MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
February 7, 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: Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Katherine Baudouin, Olin G. Parker, and Carlos Luis Zervigon. Leila Jacobs Eames and Nolan Marshall, Jr. were absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present. Leila Jacobs Eames arrived at 1:07pm.
-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 to adopt the board meeting agenda as presented.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon
· 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
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon to adopt the minutes of the January 17, 2023 Committee of the Whole Meeting. (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
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
3.1 Education Research Alliance (ERA) for New Orleans Youth Survey Results
The Education Research Alliance for New Orleans (ERA-New Orleans) shared results from their 2022 Citywide Youth Survey (administered between February-April 2022). Presenters: Dr. Doug Harris and Dr. Jamie M. Carroll.
BOARD COMMENT:
· Clarification provided with regard to the definition of bullying used in the survey in reference to a question posed by Mr. Ashley.
· President Parker requested a copy of the Technical Appendix, highlighted increased teacher quality reported in the survey, need for increased mental health support, and trends with regard to truancy.
3.2 Resolution 03-23 Orleans Parish School Board Member Training Requirements
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve Resolution 03-23, recording the completion of training and instruction by school board members for calendar year 2022.
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
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
3.3 Resolution 05-23 OPSB Nomination to the Institute of Mental Hygiene Board of Directors
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 05-23 nominating a member of the School Board to serve as the Orleans Parish School Board’s Representative to the Institute of Mental Hygiene of the City of New Orleans’s Board of Directors.
Motion by Ms. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon
· 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
4.1 Schools Update
NOLA-PS staff provided its monthly Schools Update which included school highlights, Reimagine Grant update, Systemwide Needs Program Proposal, Enrollment Update: Early Childhood Application Launch.
Ms. Eames welcomed KIPP Morial leadership, Deanna Reddick, Principal of KIPP Morial Middle, and Michael McGee, Principal of KIPP Morial Primary for the Schools at Work Presentation.
Board Comment:
· Clarity was provided concerning the number of early childhood seats expected to be filled and the number of sites as well as teacher student ratio.
· Clarification offered with respect to the application process and enrollment launch, along with the cycles of enrollment and placement.
· Board members commended KIPP Morial for its anti-racist and equity commitment, as well as literacy focus, mental health support, and presentation of data across various metrics.
· Ms. Eames inquired about the cost of the contract relative to the Reimagine Grant, and availability of training, educational resources for paraprofessionals.
· Vice President Zervigon inquired about forthcoming noncompliance notices resulting from SPLC monitoring.
· President Parker referred Tulane University’s afterCLASS to NOLA-PS personnel.
4.2 Accountability Updates
NOLA-PS staff provided an update on the district's portfolio and authorizing practices, which included key updates on Notices of Non-Compliance, Policy Updates: HB regarding consolidation and HG with respect to district optimization, and CSAF update.
Board Comment:
· A thorough discussion followed the updates presented, including the state accountability framework; timetable for implementation of CSAF changes; implications of academic growth, effects of poverty and education of the whole child, including focus on social and emotional wellbeing, culture and climate.
· Dr. Batiste raised concerns about the implications of the current state legislation and the district’s accountability and oversight to improve school quality and the board’s efforts to influence legislation.
· President Parker advocated for the inclusion of hold harmless provisions within the CSAF and inquired about district oversight within the CSAF changes.
policy
5.1 Notice of Intent to Consider Changes to Orleans Parish School Board Policies for District-Operated and Charter Schools Regarding Student Safety and Wellbeing
BOARD COMMENT:
· President Parker provided context for the notice of intent given the loss of student life from gun violence and unsecured guns.
5.2 First Reading: Amendment to Policy DCBD, School Transformation Fund
5.3 First Reading: Amendment to Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority
BOARD COMMENT:
· Vice President Zervigon acknowledged OPSB policies previously passed by the board prior to passage of Act 91 (La. R.S. 17:10.7.1) and that the amendments are intended to reflect OPSB’s exercise of its authority as regards the formation of policy.
5.4 First Reading: Amendment to Policy HAA, Charter School Operating Agreement
5.5 First Reading: Amendment to Policy HAC, Local Education Agency Status
5.6 First Reading: Amendment to Policy HB, Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools
5.7 First Reading: Amendment to Policy HE, Enrollment
5.8 First Reading: New Policy HG, District Optimization
BOARD COMMENT:
· Ms. Baudouin acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Williams, NOLA-PS personnel, education advocates, school leaders and board members in the development of Policy HG.
· Mr. Zervigon provided clarity with regard to the forthcoming vote on policies related to approvals of the superintendent’s renewals and recommendations and invited feedback and comments from the public.
BUDGET AND FINANCE
6.1 Finance Update
NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Finance Update which included key updates on Financial Statements, Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP), Treasury Summary, and Finance Leaders Update.
Board Comment:
· Clarification related to increases in state funding provided.
· President Parker inquired about the last increase in the MFP.
6.2 Request to Award ITB Number 23-FAC-0027 for Professional Services for Exterior Envelope and Mechanical Improvements @ Joseph S. Clark School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid for Design Services from Meyers Engineers, Ltd. in the amount of $342,862.00 for the Exterior Envelope and Mechanical Improvements Project at Joseph S. Clark School and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and contractor.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Dr. Batiste
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Marshall, Ms. Baudouin
· Abstain: None
6.3 Resolution 04-23 re: Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) Application #20220049
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 04-23 denying the Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption application number 20220049 submitted by Terviva Industries, LLC
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
PROPERTY
7.1 Capital and Facilities Update Presentation
NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Capital Projects and Facility Updates which included key updates on NOLA-PS and Recovery School District Capital Projects, Other Capital Projects Updates, and Facilities Renaming Initiative Update.
Board Comment:
· Board members commended facilities staff for the progress of the capital projects.
· Clarification provided with regard to the School Preservation Fund and use of the revolving loan fund with regard to capital projects.
· President Parker acknowledged the renaming of Dorothy I. Height School and Leah L. Chase School.
- Mr. Ashley exercised a point of personal privilege for remarks made earlier.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin to move to executive session at 3:52pm.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
Reconvened from Executive Session at 4:55pm. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo Batiste and Leila Jacobs Eames. Absent: Nolan Marshall, Jr. and Katherine Baudouin. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
8.1 The Friends of King School, Inc. v. Orleans Parish School Board, CDC No. 2023-978 ; Injunctive Relief
No action taken.
8.2 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person - School Board Personnel
No action taken.
- Dr. Batiste exercised a point of personal privilege to announce the passing of centenarian Mildred Lyons Reese, former New Orleans public school teacher, social worker, principal and community activist. Dr. Batiste will represent OPSB at her funeral services on Thursday of this week.
ADJOURNMENT
9.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Ashley to adjourn the meeting.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Marshall, Ms. Baudouin
· Abstain: None
Meeting Adjourned at 4:57pm.