MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

MAY 17, 2022

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 1:05PM by Board President Olin Parker. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Leila Eames, 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 provided after the opening of the meeting.

 

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. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin.

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Jancarlos (J.C.) Wagner Romero,

·        Abstain: None

 

2. CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the

minutes of the April 12, 2022, Committee of the Whole Meeting and April 14, 2022 Board Business Meeting as provided and the April 26, 2022 Special Board Business Meeting as corrected.

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

3. ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS

 

3.1 Schools Update

NOLA-PS staff provided its monthly Schools Update which included key updates on School Support, Student Support and Attendance, and System Wide Needs Programs. Ms. Eames welcomed Ashley Daniels-Hall,

Interim CEO of Einstein Charter Schools for the Schools at Work Presentation.

Board Comment:

·        A thorough discussion related to the updates presented and the recognition of student support providers was held. Board members made positive remarks about Einstein’s leadership and the overall presentation.

 

3.2 Accountability Updates

NOLA-PS staff provided an update on district's portfolio and authorizing practices, which included key updates on Notices of Non-Compliance, LEA and Charter Contracts, and Charter Renewals.

Board Comment:

·        A robust discussion related to updates presented was held.

 

3.3 LEA Agreement Template (FY 2022-23)

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed LEA Agreement for charter schools remaining in the School Board's LEA and establishes a deadline of June 30, 2022, for charter operators to execute said agreement.

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Parker

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

3.4 Resolution 09-22 Innovation and Stability Committee  Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 09-22 maintaining the Innovation and Stability Committee through the 2022-2023 school year.

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

4. POLICY

 

4.1 Notice of Intent to Amend OPSB Policy HB and the Charter School Accountability Framework

Rationale: The administration is providing notice of intent to present revisions to Policy HB and the Charter School Accountability Framework with respect to the evaluation of charter schools for the purpose of operating agreement renewals.

Public Comment:

·        Wanda Romain, a community member, commented on item 4.1 Notice of Intent to Amend OPSB Policy HB and the Charter School Accountability Framework.

 

5. BUDGET AND FINANCE

 

5.1 Finance Update

NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Finance Update which included key updates on Financial Statement, the March 2022 budget, and audit results FY ending in June 2021.

Board Comment:

·        A robust discussion related to updates presented was held.

 

5.2 Amendment to Increase Hubbard & Tennyson, LLC Agreement for Speech Therapy Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the second amendment to the agreement with Hubbard & Tennyson, LLC to increase the cost of services from $200,000.00 to $300,000.00 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signature of the Board President and contractor.

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Parker

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

5.3 Fourth Amendment to Contract with Richard CPAs, LLC for Audit  Consulting Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the fourth amendment to the contract with Richard CPAs, LLC for Audit Consulting Services increasing the contract price by $100,000.00 and extending the service through June 30, 2023, and authorizes General counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signature of the Board President and Contractor.

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Ashley

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

5.4 Second Amendment to Contract with Postlethwaite & Netterville for Professional Auditing Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the second amendment to the Professional Auditing Services contract with Postlethwaite & Netterville, APAC, to increase the cost for the FY 2021-2022 audit by $66,800, resulting in a new total cost of $194,100 for the FY 2022 audit; exercises the option to renew the contract for one (1) additional audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023 at a total cost of $148,500; and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signature of the Board President and contractor.

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Ashley

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

5.5 Second Amendment to Contract with Robert Half International for Staffing Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Second Amendment to the contract with Robert Half International for professional accounting staffing services to extend the contract term through September 30, 2022, at no additional cost and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signature by the Board President and contractor.

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Parker

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall,

Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

5.6 Request to Award RFQ No. 22-0029 for Redistricting Consultant Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Redistricting Consultant Services from FLO Analytics in the amount of $77,785.00 for one (1) year and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

Board Comment:

·        A robust discussion related to Agenda Item 5.6 Request to Award RFQ No. 22-0029 for Redistricting Consultant Services was held.

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Marshall

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

5.7 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 22-FAC-0028 for Parking Lot Addition at Stuart Bradley School Site

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid for the Parking Lot addition at the Stuart Bradley Elementary School site from Tasch, LLC in the amount of $389,900.00 and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and contractor.

Board Comment:

·        A robust discussion related to Agenda Item 5.7 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 22-FAC-0028 for Parking Lot Addition at Stuart Bradley School Site was held.

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: Mr. Parker

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

5.8 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 21-FAC-0035 for Elevator Refurbishment at Warren Easton High School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid for the Elevator Refurbishment at Warren Easton High School from Stallings Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $497,305.00 and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Eames

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

5.9 Request to Award RFP No. 22-0035 for Restorative Practices  Program for Middle School Students

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Restorative Practices Program for Middle Schools Students from Educators for Quality Alternatives in the amount of $750,000.00 for one (1) year with the option to renew for two (2) additional one-year terms, subject to Board approval, and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

Public Comment:

·        Wanda Romain, a community member, commented on Agenda Item 5.9 Request to Award RFP No. 22-0035 for Restorative Practices Program for Middle School Students.

Board Comment:

·        A robust discussion related to Agenda Item 5.9 Request to Award RFP No. 22-0035 for Restorative Practices Program for Middle School Students was held.

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

5.10 Request to Award RFP No. 22-0033 for Disaster Recovery Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Disaster Recovery Services from Blackmon Mooring in the initial amount of $500,000.00 for one (1) year with the option for two (2) one-year (1) contract extensions, subject to Board approval, and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

Motion by Ms. Baudouin to amend misread vendor name of Lemoine to correct vendor of Blackmon Mooring and then move item to full board, second by Mr. Parker

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

5.11 First Amendment to Contract with Greenwood/Asher & Associates for Superintendent Search Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the first amendment to the contract with Greenwood/Asher & Associates for Superintendent Search Services increasing the contract amount by $8,000.00 and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signatures of the Board President and contractor.

Board Comment:

·        A discussion related to Agenda Item 5.11 First Amendment to Contract with Greenwood/Asher & Associates for Superintendent Search Services was held.

Motion by Ms. Parker, second by Ms. Eames

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

5.12 Request to Award RFP No. 22-0034 Program, Construction  Management and Capital Planning Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid for Program, Construction Management and Capital Planning Services from Manning, APC in an amount not to exceed $17,000,000.00 for three (3) years with the option to extend for two (2) additional one (1) year terms and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and contractor.

Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

5.13 System Wide Needs Program Budget Modifications  Recommended Action: It is recommended that the OPSB approves the modifications to the System Wide Needs Program (SWNP) budget for the FY23 school year that is the third year of the program per its current line-item funding areas.

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

6. PROPERTY

 

6.1 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.

Public Comment:

Wanda Romain, a community member, commented on Agenda Item 6.1

Capital and Facilities Update.

Board Comment:

·        A robust discussion related to updates presented was held.

 

6.2 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between Orleans Parish School  Board and Significant Educators re: Stuart Bradley Parking Lot

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with Significant Educators to construct a parking lot addition on Union Park area of the school site.

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

7. LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE

 

7.1 Revolving Loan Fund Agreement Templates

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Revolving Loan Fund Agreement templates for all loans provided to schools from the School Facility Preservation Program.

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Ashley

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

7.2 Second Amendment to Charter Operating Agreement with  Educators for Quality Alternatives - New Orleans Accelerated High  School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the second amendment to the Charter Operating Agreement with Educators for Quality Alternatives to authorize New Orleans Accelerated High School to offer 8th grade.

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

8. EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin to move to executive session at 3:53PM.

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

Reconvened from Executive Session at 4:45PM. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Ethan Ashley, Katherine Baudouin, Nolan Marshall, Leila Eames, and Carlos Zervigon. Also present was Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin. Dr. Jancarlos (J.C.) Wagner Romero was absent.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

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

 

8.2 Choice Foundation, et al. v. Law Industries, Inc., et al., CDC No.  2019-04385; Construction Litigation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves mediation negotiations authority as recommended by its legal counsel.

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Eames

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

8.3 Prospective Litigation with Dryades YMCA re: Public Funds  Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the course of action recommended by its Board Counsel.

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

 

9. ADJOURNMENT

 

9.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Eames

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Yeas: Mr. Parker, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Dr. Wagner Romero

·        Abstain: None

Meeting Adjourned at 4:47PM.