MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

JULY 29, 2021

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:31pm 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 Ashley Heilprin were also present.

 

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by a student from GW Carver High School.  

 

1.3 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as provided.

Motion by Mr. Marshall second by Ms. Baudouin

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by Dr. Wagner Romero, second by Mr. Marshall to adopt the minutes of the June 10, 2021, Board Business Meeting and June 30, 2021, Special Board Business Meeting as printed (waiving the reading).

 

-School and CMO based vaccination rate acknowledgments were made.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

3.1 Superintendent’s Remarks

Dr. Lewis’ echoed remarks related to vaccinations across district schools and charter management organizations.  Additionally, he provided an overview related to the Louisiana Department of Health COVID-19 testing program, resuming weekly press conferences, the start of the school year, and the NOLA-PS’ Back-to-School Campaign. 

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

4. Consent Agenda

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board move to approve Consent Agenda Items 4.1 through 4.10 as presented in globo.

 

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

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

4.3 Revisions to Central Office Salary Schedules

4.4 Stipend and Supplemental Compensation Scale

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

4.6 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)

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

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

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

4.10 Purchase of A.P. Tureaud Elementary School

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Brown

 

It is recommended to rescind the previous vote on 4.1 through 4.11

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon

 

4.11 Facilities Renaming Initiative – Recommendation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the Facilities Renaming Initiative.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Brown

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

·        Rev. Joseph Recasner, a member of the Friends of King Charter, express support item 4.11. Additionally, presented “Board Resolution to add the name of Dr. Alfred Lawless, Jr. to the ‘program name’, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. High School” on behalf of the Friends of King Schools board.

·        Rev. Willie Calhoun, Jr., a member of the community, express support item 4.11.

·        Levon LeBan, a member of the community, express support item 4.11.

·        Willie Zanders, a member of the community, express support item 4.11.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·        Initial vote on Consent Agenda, items 4.1 – 4.11, motioned by Mr. Ashley and second by Ms. Baudouin was rescinded to take public comment on item 4.11 of the consent agenda.

·        Clarification related to program renaming process was provided. 

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

5.1 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 by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin

 

5.2 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 by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Marshall, waiving the reading of the resolution.

 

5.3 Amendment to Charter School Operating Agreement with Educators for Quality Alternatives (New Orleans Accelerated High School)

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the amendment to the operating agreement to allow Educators for Quality Alternatives to implement a limited virtual program within New Orleans Accelerated High School commencing with the 2021-22 academic year.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker

 

5.4 Resolution 10-21 re: Innovation and Stability Committee

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 10-21 establishing an Innovation and Stability Committee as a mechanism to propose, vet, and assess propositions that improve student achievement, the student and family experience within NOLA-PS, or NOLA-PS organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

 

Motion by Dr. Wagner Romero, second by Mr. Ashley, waiving the reading of the resolution.

 

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Parker to move to executive session at 6:19 pm.

 

Reconvened from Executive Session at 6:57pm. 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 Sharonda Williams were also present.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

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

No action taken.

 

6.2 Orleans Parish School Board v. The City of New Orleans, et al., CDC No. 2019-05174; Summary Proceedings

No action taken.  

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

7.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Dr. Wagner Romero to adjourn the meeting.

 

Meeting Adjourned at 6:58 pm.