MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
JUNE 8, 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, 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.
-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 Mr. Zervigon to adopt the meeting agenda as amended. Board Counsel noted: Item 7.1 listed on the agenda will be deferred and 5.16 – Acceptance of Grant from Baptist Community Ministries will be added.
· 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. Brown, second by Mr. Ashley to adopt the minutes of the May 4, 2021 Special Committee Meeting, May 18, 20221 Board Work Session, and the May 18, 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 which included key updates on COVID – 19 Planning and Support Activities and external presentations from Firstline Schools and New Schools for New Orleans/Instructional Quality Initiative.
Board Comment:
· Robust discussion related to reading instruction methods, trauma informed strategies, and curriculum hubs was held.
3.2 Accountability Updates
NOLA-PS staff provided an Accountability Update which included key updates on Enrollment, Notices of Non-Compliance, General Compliance Results, High School Audit Summary Results, Financial Compliance, and RFA Process – The Bridge Contract.
3.3 Strategic Planning Update
NOLA-PS’s consulting team, The Caulfield Consulting Group, provided a Project Update.
Board Comment:
· Discussion related to stakeholder engagement process was held.
POLICY
4.1 Notice of Intent - Policy HA School Board Chartering Authority
4.2 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy FJ, Orleans Parish School Facility Preservation Program
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy FJ, Orleans Parish School Facility Preservation Program.
Motion 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
Board Comment:
· Discussion related to emergency response process was held.
4.3 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy HD, Charter School Facilities Management
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy HD, Charter School Facilities Management.
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
BUDGET AND FINANCE
5.1 Presentation of Monthly Finance Report
NOLA-PS staff presented its April 2021 Financial Reports and Department updates regarding FY20 Audit, District Level Funding Allocation, and FY22 Budget Adoption Process.
BOARD COMMENTS
· Discussion related to financial updates to the board was held.
5.2 Request to Approve the Amendment to the contract with the Center for Resilience
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves an increase to the contract with the Center for Resilience raising the previously approved amount of $1,000,000 to $1,300,000 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
Motion Mr. Zervigon, 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
5.3 Request to Approve a One (1) Year Renewal with TNTP for Mentor Teacher Training Services RFP No. 20-0055
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the one-year renewal of the contract with TNTP for Mentor Teacher Training services for fiscal year 2021-2022. The contract period will be effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 at an amount not to exceed $200,000; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signature of the Board President and contractor.
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
5.4 Amendment to Contract for Middle School Expulsion Program
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the amendment extending the contract with Educators for Quality Alternatives to administer The Bridge Program for 7th and 8th grade students who have been expelled or at risk of expulsion for the 2021-22 school year; and to authorize OPSB General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
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
BOARD COMMENTS
· Discussion related to program effectiveness was held.
5.5 First Amendment to Hubbard & Tennyson, LLC Agreement
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves renewal of the agreement with Hubbard & Tennyson, LLC, for speech therapy servicers, approves the first amendment to the contract, approves an amended cost of services from $150,000.00 to $200,000.00, 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
5.6 Request to Award Proposal Number 21-0028 for Disaster Recovery Services i.e. Fire, Floor and Disaster Restoration Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Disaster Recovery Services on the RFP No. 21-0028 from Guarantee Restoration Services in an amount to be determined based on scope, size of catastrophic loss and recovery efforts; for one (1) year with the option for two (2) one-year (1) extensions, subject to Board approval, and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
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
5.7 Request to Renew Property, Casualty and Flood Insurance Premiums Expiring in 2021 - 2022
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans parish School Board approves the renewal of Property, Boiler & Machinery (equipment breakdown), Terrorism (physical and liability), General Liability, Workers Compensation, Excess Liability, Pollution Liability, Violent Malicious Acts, Cyber Liability and Flood Insurance policy renewals and authorizes the Board President to sign forms binding coverages effective July 1, 2021 through July 1, 2022.
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 First Amendment to Third-Party Contracts to Provide Title I Supplemental Educational Services for Eligible Students in Non-Public Schools
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the first amendment to contract for Title I educational services for eligible students in non-public schools for the 2020-2021 fiscal year for Catapult Learning, LLC ($126,570.96), and Sylvan Learning ($34,771.39), and Believe to Achieve ($5,479.13) and authorize General Counsel to prepare the contract(s) amendment for signature of the Consultants, and the Board President. The total amount of these services is $166,821.48 with funds available in the Title I Purchased Educational Services account.
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
5.9 First Amendment to Third-Party Contracts to Provide Title II Supplemental Educational Services for Eligible Students in Non-Public Schools
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the first amendment to contract for Title II educational services for professional development services of teachers for students in non-public schools for the 2020-2021 fiscal year for Catapult Learning, LLC ($9,216.00), and Learn-It-Systems ($198.67) and authorize General Counsel to prepare the contract(s) amendment for signature of the Consultants, and the Board President. The total amount of these services is $9,414.67 with funds available in the Title II Purchased Educational Services account.
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
5.10 Request to Approve Contract with Tyler Technologies, Inc. thru the Sourcewell Cooperative Contract for MUNIS Software and Support Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the purchase of MUNIS software and support services from Tyler Technologies, Inc., under the Louisiana State-approved Cooperative contract for three (3) years to be renewed annually; for a one-year total of $178,336.00 subject to Board approval, and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
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
5.11 Request to Award Invitation to Bid NO. 22-CN-0002 Milk for The Child Nutrition Program Fiscal Year 2021-2022
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the low bid meeting the specifications for Invitation to Bid No. 22-CN-0002 for Milk for the Child Nutrition Program for fiscal year 2021-2022 from Brown's Dairy/Prairie Farms in the amount of $ 171,730.50.
Motion Mr. Zervigon, 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
5.12 Request to Award Invitation to Bid NO. 22-CN-0004 Canned Goods and Staples for The Child Nutrition Program Fiscal Year 2021-2022
Recommended Action: Request to Award Invitation to Bid NO. 22-CN-0004 Canned Goods and Staples for The Child Nutrition Program Fiscal Year 2021-2022
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
5.13 Resolution 08-21 Capital Projects Budget Amendment #2
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 08-21 Capital Projects Budget Amendment#1 to the Capital Projects Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020, and ending June 30, 2021.
Motion Ms. Baudouin, 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
5.14 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 20-FAC-0044 for Fredrick Douglass High School Auditorium Refurbishment Project
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the low bid for Fredrick Douglas Auditorium refurbishment from NFT Group,LLC in the amount of $$3,135,000.00 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and Contractor.
Motion Ms. Baudouin, 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
5.15 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 20-FAC-0043 for Eleanor McMain Auditorium Refurbishment Project
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the bid meeting the specifications for Eleanor McMain Auditorium Refurbishment to Tuna Construction, LLC project No. 20-FAC-0043 in the amount of $5,633,000.00; and authorize General Counsel to prepare the contract for signatures of the Board President and Contractor.
Motion Mr. Zervigon, 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
5.16 Acceptance of Grant from Baptist Community Ministries
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the grant in the amount of $151,500.00 from Baptist Community Ministries.
Motion Mr. Zervigon, 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
BOARD COMMENTS
· Request for supporting information regarding cost increases was made.
PROPERTY
6.1 Capital and Facilities Update Presentation
NOLA-PS staff presented its June Capital Projects and Facility Updates which included key updates on NOLA-PS and RSD Capital Projects; and School Facility Preservation Program.
BOARD COMMENTS
· Discussion related to the School Facility Preservation Program project management, lease templates, Career Technical Education Center, and DBE participation was held.
6.2 Lusher Charter School Athletic Field Facility Alteration
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the requested Facility Alteration submitted by Lusher Charter School as required by Policy HD.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, 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
BOARD COMMENTS
· Clarification related to the item and district facility forms/handbook was held.
6.3 Facilities Renaming Initiative - Recommendation
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Superintendent's recommendations for facility name changes.
Motion by 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
BOARD COMMENTS
· Discussion related to second list of facilities was held. Additionally, acknowledgments for the initiative were give.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
· Funmilayo Smallwood expressed support for recommendation to a facility set forth in this item.
· Maychelle Cooper Rodney expressed support for recommendation to a facility set forth in this item.
· Earl Williams expressed support for recommendation to a facility set forth in this item.
· Wanda Romain expressed dissent for recommendation to a facility set forth in this item.
· Timothy David Ray expressed dissent for recommendation to a facility set forth in this item.
· Winston Burns, on behalf of Marc Morial, expressed support for this item.
ADJOURNMENT
8.1 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 4:37pm.