MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

JULY 27, 2021

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 1:07pm 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 Ashley Heilprin were also present.

 

-Interpretation services were acknowledged.

 

- In-person meeting procedure update was provided.

 

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Ashley.  

 

1.3 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Brown to adopt the meeting agenda as amended. Board Counsel noted: Item 6.3 – Facilities Renaming Initiative - Recommendation would be moved to the top of the agenda.

·        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 Ms. Baudouin to adopt the minutes of the June 8, 2021, Committee of the Whole correcting a typo in the board comment section of item 6.3 changing the word give to given (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

 

PROPERTY

 

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. Brown

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

·        Oliver Thomas expressed support for recommendation to a facility set forth in this item. 

·        Randolph Davis expressed support for recommendation to a facility set forth in this item. 

·        Brenda Square expressed support for recommendation to a facility set forth in this item. 

·        Darriel King expressed support for recommendation to a facility set forth in this item.  

·        Yarvelle King expressed support for recommendation to a facility set forth in this item. 

·        Lester Thomas expressed support for recommendation to a facility set forth in this item. 

·        Michael Pittman expressed support for recommendation to a facility set forth in this item.   

·        Danise Pruitt expressed support for recommendation to a facility set forth in this item. 

·        Jessica Brooks expressed support for recommendation to a facility set forth in this item. 

·        Pastor Joseph Recasner expressed support for recommendation to a facility set forth in this item.  Additionally, presented a resolution on behalf of a charter management organization.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Robust discussion related to this item was held. 

 

ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS

 

3.1 Schools Update

NOLA-PS staff provided its monthly Schools Update which included key updates on COVID – 19 Planning and Support Activities and an external presentation from Community Academies.

 

Board Comment:

·        Robust discussion related to COVID – 19 testing and vaccinations was held. Additionally, highlights presented during the external presentations were discussed. 

 

3.2 Accountability Updates

NOLA-PS staff provided an Accountability Update which included key updates on Notices of Non-Compliance; Annual Site Visits; 2021-2022 Charter Renewal Schools; and 2021-2022 Renewal Qualification: Extension Review.

 

Board Comment:

Discussion related virtual school instruction was held.

 

- Charine Gipson, a representative from James M. Singleton Charter School, commented regarding open notices of non-compliance and the district’s good faith engagement as it relates to said notices.

 

POLICY

 

4.1 Notice of Intent to Amend Policy DFE, Investments

 

4.2 Notice of Intent to Establish Anti-Retaliation Policy

 

Board Comment:

Comments related to the Anti-Retaliation Policy were made.

 

BUDGET AND FINANCE

 

5.1 Presentation of Monthly Finance Report

NOLA-PS staff presented its May 2021 Financial Reports and Department updates regarding FY20 Audit; District Level Funding Allocation; Revenue Anticipation Note RFP Process; Investment Update; and Salary Schedule Amendment and Stipend Amounts

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Discussion related to the financial updates was held. 

 

5.2 Presentation of the Proposed 2021-2022 Budget for the General Fund and Special Revenue Fund

NOLA-PS staff presented on the FY22 Budget Adoption Process.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Discussion related to FY22 Budget Adoption was held. 

 

5.3 Request to accept contribution of $150,000 from Agenda for Children for enrollment system

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept a contribution from Agenda for Children in the amount of $150,000 for funds to be used to enhance the district's unified enrollment system for early childhood applicants.

 

Motion Mr. Ashley, second by Dr. Wagner Romero

 

5.4 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 21-0030 Special Education Direct and Related Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposals meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Special Education Direct and Related Services from Maxim Healthcare Staffing Services, Orange Tree Staffing, The Stepping Stones Group, and Sunbelt Staffing in amounts to be determined as per warranted services, but not to exceed a combined total of $200,000.00, for a period of one (1) year with two (2) one-year optional renewals, subject to Board approval, and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare contracts for signatures of the Board President and the contractors.

 

Motion Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Robust discussion related to DBE participation was held. 

 

5.5 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 21-0031 Special Education Evaluation Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposals meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Special Education Evaluation Services from Educational Diagnostic Services & Consulting of Louisiana, Young Cypress Psychology, and Speducation Evaluation Services in amounts to be determined as per warranted services, but not to exceed a combined total of $200,000.00, for a period of one (1) year with two (2) one-year optional renewals, subject to Board approval, and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare contracts for signatures of the Board President and the contractors.

 

Motion Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Parker

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Comment related to scoring was made. 

 

5.6 Resolution 09-21 Negative Deferred Revenue

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 09-21 providing all schools with the option to delay collections of the full amount of any "negative" deferred revenues until a future year when deferred revenues are "positive" due to the importance and urgency to support schools with the financial resources they need to provide a safe, healthy environment for educators, students, support staff, and families that is conducive to learning and academic achievement.

 

Motion Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin, waiving the reading of the resolution.

 

5.7 Revisions to Central Office Salary Schedules

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the revised central office salary schedules for current central office employees and the new salary schedules for central office employees hired effective on or after July 1, 2021, to reflect state mandated pay increases.

 

Motion Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Ashley

 

5.8 Stipend and Supplemental Compensation Scale

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the 2021-2022 supplemental compensation schedule for the upcoming school year. This replaces all previous revisions and aligns with budgets, fund sources and departmental needs.

 

Motion Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Brown

 

5.9 Request to Amend Contract with Postlethwaite & Netterville, APAC for Professional Auditing Services (RFP No. 20-0066)

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves an amendment to the contract with Postlethwaite & Netterville, APAC for Professional Auditing Services to increase the cost of the audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, by an amount not to exceed $130,000.00 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signature of the Board President and Contractor. This increase would bring the total contract value for the FY 2020 audit to $250,000.00.

 

Motion Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Comment related future year increase was made. 

 

5.10 Request for Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Williams Architects to provide Design and Construction Administration services for Exterior Waterproofing at Homer Plessy School Site (formerly McDonogh No. 15)

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves a contract with Williams Architects for Design and Construction Administration services associated with the Exterior Waterproofing Project at the Homer Plessy school site (formerly McDonogh No. 15) in the amount of $211,125.00 and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the contract for signatures of the Board President and the architect.

 

Motion Dr. Wagner Romero, second by Mr. Ashley

 

5.11 Request for Approval of Invitation to Quote No. Q21-FAC-42 for Water Intrusion Project at William Frantz Elementary School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the quote received for the Water Intrusion and Repairs Project, at William Frantz Elementary School from Stallings Construction, Co. in the amount of $119,900.00 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

 

Motion Mr. Brown, second by Mr. Ashley

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

 

5.12 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 21-0024 Career and Technical Education Equipment - New Orleans Charter Math & Science School Site

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the bid meeting the specifications for Invitation to Bid no. 21-0024 for Career and Technical Education Equipment for the New Orleans Science and Math High School site from Magee Enterprises, Inc. for a total cost of $325,277.00.

 

Motion Mr. Zervigo, second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

 

5.13 Request for Approval of Professional Services Agreement with NY Associates, Inc. to design the Building Repairs at Benjamin Franklin Elementary Extension/Arthur Ashe site

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves NY Associates, Inc. in the amount of $104,725.00 for Investigative, Design and Construction Administration services associated with the Building Repairs Project at formerly located at Benjamin Franklin Elementary Extension/Arthur Ashe site located at 401 Nashville Avenue and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the architect.

 

Motion Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Parker

 

PROPERTY

 

6.1 Capital and Facilities Update Presentation

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

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Discussion related to school financial requirements for purchase, property disposition timeline, property disposition options, the New Orleans Career Center floorplan, and district funding was held.

 

6.2 Purchase of A.P. Tureaud Elementary School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the sale of A.P. Tureaud Elementary School to the International School of Louisiana for the fair market value of $1,400,000.00 and authorizes the Board President to execute the Agreement to Purchase and Sell and related sale documents.

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Ashley

 

LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE

 

7.1 Legislative Session Update

The NOLA-PS legislative support team presented an overview of the 2021 legislative session.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Discussion related to the 2021 legislative session recap was held.

 

SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

 

8.1 Discussion re: Orleans Parish School Board Superintendent Search

Board President presented an outline for the Superintendent Search process.

 

BOARD COMMENTS

·        Robust discussion related to the information presented was held.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Brown to move to executive session at 4:53pm.

 

Reconvened from Executive Session at 5:57pm. 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 Ashely Heilprin were also present.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

9.1 Dryades YMCA v. The Orleans Parish School Board, CDC No. 2021- 05612; Injunctive Relief

No action taken.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

10.1 Adjourn Meeting

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

 

 

Meeting Adjourned at 6:00pm.