MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

https://zoom.us/j/92265893264  

FEBRUARY 23, 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 1:03pm by Board President Ethan Ashley. 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.

 

-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 Mr. Zervigon second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: None

·        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 January 12, 2021 Committee of the Whole (waiving the reading).

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: None

·        Abstain: None

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

3.1 Schools Update

NOLA-PS staff provided a Schools Update.  This included COVID-19 Ongoing Monitoring and Support and School and Student Support Updates.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·      Robust discussion around school staff vaccination, programing sustainability, and attendance efforts was held. 

 

3.2 Accountability Updates

NOLA-PS staff provided an Accountability Update which included key updates on Notices of Non-Compliance; High School Accountability; Portfolio Innovation: Charter Request for Application Process; Accountability Updates: District Innovation and School Support Network.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·      Discussion around the charter application process and student attendance was held. 

 

3.3 Finance Update

NOLA-PS staff presented its December 2020 Financial Reports and Department Updates.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·      Discussion around the portfolio distribution and policy was held. 

 

3.4 Property Update

NOLA-PS staff presented its February Capital Projects and Facility Updates which included key updates on NOLA-PS Capital Projects, RSD Capital Projects, and a Property and Real Estate Update.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·      Robust discussion around surplus properties presented was held. 

 

3.5 Facilities Renaming Initiative-Update

NOLA-PS staff provided an overview of the Facilities Renaming Initiative which included the renaming process and project timeline.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·      Robust discussion around commitment and process given to the initiative was held. 

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

4.1 Request For Proposal NO. 21-0013 Professional Development Services - Innovation Program

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Professional Development Innovation Program on the RFP No. 21-0013 from Brothers Empowered to Teach Initiative in the amount of $185,000.00 and 4th Sector Solutions, LLC TBD in the amount of $40,000.00 for one (1) year with the option to renew, subject to Board approval, and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Mr. Brown, second by Mr. Parker

 

4.2 Request For Proposal NO. 21-0014 Strategic Planning Consultant Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Strategic Planning Consultant Services as stated on the RFP No. 21-0014 from The Caulfield Consulting Group, LLC in the amount of $200,000.00 for four (4) months and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley second by Dr. Wagner Romero

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·      Discussion around RFP process was held. 

 

4.3 Amendment #2 to Agreement with CBRE Heery, Inc. and Vanir Construction Management, Inc. for Program Management Services-Current Projects

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement with A Joint Venture of CBRE Heery, Inc. & Vanir Construction Management, Inc. (CHV) for Program Management Services – Current Projects reallocating and clarifying the funding sources for projects included in the scope of work.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin second by Mr. Brown

 

4.4 Louisiana State Contract Purchase for Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment for New Orleans Sci High

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the purchase for furnishings, fixtures and equipment for the new New Orleans Science and Math High School from Grainger and a 3D Virtual Dissection Table from the Anatomage Company for a total cost of $161,878.73 to be funded by the school's Capital Outlay Grant from the State of Louisiana.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley second by Mr. Zervigon

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·      Discussion around the determination of sole source process was held. 

 

4.5 Amendment No. 1 to CEA with Success Preparatory Academy re: Property Improvements

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Amendment #1 to the CEA between OPSB and Success Preparatory Academy, increasing the amount to be paid by Success Preparatory Academy for erection of the fence, from $62,400.00 to $88,292.57.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley second by Dr. Wagner Romero

 

4.6 2nd Amendment to Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Recovery School District re: Lafayette Renovation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves an amendment to the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the Recovery School District and the Orleans Parish School Board, increasing the amount by an additional $1,174,199.62, for the renovation of Lafayette Elementary School and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the amendment for signatures.

 

Motion by Mr. Brown second by Mr. Parker

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

5.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Brown, second by Ms. Baudouin to adjourn the meeting.

 

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·      Discussion around standardized testing was held. 

 

Meeting Adjourned at 3:50pm.