MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

January 19, 2023

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:34pm 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. 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 Meetings.

 

1.4 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as provided

Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Ms. Baudouin

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

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by President Parker, second by Mr. Marshall to adopt the minutes of the December 15, 2022 Board Business Meeting as presented. (waiving the reading).

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

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

3.1 Superintendent's Remarks

Dr. Avis Williams acknowledged January as School Board Recognition Month and expressed gratitude for  Orleans Parish School Board members. Other celebrations and recognitions by Dr. Williams included: the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and noted that she served as grand marshal for the Friends of King MLK Day Parade; for her work in equity, Dr. Williams is the 2023 Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award presented by AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Dr. Williams thanked the transition team for their efforts; identified the four areas of focus: quality, quantity, choice, and variety emanating as part of the 5-year portfolio planning,  and provided an update on Talk SUPT Roundtable, referencing a roundtable discussion led by Edna Karr students and forthcoming student-led discussions.   

 

Dr. Williams recognized Taslin Alfonzo, NOLA-PS Director of Media Relations as recipient of the Public Relations Society of America's (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter Silver Anvil Award for Crisis Communications during COVID.

 

Board Comment:

·        President Parker congratulated Dr. Williams on behalf of the board as recipient of the 2023 Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award.

·        President Parker and Mr. Marshall acknowledged the input and engagement of youth in varied contexts.

·        President Parker acknowledged the recent event coordinated by Inspire NOLA.

 

3.2 New Schools for New Orleans Presentation

Alex Jarrell, chief innovation officer, New Schools for New  

Orleans, presented their work on the talent pipeline landscape and

support from the district’s Systemwide Needs Program.

 

Board Comment:

·        A robust discussion ensued following the presentation, including: pay equity, participation by institutions of higher education, leadership development and professional growth, certification subsidy, as well as recruitment and retention, teacher pipeline, pay for performance.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

4. CONSENT AGENDA

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve Consent Agenda Items 4.1 through 4.5 as presented in globo.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Eames

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

 

4.1 Amendment to Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority

4.2 Request to Approve Change Order #11 for Gibbs Construction for the Rosenwald Renovation Project

4.3 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 22-FAC-0054 for the Millwork Repairs at Medard Nelson School

4.4 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 23-0038 for Data Bridge Enhancements Services Phase II

4.5 Revolving Loan Fund Agreement - Ellis Marsalis

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

5.1 Election of Board President and Vice President

Recommended Action: Pursuant to OPSB Policy BBA, "At its first meeting in January of each year . . .  the School Board shall elect one of its members to serve as President and one to serve as Vice-President, in separate ballots, for a term of one (1) year, beginning in January.  The President and Vice-President shall receive the votes of a majority of the full membership of the School Board, four (4) votes, before being declared elected.  Each officer may hold office for no longer than two (2) consecutive terms."

 

Nomination for Olin G. Parker, for President, Orleans Parish School Board

Motion by Ms. Eames, second Mr. Ashley

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

 

Motion to close nominations to proceed with voting.

Motion by Nolan Marshall, second by Mr. Ashley

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

 

Board Counsel read votes cast by each board member. Mr. Parker was unanimously elected as President of the Orleans Parish School Board.

 

Nomination for Carlos Luis Zervigon, for Vice President, Orleans Parish School Board

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second Ms. Eames

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

 

Motion to close nominations to proceed with voting.

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Ashley

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

 

Board Counsel read votes cast by each board member. Mr. Zervigon was unanimously elected as Vice President of the Orleans Parish School Board.

 

Board Comment:

·        President Parker exercised a point of personal privilege and expressed gratitude for support of his family and board members, recognized the expertise among the board, articulated the areas of work for the board, as well as recognized students and educators across the district. He further acknowledged the support and camaraderie shared with Mr. Ashley.  

·        Mr. Zervigon also acknowledged the expertise and transparency of the board and expressed his appreciation serving with colleagues.    

 

5.2 Resolution 01-23 Authorizing the Board President and Vice President as Signatories

Recommended Action: That the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 01-23, authorizing the Board President to sign contracts and other official documents on behalf of the Board and authorizing the Vice President to sign in the President's absence.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Ms. Baudouin (waiving 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

 

Board Comment:

·        Mr. Ashley acknowledged the importance of leadership transition in the coming year and building the leadership capacity of the board in the future.  

 

5.3 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 Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Parker (waiving 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

 

-        President Parker acknowledged Dr. Batiste’s birthday on tomorrow.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

6.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon to adjourn the meeting.

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

 

Meeting Adjourned at 6:30 pm.