sr., Nolan Marshall, Jr., Olin G. Parker, Dr. Jancarlos (J.C.) Wagner Romero, and Carlos Luis Zervigon. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. and Board Counsel Sharonda Williams were also present.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

5.1 Hamp's Construction, LLC v. Orleans Parish School Board, Orleans Parish Civil District Court No. 2012-10546; Construction Litigation - Settlement Authority

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board grants the settlement authority threshold in this matter as recommended by its legal counsel.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Marshall

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

6.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Dr. Wagner Romero, second by Mr. Parker to adjourn the meeting.

 

 

Meeting Adjourned at 2:56pm.