MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

October 18, 2022

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 1:04pm by President Olin G. Parker. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Katherine Baudouin, Leila J. Eames, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present. At 2:43pm Mr. Marshall left the meeting.

 

President Parker announced technical difficulty with YouTube streaming and indicated the meeting could be viewed via Instagram Live.

 

-Interpretation services were acknowledged.

 

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Parker.  

 

1.3 Rules for Public Comment

Board Counsel provided a high-level overview of the OPSB guidelines for public comment/participation at OPSB Board Meetings.

 

1.4 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Vice President Zervigon to adopt the agenda as amended to include  Budget and Finance Item 6.5 Second Amendment to Previous Action re: Payment of Resolved Claims (Judgments and Settlements)

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: None

·        Abstain: None

 

Mr. Parker acknowledged students and faculty from Tulane University’s education program seated in the audience.

Vice President Zervigon also welcomed students and commended Tulane’s involvement in education. 

 

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 September 20, 2022 Committee of the Whole Meeting.

 

Motion by President Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin to adopt the minutes of the September 20, 2022 Committee of the Whole (waiving the reading).

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: None

·        Abstain: None

 

ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS

 

3.1 Schools Update

NOLA-PS staff provided its monthly Schools Update which included key updates and school highlights: KIPP Voter Registration, NOLA Love Rally, ENCORE Academy’s Family Night Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, National School Lunch Week, and KIPP’s social media posts in support of school attendance; Attendance Campaign, noting community canvassing; Dr. Jordan recognized members of the school attendance team seated in the audience; convening on school behavioral health; and System Wide Needs Program Round 2 planning. Schools at Work presentation provided by Martin Behrman Charter School. Ms. Eames welcomed Ms. Trenease Knox, principal, Martin Behrman Charter School.

 

Board Comment:

·        A robust discussion ensued related to the updates presented, including teacher professional development; implications for mental health given the lag in referrals and availability of mental health resources; efforts addressing chronic absenteeism; and normalization of untreated trauma.   

·        Board members acknowledged school attendance staff members present.

·        Ms. Eames indicated her participation in Kennedy’s Voter Registration Drive.

·        President Parker extended an invitation to board members to join Kennedy High School on November 1 as their students participate in early voting.

 

3.2 Accountability Updates

NOLA-PS staff provided an update on Notices of Non-Compliance, indicating information on the presentation will be corrected; Policy Development Update: Notice of Intent to formulate policies to support district optimization and prioritization, noting a First Reading: Amendment to Policy HB, Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools; Charter Request for Applications: While a verbal commitment was made by a prospective applicant, no formal letter of intent provided by the due date. There were no formal submissions of applications for consideration.  

 

Board Comment:

·        A thorough discussion followed the updates presented, including the number of schools which may close voluntarily due to low enrollment; incentivizing school closures; discussion and engagement with school leaders in policy development relative to school closures and/or consolidations; CSAF revisions engagement; definition of district optimization and prioritization within the context of ensuring quality schools; expected number of students enrolled in schools and corresponding number of seats; how enrollment targets are set; and community engagement strategy around school planning.

  

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

 

4.1 FLO Analytics Redistricting Presentation

NOLA-PS introduced FLO analytics who provided an update on the redistricting process, with particular emphasis on draft school district maps.

 

Board Comment:

·        A robust discussion ensued after the updates were presented, including having school sites overlaid on proposed maps; update on the Hawthorne Agency community engagement process prior to the next board meeting; proposed maps to reflect overlap between OPSB districts and other elected local and state officials; side-by-side racial breakdowns between 2010 and proposed maps; implications for segmenting and/or consolidating the West Bank; and shortened URL to access the redistricting tool.

 

POLICY

 

5.1 Notice of Intent to Amend Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority

 

5.2 Amendment to Policy HB, Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools

 

5.3 Amendment to Policy BE, School Board Ethics

 

5.4 Amendment to Policy DJE, Purchasing

 

5.5 Amendment to Policy DJED, Bids and Quotations

 

5.6 Amendment to Policy EDD, School Bus Scheduling and Routing

 

5.7 Amendment to Policy GAAA, Equal Employment Opportunity

 

5.8 Amendment to Policy GAMB, Employee Dress Code

 

5.9 Amendment to Policy GAMFD, Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination

 

5.10 Amendment to Policy GBDB, Employment of Retired Personnel

 

5.11 Amendment to Policy GBQ, Retirement

 

5.12 Amendment to Policy GBRIB, Sick Leave

 

5.13 Amendment to Policy GBRID, Military Leave

 

5.14 Amendment to Policy ID, Curriculum

 

5.15 Amendment to Policy IDBC, Child Assault Awareness

 

5.16 Amendment to Policy IDCC, Kindergarten

 

5.17 Amendment to Policy IDDFA, Special Education Advisory Council

 

5.18 New Policy IDDFC, Cameras in Special Education Classrooms

 

5.19 Amendment to Policy JAA, Equal Education Opportunities

 

5.20 Amendment to Policy JBA, Compulsory School Attendance Ages

 

5.21 Amendment to Policy JBC, School Admission

 

5.22 Amendment to Policy JBD, Student Absences and Excuses

 

5.23 Amendment to Policy JCD, Student Conduct

 

5.24 Amendment to Policy JCDAB, Student Alcohol and Drug Use

 

5.25 Amendment to Policy JCDAC, Dangerous Weapons

 

5.26 Amendment to Policy JCDAF, Bullying and Hazing

 

5.27 Amendment to Policy JCDB, Student Dress Code

 

5.28 Amendment to Policy JD, Discipline

 

5.29 Amendment to Policy JDD, Suspension

 

5.30 Amendment to Policy JDE, Expulsion

 

5.31 Amendment to Policy JGC, Student Health Services

 

5.32 Amendment to Policy JGCD, Administration of Medicine

 

5.33 New Policy JM, Student Voter Registration

 

5.34 Amendment to Policy JQA, Expectant and Parenting Students

 

5.35 Amendment to Policy JR, Student Privacy and Education Records

 

5.36 New Policy LEH, Patriotic Organizations

 

Kathy Moss, OPSB general counsel, provided clarity with regard to the policy revisions indicating they are intended to conform to recent legislative changes during the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions. She further explained that due to legislative changes in 2022 the following new policy changes are proposed:

-        5.18 New Policy IDDFC, Cameras in Special Education Classrooms

-        5.33 New Policy JM, Student Voter Registration

-        5.36 New Policy LEH, Patriotic Organizations

She underscored the following policy changes that relate to administrative recommendations:

-        5.9 Amendment to Policy GAMFD, Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination

-        5.5 Amendment to Policy DJED, Bids and Quotations

 

Public Comment:

Holly Reid, with New Schools for New Orleans, submitted a comment card that was withdrawn regarding Policy 5.1 Notice of Intent to Amend Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority.

 

Board Comment:

·        Ms. Eames expressed support for Policy 5.1 Notice of Intent to Amend Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority.

·        In response to board member inquiries, Ms. Moss clarified that the proposed policy changes reflected in 5.3 through 5.36 pertain to internal Orleans Parish School Board policies and are not applicable to individual charter schools.

·        Discussion ensued relative to Item 5.4 Amendment to Policy DJE, Purchasing and Item 5.5 Amendment to Policy DJED, Bids and Quotations; NOLA-PS staff provided clarity with respect to proposed policy revisions within the context of contract management, procurement and purchasing trends, policies, and procedures, and responded to inquiries regarding professional services contracts, contracts initiated under emergency provisions, and RFP timelines.

·        Ms. Baudouin requested additional information relative to professional services contracts and contract management within the district.

·        Board members requested greater information with regard to DBEs, as well as ensuring transparency with regard to procurement and purchasing.

·        President Parker acknowledged and commended the efforts of State Representative Candace Newell with the passage the Crown Act relative to Item 5.7 Amendment to Policy GAAA, Equal Employment Opportunity, Item 5.8 Amendment to Policy GAMB, Employee Dress Code, and  Item 5.27 Amendment to Policy JCDB, Student Dress Code.

·        Clarification offered that state funding is provided for Item 5.18 New Policy IDDFC, Cameras in Special Education Classrooms.

·        Board Member Ashley expressed support of Item 5.28 Amendment to Policy JD, Discipline.

·        Committee Chair Baudouin expressed support of Item 5.34 Amendment to Policy JQA, Expectant and Parenting Students and acknowledged the efforts of State Representatives Landry and Freeman for legislative changes.

·        President Parker requested a list of organizations included within Item 5.36 New Policy LEH, Patriotic Organizations.

 

BUDGET AND FINANCE

 

6.1 Finance Update

NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Finance Update which included key updates on the August Financial Statement, Treasury Position; and DLFA payments.

 

Board Comment:

·        Mr. Parker requested data on the projected number of students and the impact on state revenues received by OPSB.

·        Explanation offered regarding the progress of the  auditing process; President Parker commended the work of Mr. Gay and Finance Department staff.

·        Clarification provided on student verification reporting by schools to  the state and reporting to OPSB.

 

6.2 Amendment to Action Previously Adopted re: Award of RFQ No. 23-0009 for Independent Contractors to Provide Physical Therapy Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board amends its previous action of September 22, 2022, accepting "the qualification responses meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Independent Contractors to Provide Physical Therapy Services from AMN Allied Services, LLC, Attain Therapy, LLC, Jane Cavallo, LBZ Believe Rehab, Pediatric Developmental Services, and The Stepping Stones Group, LLC in the amount not to exceed $400,000.00 for a period of one (1) year with an option to renew two (2) additional one (1) year periods and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor" to add an additional, inadvertently omitted qualified respondent, Orange Tree Staffing, and to correct the total contracts amount to "not to exceed $462,000.00".

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Ms. Eames

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Marshall

·        Abstain: None

 

6.3 First Extension of Lease For Public Lands: Agricultural, Grazing, Trapping, Hunting and any other Legitimate Purposes

Recommended Action It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves an extension of the Lease For Public Lands: Agricultural, Grazing, Trapping, Hunting and any other Legitimate Purposes with Unknown Pass Hunting Club, LLC for a one (1) year period, effective May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023, for the amount of $17,025.00, and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the lease amendment for signature of the Board President and the lessee.

 

·        Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Marshall

·        Abstain: None

 

6.4 Change Order No. 2: Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain for Sewer Replacement and Sewer Jetting Initial Service located at Frances Gaudet

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Change Order Number 2 in the amount of $15,864.00 with Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain for Sewer Replacement and Sewer Jetting Initial Service at Frances Gaudet located at 12000 Hayne Blvd.

 

Motion by Ms. Eames, seconded by Vice President Zervigon

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

 

6.5 Second Amendment to Previous Action re: Payment of Resolved Claims (Judgments and Settlements)

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board amends its previous action of September 22, 2022, relative to the payment of resolved claims, as follows: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Recommended Distribution Amount of $500,000.00 to be distributed toward the payment of unpaid Resolved Claims, sets a Resolution Deadline of August 19, 2022, and sets a Negotiation Period of November 1, 2022, to close of business (5:00pm) November 30, 2022.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Marshall

·        Abstain: Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames

 

PROPERTY

 

7.1 Capital and Facilities Update Presentation

NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Capital Projects and Facility Updates which included key updates on major NOLA-PS and RSD Capital Projects, as well as Planned, Unplanned and Emergency Capital Projects.

 

Board Comment:

·        Clarity offered with respect to future reporting on excess buildings in response to inquiry by Mr. Ashley.

·        Mr. Parker requested updates on facilities planning as relates to the district optimization process.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

8.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin to adjourn the meeting.

 

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

·        Nays: None

 

Meeting Adjourned at 3:58pm.