MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
November 15, 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 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.
-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 Mr. Ashley, second by Dr. Batiste to adopt the agenda as presented
· 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 exercised a point of personal privilege to acknowledge the 62nd anniversary of the integration of New Orleans Public Schools by Ruby Bridges at William Frantz Elementary School this week and the progress made by the school district thus far and commended the bravery of The McDonogh Three as well.
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 October 18, 2022 Committee of the Whole.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Marshall to adopt the minutes of the October 18, 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
Ms. Eames exercised a point of personal privilege to thank members of the board, along with her supporters and constituents, for her recent election as District 1 School Board Member.
3.1 Schools Update
NOLA-PS staff provided its monthly Schools Update which included key updates and school highlights: OPSB Central Office hosted Halloween Trick or-Treat for local scholars; Breast Cancer Awareness Month: the Student Council at John F. Kennedy High School sponsored “Wear Pink Day” with a donation to a local charity from the funds raised; Behrman scholars also celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Senior Night hosted for the Class of 2023 at a number of local school sporting events; Youth Justice Awareness Month also celebrated in October and Travis Hill School hosted its 6th Annual Arts in Advocacy Night with the theme: “Justice is for Yourself”. For Juvenile Justice Awareness Week, a Lunch and Learn with Travis Hill School was also convened. NOLA-PS staff also provided an update on the enrollment process, including reminders for the community regarding the main enrollment process; enrollment convenings: Enrollment Advisory Group, Enrollment Point of Contact, and the Solution Circle on Enrollment; and enrollment projections, with particular attention to the 10/1 targets and match targets.
Ms. Eames welcomed Ms. Sophia Scott, Executive Director, Opportunities Academy, for the Schools at Work presentation.
Board Comment:
· A robust discussion ensued with regard to updates presented including clarification with respect to waiting lists maintained by schools with academic admissions criteria.
· Explanation provided as the optimum number of schools that should be listed by families as part of the enrollment process, as well as the enrollment process for students moving into the district for the next academic year, mid-year applicants, open enrollment, and the hardship transfer process.
· Clarification was also offered with regard to projected enrollment encompassing all K-12 schools within the district.
· Inquiries posed with regard to ideal excess capacity at the school and district level and underutilization of school buildings.
3.2 Accountability Updates
NOLA-PS staff provided an update on Notices of Non-Compliance; District Optimization Policy Update; Notice of Intent relative to consideration for options beyond voluntary actions and the renewal/extension process; First Reading of Policy HA regarding transportation; Second Reading Policy HB: Voluntary Surrender of Charter; and Charter Operating Agreement Amendment: Lyceum Schools: The Delores Taylor Arther School for Young Men.
Board Comment:
· Request for the monthly inclusion/identification for reporting schools in noncompliance and/or closed.
POLICY
4.1 Notice of Intent to Consider Changes to Orleans Parish School Board Policies re: Involuntary School Closures
4.2 First Reading: Amendment to Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority
NOLA-PS staff distributed updated language for Policy HA and clarified changes in the language for the proposed amendment, as well as highlighted technical edits resulting from the policy.
BOARD COMMENT:
· Clarification offered with respect to the charter schools impacted by the amendment to Policy HA.
· Clarity provided that any policy changes affecting charter schools are done in a manner permitting charter schools to provide feedback on the economic/financial impact resulting from any OPSB policy change.
4.3 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy HB, Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools
4.4 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy BE, School Board Ethics
4.5 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy DJE, Purchasing
4.6 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy EDD, School Bus Scheduling and Routing
4.7 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy GAAA, Equal Employment Opportunity
4.8 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy GAMB, Employee Dress Code
4.9 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy GAMFD, Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination
4.10 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy GBDB, Employment of Retired Personnel
4.11 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy GBQ, Retirement
4.12 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy GBRIB, Sick Leave
4.13 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy GBRID, Military Leave
4.14 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy ID, Curriculum
4.15 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy IDBC, Child Assault Awareness
4.16 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy IDCC, Kindergarten
4.17 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy IDDFA, Special Education Advisory Council
4.18 Second Reading: New Policy IDDFC, Cameras in Special Education Classrooms
4.19 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JAA, Equal Education Opportunities
4.20 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JBA, Compulsory School Attendance Ages
4.21 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JBC, School Admission
4.22 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JBD, Student Absences and Excuses
4.23 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JCD, Student Conduct
4.24 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JCDAB, Student Alcohol and Drug Use
4.25 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JCDAC, Dangerous Weapons
4.26 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JCDAF, Bullying and Hazing
4.27 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JCDB, Student Dress Code
4.28 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JD, Discipline
4.30 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JDD, Suspension
4.31 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JDE, Expulsion
4.32 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JGC, Student Health Services
4.33 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JGCD, Administration of Medicine
4.34 Second Reading: New Policy JM, Student Voter Registration
4.35 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JQA, Expectant and Parenting Students
4.36 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy JR, Student Privacy and Education Records
4.37 Second Reading: New Policy LEH, Patriotic Organizations
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Ms. Eames to approve Items 4.3 through 4.36 in globo and move them to the full board
· 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
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Marshall to move the slate, reflected by Items 4.3 through 4.36, to the full board
· 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
BOARD COMMENT:
· Mr. Marshall noted the importance that schools are given timely notice when they will be closed and address how public funds will be dealt with.
BUDGET AND FINANCE
5.1 Finance Update
NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Finance Update which included key updates on 1st Quarter Financial Statements, DBE Summary, and forthcoming changes for Medicare eligible retirees.
Board Comment:
· A robust discussion ensued regarding the updates presented, including school funding allocation, clarification regarding DBE grades, and DBE certifications/designations by businesses.
· Board members commended the finance staff for the DBE presentation and its efforts to influence internal operations with regard to use and sensitivity of DBEs.
5.2 Second Amendment to Contract with Pelican State Partners for Professional Governmental Relations Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the second amendment to the contract with Pelican State Partners for Professional Governmental Relations Services in the amount of $95,400.00 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract amendment for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Ms. Eames
· 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
5.3 Request to Award ITB No. 22-FAC-0051 for Hydronic Pipe Replacement at Morris Jeff ES
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Barrister Global Services Network in the amount of $345,800.00 for the replacement of Hydronic Piping at Morris Jeff ES and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
· Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker
· 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
PROPERTY
6.1 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, and Property Development Strategy Update.
BOARD COMMENT:
· Ms. Baudouin requested reporting of milestones for each construction project in order to track progress.
· Clarification was provided with regard to the status of work at Crossman.
6.2 Lease for 1331 Kerlerec Street to the New Orleans Career Center
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve a three-year facility lease for 1331 Kerlerec Street with New Orleans Career Center, who was awarded Request for Proposal No. 18-0026, which sought a Lead Partner and Facility Manager for the career center at the facility.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon
· 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
6.3 Resolution 20-22 re: Signature Authority for State Capital Outlay Funding for Ninth Ward Multi-sport Venue in Eastern New Orleans
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Resolution 20-22 authorizing the Superintendent or her designee to perform ministerial and administrative acts on behalf of the Orleans Parish School Board as required by the State of Louisiana for the receipt of Capital Outlay funding, pursuant to the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the State of Louisiana, 9th Ward Stadium, Inc. and Orleans Parish School Board to fund a Multi-sport Venue in Eastern New Orleans and the Lower Ninth Ward.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Eames
· 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
INNOVATION & STABILITY
7.1 NOLA-PS Portrait of a Graduate
NOLA-PS staff provided an update on the NOLA Public Schools Portrait of a Graduate engagement and development work.
Board Comment:
· Clarity was provided with regard to board representation and participation on the external design team for Portrait of a Graduate, as well as providing board members with a schedule of meetings.
· Clarification provided with respect to school involvement on the design team, as well as the continued involvement in the engagement process by the school community should schools not participate on the design team.
· Board members commended the work of Mr. Marshall and the efforts of administrative staff in this regard.
7.2 Innovation and Stability Committee Update
Mr. Nolan Marshall, Jr., chair of the Innovation and Stability Committee, provided an update to the board, including a presentation on the theory of change, focus group process, and opportunity for feedback.
Board Comment:
· A robust discussion ensued regarding the presentation, including clarity with regard to focus group topics, implications for affecting school quality, the exploratory nature of the focus group process, and the prioritization of specific topics.
· President Parker issued a call for community engagement and action in the process, especially completion of the ISC survey.
· Clarity was provided to distinguish between the Portrait of a Graduate stakeholder survey and the Innovation and Stability Committee focus group survey.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
8.1 2023 Board Meeting Calendar
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the proposed board meeting calendar for the 2023 calendar year.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Marshall
· 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
LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE
9.1 Second Amendment to Charter Operating Agreement with Lyceum Schools - The Delores Taylor Arthur School for Young Men
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board ratifies the request from Lyceum Schools to add an eighth-grade cohort as an amendment to its charter operating agreement.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Ashley
· 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
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Marshall to move to executive session at 3:54pm.
· 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
Reconvened from Executive Session at 4:46pm. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Ethan Ashley, Leila J. Eames, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Dr. Donaldo Batiste and Ms. Katherine Baudouin were absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
10.1 Discussion of attorney-client privileged matter, pursuant to La. R.S. 42:17(A)(10) and La. Code Evid. art. 506
No action taken.
10.2 In re: D.F., State Of Louisiana, Division of Administrative Law, Docket No. 2022-7761-DOE-IDEA, Agency Log NO. 23-H-11; Administrative Due Process Proceeding
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board ratifies the settlement of this matter as recommended by its legal counsel.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Marshall
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Abstain: None
10.3 Orleans Parish School Board v. Woodrow Wilson Construction, LLC and Hanover Insurance Company, CDC No. 2016-12346; Construction Litigation
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the revised mediation negotiation authority as recommended by its legal counsel.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Abstain: None
ADJOURNMENT
11.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Ashley to adjourn the meeting.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Abstain: None
Meeting Adjourned at 4:49pm.