MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
December 13, 2022
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 1:07pm by President Olin G. Parker. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Katherine Baudouin, and Leila J. Eames. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present. Mr. Marshall arrived at 1:27pm
-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 Ms. Baudoin, second by President Parker to adopt the agenda as amended moving the Budget and Finance section to Item 5 on the agenda and Policy section to Item 6 on the agenda
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
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 November 15, 2022 Committee of the Whole Meeting.
Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Ms. Baudouin to adopt the minutes of the November 15, 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
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS
3.1 Schools Update
NOLA-PS staff provided its monthly Schools Update which included key school highlights and updates, including introduction of Dr. Candace Robertson, as director, high school support; the new position will interface with school counselors and align with the superintendent’s priorities related to Workforce Development within NOLA CARES and Portrait of a Graduate, as well as engaging partners and stakeholders to support college and career readiness. Information also presented on forthcoming support through the NOLA-PS School Support Team for the three schools closing at the end of the school year.
Ms. Eames welcomed Ms. Nicolette London, Interim CEO, The Willow School for the Schools at Work presentation.
Board Comment:
· A robust discussion ensued with regard to updates presented including clarification with respect to funds received via the SWNP budget modifications to support professional development and training and specific school level staff supported through those funds.
· Clarity offered with regard to oversight, support, and protocols to ensure graduation requirements are met at the school level; internal updates to the Student Transcript System by schools; and future interface between the New Orleans Career Center and the director of high school support.
· Mr. Parker recognized Dr. Robertson, as well as the support offered to schools engaged in the closure process and requested an update on the progress of NCAP submissions to the board, along with reporting of the financial and physical assets for schools facing closure.
· Mr. Marshall highlighted the engagement and sharing of successful practices by schools throughout the district facilitated through the Innovation and Stability Committee.
· Mr. Parker acknowledged the efforts of The Willow School and commended the school’s expansion, as well as applauded Willow students for their efforts in support of and as advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the renaming process.
· Mr. Zervigon offered a historical context for the former Lusher School during school integration in New Orleans. Clarity provided regarding the percent of students served and resources available to students with exceptionalities at The Willow School.
3.2 Accountability Updates
NOLA-PS staff provided an update on Notices of Non-Compliance; District Optimization Policy Update; and collaborative efforts between Portfolio Innovation & Accountability and Enrollment and School Support relative to school transitions.
Board Comment:
· Clarity provided with respect to the appeal process for non-compliance and clarification for the length of time for schools in non-compliance.
· Mr. Marshall requested reporting of the rationale and/or specific issue for schools in non-compliance.
· Clarity offered with respect to the implications for consolidation of McDonogh 42 and Pierre A. Capdau charter schools, as well as support and oversight from Portfolio Innovation & Accountability with regard to monitoring school graduation requirements and conducting high school accumulation audits.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
4.1 FLO Analytics Redistricting Presentation
NOLA-PS staff, along with FLO Analytics, provided an update on the redistricting process.
BOARD COMMENT:
· Discussion ensued with regard to the Draft Map 3 reflected for District 7 and District 4; board input for how the proposed maps have been drawn; boundary line along Jefferson Avenue affecting Districts 5 and 6; and isolation and access for District 6; reconfiguration of District 4 within proposed maps.
· President Parker inquired whether any schools would change districts within the proposed draft maps and that the schools are identified for the board.
4.2 2023 OPSB Meeting Calendar Amendment
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the amended board meeting calendar for the 2023 calendar year.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin
· 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
BUDGET AND FINANCE
5.1 Finance Update
NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Finance Update which included key updates on Financial Statements, Procurement Process, Judgments & Settlements, SPED Cameras, and District Authorizer Fee.
Board Comment:
· Clarity was provided regarding the SPED Camera funding allocation.
· A discussion ensued regarding the status of the audit; the district authorizer fee; board and public access to vendor contracts; deferred revenues, including outstanding funds due from schools and possible development of a formal funding agreement between the district and schools.
5.2 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 22-CN-0011 for Fresh, Processed and Pre-Cut Produce
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the FY 2022-2023 quarterly bids for Fresh, Processed and Pre-Cut Produce from Capital City Produce, LLC, in the amount not to exceed $170,000.00.
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, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
5.3 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 23-0024 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Heating, ventilation, and Air Conditioning Services for Dove Group in the amount of $119,288.00 for one (1) year with an option to renew for two (2) additional one(1) year periods and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Vice President 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
5.4 Resolution 21-22 re: Use General Fund Balance Reserve for Walter L. Cohen Facility Transition
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board suspends the procedural requirements for Fund Balance expenditures from the system-wide reserve and approves Resolution 21-22 authorizing a one-time allocation of $2,000,000.00 from the general fund balance reserve to the general fund for the purpose of financing any loss of per pupil funding that may be actualized throughout the 2023-2024 through 2025-2026 fiscal years as a result of the Walter L. Cohen facility transition.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Ms. Baudouin
· 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
Dr. Williams provided an explanation for the request to suspend the procedural requirements for the Fund Balance expenditures in order to expedite the siting of Walter L. Cohen High School, thus facilitating the enrollment process for families.
Board Comment:
· Mr. Ashley noted that there would be technical corrections to the language of the resolution to reflect Las Sierras within BoardDocs.
· Clarity was provided regarding the allocation and how the funds will be held in reserve and dedicated from the Fund Balance and annual reporting to the board regarding enrollment.
· Ms. Baudouin acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Williams and NOLA-PS staff to ensure the greatest utilization of the newly constructed Walter L. Cohen High School.
· Clarification was provided that there would be no audit finding for the board’s suspension of its policy in regard to the resolution.
· Clarity was provided regarding the Transformation Fund and funds returned from New Orleans College Prep following the school closure process.
5.5 Resolution 22-22 FY 2022-2023 General Fund Budget Amendment #1
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Resolution 22-22 authorizing the first (1st) amendment to the Operating Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022, and ending June 30, 2023.
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, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
5.6 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with Collegiate Academies
Recommended Action: That the Orleans Parish School Board approves the CEA with Collegiate Academies for the purpose of funding any actual reduction in from loss of student population and, in turn, MFP revenues due to the transition of Rosenwald Collegiate Academy to the Walter L. Cohen facility.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Dr. Batiste
· 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:
· Board Counsel provided clarification regarding the process for approval of the lease following the siting, given the board’s approval of the lease template.
· Clarity provided with respect to forthcoming approval of the charter amendments.
5.7 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 23-0023 for Maintenance Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Maintenance Services for JEI Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $588,642.83 for two (2) years with an option to renew three (3) additional one (1) year periods and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by President Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin
· 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
5.8 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 23-0037 for Early Childhood Enrollment Information Campaign
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the qualifications, terms, and conditions for Early Childhood Enrollment Information Campaign from White Enterprises of Louisiana, LLC d/b/a Octagon Media in the amount not to exceed $840,000 for an initial term of one (1) year with an option to renew for four (4) additional one (1) year periods and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by President 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
POLICY
6.1 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy DJED, Bids and Quotations
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to Policy DJED, Bids and Quotations.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by President 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
INNOVATION & STABILITY
7.1 Innovation and Stability Committee Update
Mr. Nolan Marshall, Jr., chair, Innovation and Stability Committee, provided an update to the board, including survey responses and a request for posting the survey on the NOLA-PS website and possible visit to Washington, DC, seeking funding for a pilot relative to the district’s efforts related to school attendance. Mr. Marshall noted the committees that have been formed: recognition & motivation, civic engagement, and digital divide and further recognized members of the community who have expressed interest in supporting the committee’s efforts.
7.2 Modification to the Orleans Parish School Board Vision Statement
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board's vision statement be modified to incorporate physical and mental health and well-being.
Motion by Vice President Zervigon, second by President 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
Board Counsel read the proposed language for the modified vision statement.
PROPERTY
8.1 Capital and Facilities Update Presentation
NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Capital Projects, RSD Capital Projects, Planned, Unplanned and Emergency Projects, as well as Property Development Strategy Update.
Board Comment:
· Clarification was offered regarding the completion of the RSD construction projects and the School Facilities Master Plan.
· President Parker commended the district’s efforts in completion of construction projects and referenced visits to the Douglass, Loving, and Cohen facilities.
· Clarity was provided with regard to the exterior construction project at Clark High School, as well as the funding process via the School Facilities Preservation Fund.
· A discussion ensued regarding funding for administrative costs; topics for discussion in conjunction with the Property Development Strategy, specifically the criteria used for decision-making, seeking feedback for prioritization of community benefit projects, and January update to the full board regarding the framework.
ADJOURNMENT
9.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Dr. Batiste to adjourn the meeting.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Ashley
· Abstain: None
Meeting Adjourned at 4:10pm.