MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

NOVEMBER 18, 2021

 

- A moment of silence in memoriam of recent school community loss of life was held.

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:33pm 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.

 

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Ashley.

 

-President Ashley announced public comment would be allowed on non-action items after all action items were heard.

 

1.3 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as amended.

Motion by Mr. Parker second by Mr. Marshall

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin to adopt the minutes of the October 6, 2021 Public Hearing and the October 21, 2021 Board Business Meeting as printed (waiving the reading).

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

3.1 Superintendent’s Remarks

Dr. Lewis announced annual renewal recommendations for those schools up for consideration this year.  The Superintendent’s recommendations are as follows:

o    Einstein Charter High School at Sarah T. Reed to be renewed for 5 years.

o    Einstein Charter Middle School at Sarah T. Reed be renewed for 5 years.

o    Einstein Charter School at Village De L’est to be renewed for 5 years.

o    Eleanor Mcmain Secondary School to be renewed for 7 years.

o    Martin Behrman Charter Academy of Creative Arts and Science to be renewed for 5 years.

o    Mcdonogh 42 Charter School to be renewed for 5 years.

o    Rooted School to be renewed for 5 years.

o    The Net 2 Charter High School to be renewed for 3 years.

 

o    Audubon Gentilly

o    Benjamin Franklin Elementary School

o    Bethune Elementary Charter School

o    Collegiate Academy: Rosenwald

o    Eisenhower Charter School

o    Firstline Live Oak

 

o    Arise Academy – Non-Renewal

o    Einstein Charter At Sherwood Forest – 3 Year Contingent Renewal

o    Elan Academy – 3 Year Contingent Renewal

o    Fannie C. Williams Charter School – 3 Year Contingent Renewal

o    Harriet Tubman Charter School – 3 Year Contingent Renewal

o    James M. Singleton Charter School – Non-Renewal

 

Additionally, an overview of the process and data used to reach the recommendations was provided. 

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·         Discussion related to the information presented was held.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

4. Consent Agenda

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board move to approve Consent Agenda Items 4.2 through 4.8, 4.10, and 4.12 as presented in globo.

 

4.2 Acceptance of Grant from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation

4.3 Request to Award RFP No. 22-0017 for Types 1 and 3 Charter Application Review Services

4.4 Request to Approve 2nd Amendment to Guarantee Restoration Contract for Disaster Recovery Services, RFP #21-0028

4.5 Request to Award Architectural Services 22-FAC-0014 for Building Repairs at Elijah Brimmer, Jr. Site

4.6 Request to Award Invitation for Quotation Q22-FAC-02 re: Fire Alarm System Replacement at Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Site

4.7 Request to Approve Change Order #1 for 20-FAC-0073 re: Chiller Replacement at Sylvanie Williams ES

4.8 Award of Request For Qualifications No. 22-0015 - Superintendent Search Firm

4.10 Request to Ratify Waiver of Right of First Refusal

4.12 Appointment of Board Counsel

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

5.1 Resolution 18-21 Approving the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the OPSB approve Resolution 18-21 approving the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire as part of the State Legislative Auditor’s requirement for completion of audits, authorizing the Board President to execute any and all relevant documents, and authorizing the administration to submit the Questionnaire as required by the Legislative Auditor.

 

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

 

5.2 Resolution 19-21 Capital Projects Budget Amendment No. 1

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 19-21, a fiscal resolution authorizing the first (1st) amendment to the Capital Projects Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021, and ending June 30, 2022.

 

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

 

5.3 New Policy HF, Family Rights and Engagement

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt New Policy HF, Family Rights and Engagement.

 

Motion by Dr. Wagner Romero, second by Mr. Parker

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

5.4 First Amendment to Charter Operating Agreement with Community Academies - Esperanza Charter School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the first amendment to the Charter Operating Agreement with Community Academies of New Orleans to authorize Esperanza Charter School to offer a Spanish dual language program.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Parker

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

5.5 Ellis L. Marsalis, Jr. Facility Alteration Request

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the requested Facility Alteration submitted by Lusher Charter School for the Ellis L. Marsalis, Jr. Facility as required by Policy HD.

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Parker to move to executive session at 6:22 pm.

 

 

Reconvened from Executive Session at 8:02 pm. 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.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

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

No action taken.

 

6.2 Orleans Parish School Board v. FHP Tectonics Corp., Blitch-Knevel Architects, LLC, Continental Casualty Company, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, & Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland, CDC No. 2019-13105; Construction Litigation - Status Report

No action taken.

 

6.3 Orleans Parish School Board v. Woodrow Wilson Construction, LLC, and Western Surety, CDC No. 2019-11852; Construction Litigation - Status Report

No action taken.

 

6.4Orleans Parish School Board v. CORE Construction, SCNZ Architects and Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America; Construction Litigation - Status Report

No action taken.

 

6.5 Orleans Parish School Board v. CORE Construction, SCNZ Architects and Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America; Construction Litigation - Status Report

No action taken.

 

6.6 Orleans Parish School Board v. Woodrow Wilson Construction, LLC and Hanover Ins. Co., CDC No. 16-12346; Construction Litigation - Status Report

No action taken.

 

6.7 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person - School Board personnel

No action taken.

 

Board Comment:

Dr. Wagner Romero acknowledged the passing of item 5.3 New Policy HF, Family Rights and Engagement

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

7.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Brown to adjourn the meeting.

 

Meeting Adjourned at 8:05 pm.