MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
https://zoom.us/j/ 92070397399
MARCH 16, 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 1:04pm 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 amended. Board Counsel noted:
· Item 8.1 Executive Session listed on the agenda will be deleted.
Motion by Mr. Brown second by Mr. Parker
· 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 Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon to adopt the minutes of the February 23, 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
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS
3.1 Schools Update
NOLA-PS staff provided a Schools Update. This included COVID-19 Ongoing Monitoring; Summer Programming Support; College and Career Strategy; Engagement and Recovery Guide; Dual Enrollment Resource Guide; Updated Senior Graduation Requirement; and an Enrollment Update.
BOARD COMMENTS
· Discussion related to information shared during presentation was held.
3.2 Accountability Updates
NOLA-PS staff provided an Accountability Update which included key updates on Notices of Non-Compliance Level 2; Financial Compliance; Charter Board Governance; High School Accountability; and LEA Status.
BOARD COMMENTS
· Robust discussion related to information shared during presentation was held.
3.3 2021 - 2022 Employment Calendar for Central Office Personnel, 2021-2022 ECS Calendar, and 2021-2022 Child Nutrition Calendar
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the 2021 - 2022 Employment Calendar for Central Office personnel, 2021-2022 ECS Calendar, and 2021-2022 Child Nutrition Calendar.
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
3.4 Request for Independent Local Educational Agency (LEA) Status - Benjamin Franklin Mathematics and Science Elementary School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the request from Legacy Of Excellence, Inc. to allow Benjamin Franklin Mathematics and Science Elementary School to operate as its own Local Educational Agency status effective July 1, 2021. The school shall retain the right to rescind this request until March 31, 2021 pending information from the state regarding Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSERF) funding.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Brown
· 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
3.5 Request for Independent Local Educational Agency (LEA) Status - Homer A. Plessy Community School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the request from Citizens' Committee For Education, Inc. to allow Homer A. Plessy Community School to operate as its own Local Educational Agency status effective July 1, 2021. The school shall retain the right to rescind this request until March 31, 2021 pending information from the state regarding Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSERF) funding.
Motion by Mr. Parker, 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
3.6 Request for Independent Local Educational Agency (LEA) Status - Rooted School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the request from Rooted School to allow Rooted School to operate as its own Local Educational Agency status effective July 1, 2021. The school shall retain the right to rescind this request until March 31, 2021 pending information from the state regarding Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSERF) funding.
Motion by Mr. Brown, second by Mr. Zervigon
· 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
POLICY
4.1 Notice of Intent to amend Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority, and Policy HE, Enrollment
4.2 Amendment to OPSB Policy DJC, Payroll Procedures – First Reading
4.3Amendment to Policy GBG, Probation – First Reading
4.4Amendment to OPSB Policy GBN, Dismissal of Employees – First Reading
4.5 Amendment to OPSB Policy GBO, Resignation – First Reading
4.6 Amendment to Policy GBRK, Vacation – First Reading
4.7 Request to Suspend March 30th Deadline in OPSB Policy DCBC, Deferred Revenues
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board suspends the provision in Policy DCBC that requires school operators to sign agreements detailing the terms of delayed collections by no later than March 30th and extends said deadline for the current year from March 30, 2021, to no later than June 30, 2021.
Motion Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon
· 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
BUDGET AND FINANCE
5.1 Finance Update
NOLA-PS staff presented its January 2021 Financial Reports and Department updates regarding charter school funding, Act 393 implementation, DBE updates and an audit update.
BOARD COMMENTS
· Robust discussion related to information shared during presentation was held.
PROPERTY
6.1 Capital and Facilities Update Presentation
NOLA-PS staff presented its March Capital Projects and Facility Updates which included key updates on the process used to revise performance and standard designs.
BOARD COMMENTS
· Discussion related to information shared during presentation was held.
7.1 SB39 Presentation from Senator Joseph Bouie Jr., District 3
SB39 Presentation from Senator Joseph Bouie Jr., District 3. For more information on SB#39
BOARD COMMENTS
· Discussion related to information shared during presentation was held.
6.2 Facilities Renaming Initiative Update
NOLA-PS staff provided an overview of the Facilities Renaming Initiative which included an overview of the historian review team.
BOARD COMMENTS
· Discussion related to the historian selection process was held.
6.3 Invitation to Quote - Number Q21-FAC-25A for the Chiller Replacement at Martin L. King Elementary School Site
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the quote from GH Mechanical, LLC. for the Chiller Replacement at Martin L. King Elementary School, 1617 Caffin Ave., New Orleans, LA 70117, in the amount of $129,900.00; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Brown
· 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
6.4 Request to Surplus Properties Located at 4422 General Meyer and 4460 General Meyer
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board add the buildings at 4460 General Meyer Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70131 and 4422 General Meyer Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70131 to the list of surplus property as these properties have been deemed unnecessary for future use by OPSB due to economic burden.
Motion by Mr. Brown, second by Dr. Wagner Romero
· 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
LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE
7.2 Legislative Priorities Presentation
An update to the 2021 OPSB Legislative Priorities was presented to include Priority# 10- Support legislation that focuses on the elimination of community poverty (i.e. min wage, affordable housing, etc)
7.3 2021 Legislative Priorities
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Board approve the 2021 Legislative Priorities
Motion by Mr. Ashley, 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
7.4 Request for Conflict Waiver re: Phelps Dunbar, LLP
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board waives any potential conflict of interest arising from Phelps Dunbar, LLP's representation of the School Board while also representing Jackson Precast, Inc. ("JPI") in matters unrelated to the School Board, and authorizes the General Counsel to execute the necessary documents to effectuate such a waiver.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Parker
· 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
7.5 Operating Agreement Second Amendment - Frederick Douglass High School (KIPP)
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the second amendment to the operating agreement to include existing school feeder patterns.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Dr. Wagner Romero
· 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
7.6 Operating Agreement Amendment - John F Kennedy High School (KIPP)
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the amendment to the operating agreement to include existing school feeder patterns.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Ashley
· 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
7.7 Operating Agreement Second Amendment - Booker T. Washington High School (KIPP)
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the second amendment to the operating agreement to include existing school feeder patterns.
Motion by Mr. Parker, 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
7.8 Operating Agreement Amendment - McDonogh 35 Senior High School (InspireNOLA)
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the amendment to the operating agreement to include existing school feeder patterns.
Motion by Mr. Brown, second by Mr. Ashley
· 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
7.9 Operating Agreement Amendment - Edna Karr High School (InspireNOLA)
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the amendment to the operating agreement to include existing school feeder patterns.
Motion by Mr. Brown, second by Dr. Wagner Romero
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
BOARD COMMENTS
· Discussion regarding allocations was held.
7.10 Operating Agreement Amendment - McMain Senior High School (InspireNOLA)
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the amendment to the operating agreement to include existing school feeder patterns and ensure alignment with standard enrollment preferences.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion fails
· Yeas: None
· Nays: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Brown, Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Zervigon
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENTS
· Discussion regarding feeder pattern preferences listed in the agreement was held.
· Given a technical error in agreement a substitute motion was presented to adopt the agreement with language as amended.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Parker with language as amended: The school follows the enrollment priorities described in board policy. Charter Operator may grant feeder pattern preference to currently enrolled 8th graders of Andrew Wilson Charter School while they are the Charter Operator. Charter Operator may grant feeder pattern preference to students between any schools operated by Charter Operator.
· 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
EXECUTIVE SESSION
8.1 Executive Session was removed from the agenda and the board did not convene in executive session.
ADJOURNMENT
9.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Brown, second by Mr. Zervigon to adjourn the meeting.
· 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
Meeting Adjourned at 3:59pm.