MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
https://zoom.us/j/96807641083
MAY 18, 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 by Mr. Brown, second by Ms. Baudouin to adopt the meeting agenda as amended. Board Counsel noted: Item 4.3 listed on the agenda will be deferred.
· 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. Parker to adopt the minutes of the April 20, 2021 Committee of the Whole and the April 20, 2021 Public Hearing: Charter Request for Application. Amending the minutes of the April 20, 2021 Committee of the Whole to correct the clerical error listing Mr. Zervigon as absent and to reflect Mr. Zervigon’s no vote for item 6.2. (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 which included key updates on the Systemwide Needs Program.
Board Comment:
· Robust discussion related to programing, implementation, and projections regarding 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 Level 2; Charter Board Authorizer Training; Spring 2021 Charter Request for Applications Process; Spring 2021 Charter RFA Cycle – Applicants; and LEA Agreement Updates.
Board Comment:
· Discussion related to district in person services resuming was held.
3.3 Strategic Planning Update
NOLA-PS’s consulting team, The Caulfield Consulting Group, provided a Project Update.
Board Comment:
· Discussion related to plan implementation was held.
POLICY
4.1 First Reading: Amendment to Policy FJ, Orleans Parish School Facility Preservation Program
4.2 First Reading: Amendment to Policy HD, Charter School Facilities Management
BUDGET AND FINANCE
5.1 Presentation of Monthly Finance Report
NOLA-PS staff presented its March 2021 Financial Reports and Department updates regarding Transformation Fund; Millage Renewal; Budget Amendments; and an Investment Update.
BOARD COMMENTS
· Requests related to financial updates to the board were made.
5.2 Systemwide Needs Program Budget Modifications
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the OPSB approves the proposed modifications to the Systemwide Needs Program budget to be effective commencing with the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
Motion 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
PUBLIC COMMENTS
· Amanda Sullivan, a representative of FirstLine Schools, expressed need for continued funding of specialized programming and individual students. Additionally, potential impacts related to the CENF fund.
· Thomas Shepley, a representative of FirstLine Schools, expressed need for continued funding of specialized programming and individual students. Additionally, potential impacts related to the CENF fund.
· Jennifer Coco, a representative of Center for Learner Equity, expressed need for continued funding of specialized programming and individual students. Additionally, potential impacts related to the CENF fund.
· Kael Saloy, a representative of ReNew Schools, urged reconsideration of budget allocation to fund individual student needs with disabilities.
BOARD COMMENTS
· Discussion related to CENF and fund allocations was held.
5.3 Second Amendment to Financial Advisory Services Contract with PFM Financial Advisors, LLC
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the second amendment to the contract with PFM Financial Advisors, LLC for financial municipal advisory services for the period of May 21, 2021 thru May 20, 2022 at an amount not to exceed $178,000 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signature of the Board President and Contractor.
Motion 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
5.4 Resolution 05-21 Levying Constitutional and other Dedicated Millages 2022
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 05-21 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 the year 2022.
Motion Ms. Baudouin, second by Dr. Wagner Romero, waiving the reading of the resolution
· 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
5.5 Resolution 06-21 authorizing the 1st amendment to the Capital Fund Budget of Revenues and Expenditures
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the OPSB approves Resolution 06-21 to amend the Capital Fund Budget of Revenues and Expenditures, specifically the School Facilities Preservation Program (Fund 60).
Motion Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Brown, waiving the reading of the resolution
· 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
5.6 Resolution 07-21 authorizing the 1st amendment to the Special Revenues Fund Budget of Revenues and Expenditures
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the OPSB amends and adopts the 1st amendment to the Special Revenues Fund Budget of Revenue and Expenditures to account for increased allocations of funding in the amount of $49,626,334.
Motion Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Ashley, waiving the reading of the resolution
· 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
5.7 Change Order No. 2 re: Hynes Elementary Envelope Repairs-Phase 3-Project No. 20-FAC_0040
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes Change Order No. 2 to increase the contract with Crescent Commercial Construction for the Hynes Elementary Envelope Repairs-Phase 3 project in the amount of $10,778.39.
Motion Mr. Parker, 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
5.8 Amendment to Agreement Between Orleans Parish School Board and CSRS, Inc., for Capital Planning Services Request for Proposal no. 20-FAC-0013
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes an amendment to the Capital Planning Services contract with CSRS, Inc., for capital planning services to extend the contract for an additional one-year period for an additional amount not to exceed $97,500.
Motion Mr. Brown, 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
5.9 Medicaid Billing Services Request for Proposal No. 21-0025
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Medicaid Billing Services for the Exceptional Children’s Services Department on the RFP No. 21-0025 from Health & Education Alliance of Louisiana in the amount of $100,000.00 for one (1) year with the option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year periods under the same terms and conditions and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
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
5.10 Approval of LSU Health Sciences Contract for Public Health Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves a new contract with LSU Health Sciences for Public Health Services, to be effective from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, for the total amount of $105,000 for the continuation of Public Health Services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the contract.
Motion 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
PROPERTY
6.1 Capital and Facilities Update Presentation
NOLA-PS staff presented its May Capital Projects and Facility Updates which included key updates on NOLA-PS and RSD Capital Projects; Hurricane Season 2021 Preparations; and Property Disposition Update
6.2 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with 9th Ward Stadium Incorporated
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the Orleans Parish School Board and the non-profit 9th Ward Stadium Incorporated for the purposes of fundraising for a football stadium and other athletic facilities in the 9th Ward of New Orleans.
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: None
· Abstain: Mr. Marshall
BOARD COMMENTS
· Acknowledgment of the significance of the project was made, specifically to all parties involved past and present. Additionally, considerations regarding advisory panel were recommended.
6.3 Request to Surplus Valena C. Jones (1901 N. Galvez, 70119) and McDonogh 15 Custodial Cottage (1014 Bourbon St, 70116)
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adds Valena C. Jones at 1901 N Galvez Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 7019 and McDonogh 15 Custodial Cottage at 1014 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116 to the School Board's list of surplus property as these properties have been deemed unnecessary for school use as part of the Unified Facilities Plan adopted by the Orleans Parish School Board in 2019.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Marshall
· 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 requesting property disposition options after schools right of refusal was held.
LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE
7.1 Approval of Charter School Facilities Lease Template
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the template for facilities leases to be executed with charter schools in Orleans Parish School Board facilities.
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
BOARD COMMENTS
· Discussion related to proposed template was held.
7.2 Approval of Type 2 Charter School Facilities Lease Template
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the template for facilities leases to be executed with Type 2 charter schools in Orleans Parish School Board facilities.
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
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Zervigon to move to executive session at 3:15pm.
· 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
Reconvened from Executive Session at 3:40pm. The following board members were present: Ethan Ashley, Nolan Marshall, Jr., 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.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
8.1 Prospective Litigation re: Better Choice Foundation Charter Closeout
No action taken.
ADJOURNMENT
9.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Brown, second by Ms. Baudouin 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 3:41pm.