MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
APRIL 12, 2022
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 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 provided. Motion by Mr.
Ashley second by Ms. Baudouin.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of the Minutes
It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the minutes of the March 3, 2022 Special Business Meeting, March 10-11, 2022 Special Business Meeting, March 22, 2022 Committee of the Whole, and March 22, 2022 Special Business Meeting.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Dr. Wagner-Romero
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS
3.1 StartSmart@UNO – A student success program for Orleans
Parish students enrolling at UNO
Dr. Lewis welcomed Dr. John Nicklow, President of the University of New Orleans to present on StartSmart.
3.2 Youth Talent Development Updates from the YouthForce NOLA Collaborative
Dr. Lewis welcomed YouthForce NOLA President and Co-Founder Cate Swinburn will present Youth Talent Development Updates from the YouthForce NOLA Collaborative.
3.3 Schools Update
NOLA-PS staff provided its monthly Schools Update which included key updates on School Support, Student Support and Attendance, School Support Team Updates and Operations. Ms. Baudouin welcomed Elizabeth Ostberg, CEO of Educators for Quality Alternative (EQA) and Justin Ross Hillard, the Principal of NET: Central City.
Board Comment:
· A robust discussion was held on the successes and ten-year milestone of the NET and its board that included congratulatory comments from several board members.
3.4 Accountability Updates
NOLA-PS staff provided an update on district's portfolio and authorizing practices, which included key updates on Notices of Non-Compliance, Charter Request for Applicants, Charter Extensions, and Charter Renewals.
Board Comment:
· A robust discussion related to updates presented was held.
3.5 Extension of Community Academies of New Orleans Deadline to Open its Approved Charter
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board grants Community Academies of New Orleans an extension to begin operations on its charter approved by the Orleans Parish School Board May 14, 2020 to first serve students by the 2022-23 school year. Such extension shall include district review of the operator’s Pre-Opening Plan, including any material changes in the applicant team. In the case of a material change in the applicant team, the district will conduct further due diligence and may reconsider the application.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
BUDGET AND FINANCE
4.1 Finance Update
NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Finance Update which included key updates on Financial Statement for February 2022, Upcoming Audit in May 2022, and Announcements for June 2022.
Board Comment:
· Discussion related to updates presented was held.
4.2 Acceptance of Grant from Special Olympics Louisiana (SOLA) Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the grant award in the amount of $25,000.00 from Special Olympics Louisiana.
Motion Mr. Zervigon, second by Dr. Wagner Romero
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
4.3 COVID-19 Retention Stipend for Exceptional Children's Services School Based Staff
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves a $2,000.00 stipend for Exceptional Children's Services team members who continue to have additional duties and responsibilities as it relates to continued instruction of students with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Motion Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
4.4 Request to Renew Health & Education Alliance of Louisiana (HEAL) Agreement
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the renewal of the agreement with Health & Education Alliance of Louisiana (HEAL) for Medicaid consultation services for the period of July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, in the amount of $100,000 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contract renewal for signatures of the Board President and Contractor.
Motion Ms. Baudouin, second by Dr. Wagner Romero
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
4.5 Request to Renew Special Education Evaluation Services Contracts
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves a one-year renewal of the contracts with Educational Diagnostic Services & Consulting of Louisiana, Young Cypress Psychology, and Speducation Evaluation Services for special education evaluation services for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 for a combined total not to exceed $300,000.00 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contract renewals for signatures of the Board President and the contractors.
Motion Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
4.6 Request to Renew Contracts for Special Education Direct and Related Services Staffing
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the one-year renewal of the staffing contracts with Maxim Healthcare Staffing Services, LLC, Orange Tree Staffing, LLC, The Stepping Stones Group, LLC, and Sunbelt Staffing, LLC for Direct and Related Services for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, for a combined total amount not to exceed $300,000.00 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contract renewals for signature of the Board President and Contractor.
Motion Mr. Parker, 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
4.7 Request for Approval of Direct Diversion of USDA Commodities Purchase for Fiscal Year 2021-2022
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes the purchase of Direct Diversion of USDA Donated Products from the approved vendors awarded by the St. Charles Parish School Board for the Child Nutrition Program for the 2022-2023 School Year in the amount of $205,313.44.
Motion Mr. Dr. Wagner Romero, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
4.8 Request to Approve Change Order for Q22-FAC-11 for the Electrical Repairs at Medard Nelson ES
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Change Order Request from JEI Solutions in the amount of $66,780.94 for the additional work required and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a change order for signatures of the Board President.
Motion Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
4.9 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 22-FAC-0026 for Hurricane Ida Phase 2 Repairs at Fredrick Douglass HS
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Smith Construction in the amount of $661,716.00 for the phase 2 buildings repairs @ Frederick Douglass HS; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
Motion Dr. Wagner Romero, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
4.10 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 22-FAC-0026 for 2nd Floor Fire Damage Repairs at Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Stallings Construction in the amount of $707,700.00 for the 2nd Floor Fire Damage repairs at Dwight D. Eisenhower ES and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
Motion Dr. Wagner Romero, 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
Board Comment:
A discussion related to updates presented was held, and NOLA-PS staff (T.Delcour and J. Temple) were called upon to provide an update on this bid.
4.11Request for Approval of Change Order #7 for Gibbs Construction, LLC for the Rosenwald Renovation Project
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Change Order #6 in the amount of $66,109.00 with Gibbs Construction, LLC for the Rosenwald Renovation Project.
Motion Dr. Wagner Romero, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
PROPERTY
5.1 Capital and Facilities Update Presentation
NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Capital Projects and Facility Updates which included key updates on NOLA-PS and RSD Capital Projects, the Facility Siting Process, and Surplus Property Development.
Board Comment:
· A robust discussion related to updates presented was held.
5.2 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the State of Louisiana, 9th Ward Stadium, Inc., and Orleans Parish School Board re: Multi-sport Venue in Eastern New Orleans and Lower Ninth Ward
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the State of Louisiana, 9th Ward Stadium, Inc. and Orleans Parish School Board: Multi-sport Venue in Eastern New Orleans and Lower Ninth Ward, Planning and Construction (Orleans) FP&C Project No. 50-NU9-21-01, which provides for Capital Outlay funding from the State of Louisiana in the gross amount of $350,000 for a multi-sport venue, as identified in Act 485 of the 2021 Louisiana Regular Legislative Session.
Motion Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Dr. Wagner Romero, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE
6.1 Legislative Updates
NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Legislative Update which included key updates on 2022 Regular Session and Proposed Legislative Priorities for 2022.
Board Comment:
· Robust discussion related to the Legislative Updates was held.
Public Comment:
· Sarah E. Vandergriff, a community member and representative of LA Public Charter Schools, commented on item 6.1 Legislative Updates and praised OPSB for their leadership.
· Holly Reid, a community member and representative of New Schools for New Orleans, commented on item 6.1 Legislative Updates.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
7.1 New Superintendent Contract
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the employment contract for Superintendent-Elect, Dr. Avis Williams, effective July 11, 2022, through July 10, 2026.
Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Ms. Baudouin.
· 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:
· Mr. Parker commented in support of item 7.1 New Superintendent Contract was held.
Public Comment:
· Sarah E. Vandergriff, a community member and representative of LA Public Charter Schools, commented in support of item 7.1 New Superintendent Contract and welcomed and thanked Dr. Williams and Dr. Lewis, respectively.
· Holly Reid, a community member and representative of New Schools for New Orleans, commented on item 7.1 New Superintendent Contract.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Marshall to move to executive session at 3:45PM.
· 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 Executive Session at 4:50PM. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Ethan Ashley, Katherine Baudouin, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr., and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present. Dr. Jancarlos (J.C.) Wagner Romero and Carlos Zervigon were absent.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
8.1 Choice Foundation, et al. v. Law Industries, Inc., et al., CDC No. 2019-04385; Construction Litigation - Settlement Recommendation Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves a partial settlement in this matter as recommended by its legal counsel.
Motion Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall,
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Jancarlos (J.C.) Wagner Romero, Carlos Zervigon,
· Abstain: None
8.2 Orleans Parish School Board, et al. v. Better Choice Foundation, et al., CDC No. 2021-04563; Declaratory Judgment, Injunctive Relief and Breach of Contract - Status Report
8.3 Woodrow Wilson Construction, LLC f/k/a Woodrow Wilson Construction Co., Inc. v. Orleans Parish School Board, Orleans Parish Civil District Court No. 2017-3885; Construction Litigation Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves mediation authority as recommended by its legal counsel.
Motion Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall,
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Jancarlos (J.C.) Wagner Romero, Carlos Zervigon,
· Abstain: None
ADJOURNMENT
9.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Ashley to adjourn the meeting.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Jancarlos (J.C.) Wagner Romero, Carlos Zervigon,
· Abstain: None
Meeting Adjourned at 4:55PM.