MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
MARCH 24, 2022
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:33pm by Board President Olin Parker. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Dr. Jancarlos (J.C.) Wagner Romero, Ethan Ashley, Katherine Baudouin, Nolan Marshall, Jr., 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 Parker.
1.3 Adoption of the Agenda
Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as modified below:
· Addition of item 5.4 – Regarding the Superintendent Search to allow for public comment received related to the process.
Motion by Mr. Ashley second by Mr. Zervigon
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Motion to recess at 5:44pm for five minutes.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin second by Mr. Ashley
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Reconvened from recess at 5:49pm. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Dr. Jancarlos (J.C.) Wagner Romero, Ethan Ashley, Katherine Baudouin, Nolan Marshall, Jr., and Carlos Luis Zervigon. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.
Board Comment:
Clarification related to public comment was provided. Additionally, board counsel clarified with the public as it relates to the item, they wish to speak on be moved to 5.4 or remain on item 1.3.
Public Comment:
Ashana Bigard, a member of the community, expressed dissent regarding the superintendent search process and urged the board to address the mental health crisis.
Aretha Lewis, a member of the community, expressed dissent related to current community matters.
Michelle Charles, a member of the community and on behalf of Wanda Romain, expressed dissent related to current community matters.
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of the Minutes
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the minutes of the February 17, 2022, Board Business Meeting.
Motion by Dr. Wagner Romero, second by Mr. Ashley, waiving the reading of the minutes.
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Board Comment:
The Board, elected officials, and other guests expressed support and recognized Dr. Lewis for his seven-year tenure as Superintendent of NOLA-Public Schools.
SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA
3.1 Superintendent's Remarks
Dr. Lewis expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders and family over the course of his seven-year tenure as Superintendent of NOLA-Public Schools.
CONSENT AGENDA
4.1 2022 - 2023 Central Office Calendar, 2022-2023 ECS Calendar, and 2022-2023 Child Nutrition Calendar
4.2 Ratification of Revision to Original Cost of University Pipeline Services Contract with Xavier University and Amendment to Prior Action on Contract Renewal
4.3 Approval of Textbooks Purchase via State of Louisiana Contract and The Interlocal Purchasing Cooperative System (TIPS)
4.4 Request to approve the Third Amendment with CSRS, LLC for Capital Planning Services
4.5 Approval of Negative Deferred Revenues Agreement and Election Form Template
4.6 Amendment to Action Previously Adopted re: Servepro Commercial Emergency Work Authorization for Medard Nelson Climate Control
Recommended Action: Moving to Consent Agenda items 4.1 – 4.6 it is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve Consent Agenda Items 4.1 – 4.6 as presented in globo.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin
Absent: None
Abstain: None
ACTION ITEMS
5.1 Resolution 04-22 re: Jazz Music and Dance in Schools
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 04-22 rescinding the Orleans Parish School Board’s previous action of March 24, 1922, to abolish jazz music and jazz dancing from New Orleans Public Schools.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Marshall, waiving the reading of the resolution.
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
5.2 Resolution 05-22 Opposing Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 05-22 to unequivocally demonstrate the Orleans Parish School Board’s sustained commitment to full equality, inclusion, and acceptance of people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions while affirming the right to dignity and respect as well as fair and equitable access to opportunities, including employment and education.
Motion by Dr. Wagner Romero, second by Mr. Ashley, waiving the reading of the resolution.
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Board Comment:
Discussion was held related to the resolution was held.
5.3 Resolution 06-22 re: Underage Drinking Prevention
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 06-22 in recognition of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility’s (Responsibility.org) work aimed at thwarting underage drinking and preventing alcohol-related deaths and injuries.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin, waiving the reading of the resolution.
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
5.4 Public Comment on Superintendent Search
Sophie Holdorff, a member of the community, expressed dissent regarding the superintendent search process.
Ann Marie Covicllo, a member of the community, expressed dissent regarding the superintendent search process.
Leon Shabazz, a member of the community, expressed dissent regarding the superintendent search process.
Dr. Ashonta Wyatt, a member of the community, expressed dissent regarding the superintendent search process.
Yvette Thierry, a member of the community, expressed dissent regarding the superintendent search process.
Ashana Bigard, a member of the community, expressed dissent regarding the superintendent search process.
Shera Phillips, a member of the community, expressed dissent regarding the superintendent search process.
Alicia Plumber Chivers, a member of the community, expressed dissent regarding the superintendent search process.
ADJOURNMENT
6.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Marshall to adjourn the meeting.
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
Meeting Adjourned at 7:32pm.