MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
January 17, 2023
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, Leila J. Eames, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present. Ms. Baudouin arrived at 2:05pm. Dr. Donaldo Batiste was absent.
-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 Vice President Zervigon, second by Mr. Marshall to adopt the agenda as amended moving agenda item 4. Policy and agenda item 6. Property to agenda items 6 and 7 respectively
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Abstain: None
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of the Minutes
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by President Parker to adopt the minutes of the December 13, 2022 Committee of the Whole. (waiving the reading).
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Abstain: None
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS
3.1 Schools Update
NOLA-PS staff provided its monthly Schools Update which included key updates on school highlights, student attendance, Systemwide Needs Program (SWNP), and school transitions.
Ms. Eames welcomed Ms. Antigua Wilbern, CEO of Bricolage Academy, for the Schools at Work presentation.
Board Comment:
· A robust discussion ensued with regard to updates presented including clarification of the percentage of students from closing schools who have completed NCAP; the Data Bridge Project; engagement among school leaders.
· Board members acknowledged the efforts of NOLA-PS staff, mayor’s
Office of Youth and Families, Juvenile Court, and other partners and stakeholders with respect to attendance efforts.
· Clarity offered with regard to the provision of in-home mental health services.
3.2 Accountability Updates
NOLA-PS staff provided an update on Notices of Non-Compliance and District Optimization Policy.
Board Comment:
· A robust discussion was held with regard to updates presented including clarification with respect to the Southern Poverty Law
Center reporting, consent decree, and forthcoming state data relative to monitoring and noncompliance.
BUDGET AND FINANCE
5.1 Finance Update
NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Finance Update which included key updates on Financial Statements, Departmental Updates and FY22 Annual Audit Presentation, provided by Tiffani M. Dorsa, CPA with Postlethwaite & Netterville.
Board Comment:
· Clarity was provided regarding invoicing to schools and past balances; variances; liabilities; GASB and its impact; as well as management letter comments.
5.2 Resolution 02-23 Capital Projects Budget Amendment No. 1
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the OPSB adopt the fiscal resolution authorizing the first (1st) amendment to the Capital Projects Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023 in the amount of $150,000.
Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Mr. Marshall (waiving the reading)
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste
· Abstain: None
5.3 Request to Approve Change Order #11 for Gibbs Construction for the Rosenwald Renovation Project
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the change order increase from Gibbs Construction in the amount of $6,301.00 for the Rosenwald Renovation Project.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Vice President Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste
· Abstain: None
Board Comment:
· Clarity was offered regarding the change orders, credits, and expenses for this item.
5.4 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 22-FAC-0054 for the Millwork Repairs at Medard Nelson School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Tasch, LLC in the amount of $260,000.00 for the Millwork repairs that occurred during a sprinkler failure in October 2021 and authorizes 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, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste
· Abstain: None
Board Comment:
· Clarity was provided regarding the facility that housed students during the repairs.
5.5 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 23-0038 for Data Bridge Enhancements Services Phase II
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Data Bridge Enhancements Services Phase II for Crocus, LLC in the amount of $204,080.00 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, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste
· Abstain: None
5.6 Revolving Loan Fund Agreement - Ellis Marsailas
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the School Facilities Preservation Revolving Loan Fund Agreement between OPSB and the Willow Schools for the Ellis Marsalis Fire Alarm System Replacement in the amount of $153,722.80.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Ms. Eames
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste
· Abstain: None
INNOVATION & STABILITY
7.1 Portrait of a Graduate
NOLA-PS staff presented an update of the Portrait of a Graduate.
Board Comment:
· A robust discussion was held following the presentation including opportunities for participation by CEOs/school leaders, as well as inclusion of feedback from teachers and how to measure the attributes and their inclusion into the CSAF.
· Mr. Marshall requested a listing of the design team members.
· Board members acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Marshall, NOLA-PS staff, along with local stakeholders for their contributions to date.
POLICY
4.1 Notice of Intent to consider technical amendments to policies in Section H, Charter Schools, to Remove Unnecessary References to State Statute
4.2 Notice of Intent to Consider Amendments to Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority, and Policy HB, Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools, Regarding Board Consideration of the Superintendent’s Recommendations on Charter School Approvals, Extensions, Renewals, and Revocations
Board Comment:
Chairwoman Baudouin acknowledged the efforts of Vice President Zervigon for items 4.1 and 4.2.
4.3 Second Reading: Amendment to Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority
Recommended Action: It is recommendation that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority.
Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Mr. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste
· Abstain: None
PROPERTY
6.1 Capital and Facilities Update Presentation
NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Capital Projects, RSD Capital Projects, Property Development Update, as well as the Spring 2023 Facility Siting Process.
Board Comment:
· Clarity was provided with regard to property previously held by HANO and now with HUD.
· Clarification was provided for how swing space is utilized, as well as the siting process and the timeline for applications.
· Clarity was provided regarding the availability of funds used in conjunction with the renaming of school facilities, as well as a forthcoming update on the Alfred Lawless property.
PUBLIC Comment:
Dr. Ken Ducote, executive director, Greater New Orleans Collaborative of Charter Schools, spoke in support of projects in the school preservation program and commended NOLA-PS personnel and the board for information presented and transparency.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Ms. Baudouin to move to executive session at 3:50pm.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste
· Abstain: None
Reconvened from Executive Session at 4:06pm. The following board
members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Ethan Ashley, Katherine Baudouin, Leila J Eames, and Nolan Marshall, Jr.
Dr. Batiste was absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board
Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
8.1 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person - School Board Personnel
ADJOURNMENT
9.1 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. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste
· Abstain: None
Meeting adjourned at 4:07pm.