MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

November 17, 2022

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:38pm by Board 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

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

 

1.4 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as presented

Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Vice President Zervigon

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

 

CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by Ethan Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin to adopt the minutes of the October 20, 2022 Board Business Meeting and the October 18, 2022 Public Hearing: Comprehensive Evaluations for Renewal (waiving the reading).

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

·        Nays: None

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

President Parker yields to Vice President Zervigon to introduce Mr. Joel Waltzer and the Folgers lawsuit relative to the Industrial Tax Exemption.

 

3.1 Together New Orleans Re: Folgers Lawsuit

Mr. Joel Waltzer, attorney and representative of Together New Orleans, provided an update on the progress of the Folgers Lawsuit.

 

Board Comment:

·        Vice President Zervigon commended the efforts of Mr. Waltzer and Together New Orleans on behalf of local school children and citizens of New Orleans advocating for the collection of these taxes.

·        A thorough discussion ensued regarding the underfunding of local public schools; good corporate stewardship; hiring/job creation by Folgers; and the status of the appeals process.

·        President Parker thanked other government officials for their role in these efforts as well.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

4.1 Superintendent’s Remarks

Dr. Williams recognized NOLA-PS personnel celebrating milestones in their service to the school district and acknowledged Dr. Shayla Guidry Hilaire, chief student and school support officer, as the Champion Award Recipient, for her efforts on behalf of children with exceptionalities. She identified the following celebrations throughout November: National Parent & Family Engagement Month, National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, National Gratitude Month, Diabetes Awareness Month, as well as American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month.

 

Dr. Williams provided updates on NOLA-PS CAREs, especially current mental health and literacy efforts and forthcoming work related to social justice and workforce development. She highlighted engagements, including hosting Pk-K scholars for Halloween and the final ABC meeting with the SPED Advisory on November 2nd. The following themes have emerged from the ABC engagements: enrollment system, school quality, equity, and literacy. Solutions circles have convened around enrollment and school quality. Dr. Williams indicated she had visited 70% of schools and the Student Advisory, Teacher Advisory, and Parent & Family Engagement Councils will meet next month.

 

Board Comment:

·        Ms. Baudouin acknowledged today’s sleep out sponsored by Covenant House and the support the organization provides to local school children.

 

4.2 School Performance Update

Dr. Williams presented an update on recently released school performance and district performance data, highlighting the District’s overall score, school improvement, and areas for growth, progress index, as well as honorees in top gains and  opportunity (equity). She identified opportunities for growth and next steps, as well as provided context for how SPS scores are determined.

 

BOARD Comment:

·        President Parker thanked Dr. Williams for the detailed reporting presented and acknowledged the work of teachers during the previous school year.

·        Ethan Ashley acknowledged the growth of ReNew Schools, especially in East New Orleans and ReNew Schamburg, in particular, and commended the efforts of staff at the school.

·        Mr. Parker recognized G.W. Carver High School as a Top Gains honoree. He further acknowledged the implications of poverty with regard to school performance and the impact of COVID.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board move to approve Consent Agenda Items 5.1 through 5.41 as presented in globo.

 

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

 

5.2 Amendment to Policy BE, School Board Ethics

 

5.3 Amendment to Policy DJE, Purchasing

 

5.4 Amendment to Policy EDD, School Bus Scheduling and Routing

 

5.5 Amendment to Policy GAAA, Equal Employment Opportunity

 

5.6 Amendment to Policy GAMB, Employee Dress Code

 

5.7 Amendment to Policy GAMFD, Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination

 

5.8 Amendment to Policy GBDB, Employment of Retired Personnel

 

5.9 Amendment to Policy GBQ, Retirement

 

5.10 Amendment to Policy GBRIB, Sick Leave

 

5.11 Amendment to Policy GBRID, Military Leave

 

5.12 Amendment to Policy ID, Curriculum

 

5.13 Amendment to Policy IDBC, Child Assault Awareness

 

5.14 Amendment to Policy IDCC, Kindergarten

 

5.15 Amendment to Policy IDDFA, Special Education Advisory Council

 

5.16 New Policy IDDFC, Cameras in Special Education Classrooms

 

5.17 Amendment to Policy JAA, Equal Education Opportunities

 

5.18 Amendment to Policy JBA, Compulsory School Attendance Ages

 

5.19 Amendment to Policy JBC, School Admission

 

5.20 Amendment to Policy JBD, Student Absences and Excuses

 

5.21 Amendment to Policy JCD, Student Conduct

 

5.22 Amendment to Policy JCDAB, Student Alcohol and Drug Use

 

5.23 Amendment to Policy JCDAC, Dangerous Weapons

 

5.24 Amendment to Policy JCDAF, Bullying and Hazing

 

5.25 Amendment to Policy JCDB, Student Dress Code

 

5.26 Amendment to Policy JD, Discipline

 

5.27 Amendment to Policy JDD, Suspension

 

5.28 Amendment to Policy JDE, Expulsion

 

5.29 Amendment to Policy JGC, Student Health Services

 

5.30 Amendment to Policy JGCD, Administration of Medicine

 

5.31 New Policy JM, Student Voter Registration

 

5.32 Amendment to Policy JQA, Expectant and Parenting Students

 

5.33 Amendment to Policy JR, Student Privacy and Education Records

 

5.34 New Policy LEH, Patriotic Organizations

 

5.35 Second Amendment to Contract with Pelican State Partners for Professional Governmental Relations Services

 

5.36 Request to Award ITB No. 22-FAC-0051 for Hydronic Pipe Replacement at Morris Jeff ES

 

5.37 Lease for 1331 Kerlerec Street to the New Orleans Career Center

 

5.38 2023 Board Meeting Calendar

 

5.39 Second Amendment to Charter Operating Agreement with Lyceum Schools - The Delores Taylor Arthur School for Young Men

 

5.40 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

 

5.41 Orleans Parish School Board v. Woodrow Wilson Construction, LLC and Hanover Insurance Company, CDC No. 2016-12346; Construction Litigation

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin

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

·        Nays: None

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

6.1 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 his/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 for the purchase of equipment at 2011 Bienville Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, 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 Lower Ninth Ward and Orleans Parish School Board.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Parker (waving the reading)  

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Results of the Roll Call Vote:

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: None

·        Abstain: None

 

6.2 InspireNOLA Voluntary Surrender of Pierre A. Capdau Charter School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts InspireNOLA Charter Schools' voluntary surrender of its charter to operate Pierre A. Capdau Charter School (WZF001), in accordance with OPSB Policy HB, effective June 30, 2023.

 

Motion by Ms. Eames, 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

 

Board Comment:

·        President Parker commended the action by InspireNOLA and its board unifying Pierre A. Capdau Charter School and 42 Charter School.

·        Clarification was offered with respect to the automatic enrollment of students into the consolidated school, as well as the transfer of assets and equipment from 42 Charter School.

·        It was clarified that the unified school would remain in the Avery Alexander facility.

 

President Parker acknowledged the birthday of Kevin Barnes, on yesterday, and congratulated Sabrina Pence on the completion of her doctorate degree, both seated in the audience. He acknowledged the accomplishments of various school sports teams as the athletic season concludes.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

7.1 Adjourn Meeting

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Dr. Batiste to adjourn the meeting.

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

·        Nays: None

 

Meeting Adjourned at 6:26pm.