MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

February 9, 2023

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:36pm 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 Jacobs 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.

 

-        A moment of silence was observed for the loss of student life due to gun violence.

 

1.4 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion to adopt the board meeting agenda as provided

Motion by Mr. Ashley, 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 Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon to adopt the minutes of the January 19, 2023 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 recognized NOLA-PS staff celebrating milestones in their service to the school district and acknowledged the following celebrations in February: Black History Month, National School Counseling Week, CTE (Career and Technical Education) Month, and Mardi Gras. She announced the early childhood enrollment process and the partnership with the City of New Orleans and Agenda for Children with regard to early childhood education.

 

Dr. Williams noted the press conference earlier today and highlighted the Mardi Gras Call-to-Action’s emphasis on the safety of our youth, as well as supporting scholars.

 

Her February updates included: the Enrollment Solution Circles, including recommendations for making the enrollment system more equitable, as well as enhancing stakeholders’ understanding of the enrollment system. Recommendations included: extending hours of the Family Resource Centers; providing virtual options within the Family Resources Centers; improvements to Family Resource Center signage; greater language access; streamlining the application process; and enhanced communications features. Dr. Williams also identified members of the Portfolio Planning Team and their forthcoming engagement in development of the district’s five year portfolio plan.

 

Board Comment:

·        Mr. Ashley and Mr. Parker acknowledged the efforts of the district and the responsiveness of the superintendent in addressing issues.

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

4.1 FLO Analytics Redistricting Presentation

NOLA-PS Staff, along with FLO Analytics, provided an update on the redistricting process which included an overview of the redistricting process and presentation of the final map option.

 

Board Comment:

·        A robust discussion ensued regarding the maps of individual districts and the final map option.

·        Clarification was provided with regard to the impact of proposed precinct changes:

o   District 3: Precinct 3-9 added

o   District 4: Precinct 3-1 added; Precinct 5-1 and Precinct 6-1 removed

o   District 7: Precinct 3-1 and Precinct 3-9 removed; Precinct 5-1 and Precinct 6-1 added

·        Board members commended FLO Analytics for their services throughout the redistricting process.

 

4.2 Moms Demand Action Presentation re: Gun Safety

Presenters Meghan Mekita and Shannon Cian, co-leads for the BeSMART Initiative with Moms Demand Action New Orleans Chapter, presented information on gun safety and resources available to schools and families.

 

Board Comment:

·        Clarity provided regarding whether schools may inquire of students whether there are unsecured guns in the household.

·        Clarification offered in terms of how schools can access the resources and the availability of materials for the school community through the BeSMART Initiative with Moms Demand Action New Orleans Chapter.

·        President Parker encouraged schools to take the initiative with regard to gun safety and thanked presenters for the awareness they are creating with respect to gun safety.

 

4.3 American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) Scholarship

Presentation

The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) and the local Greater New Orleans Chapter announced the opening of its 2023 Annual Scholarship Program. Presentation by Drew Zyiad Thompson, Scholarship Committee Chair.

 

Board Comment:

·        Clarification provided with regard to pipeline efforts and engagement with schools and local community, as well as contact information for Mr. Thompson.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

5.1 Request to Award ITB Number 23-FAC-0027 for Professional Services for Exterior Envelope and Mechanical Improvements @ Joseph S. Clark School

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Absent: Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

6.1 2023 Committee Appointments

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the committee appointments as recommended by the Board President.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Vice President Zervigon

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Absent: Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

Board Comment:

·        President Parker announced that the committee appointments are the same as the previous year.   

 

6.2 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 Mr. Ashley, 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, Mr. Marshall

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Ms. Eames

·        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. Ashley (waiving the reading)

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Results of the Roll Call Vote:

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

6.4 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 President Parker, second by Vice President Zervigon

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Results of the Roll Call Vote:

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

6.5 Resolution 06-23 re: Adoption of Orleans Parish School Board Reapportionment Plan

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 06-23 reapportioning Orleans Parish School Board special election districts, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes § 17:71.1, et seq.

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Ashley to modify Resolution 06-23 to reflect the following changes in Section 1.C., Section 1.D., and Section 1.G.:

 

o   Section 1.C. District 3: Precinct 3-9 added

o   Section 1.D. District 4: Precinct 3-1 added; Precinct 5-1 and Precinct 6-1 removed

o   Section 1.G. District 7: Precinct 3-1 and Precinct 3-9 removed; Precinct 5-1 and Precinct 6-1 added

 

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Ashley to adopt Resolution 06-23 as modified (waiving the reading)

 

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Results of the Roll Call Vote:

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

6.6 Resolution 07-23 re: Special Personnel Committee

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the OPSB adopt resolution 07-23, establishing a special Personnel Committee and approve the appointment of the following committee members: Dr. Donaldo Batiste as chair, Leila Eames and Katherine Baudouin as members, and Olin Parker as ex-officio.

 

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

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Results of the Roll Call Vote:

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·        Clarification provided regarding the nature of information to be shared with and by the special personnel committee and its role.

·        Vice President Zervigon acknowledged the significance of the committee in the board’s strategic planning, central office roles and responsibilities, and stewardship of fiscal resources, as well as the expertise of committee members.  

 

6.7 Arise Academy Voluntary Surrender of Mildred Osborne Charter School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts Arise Academy's voluntary surrender of its charter to operate Mildred Osborne Charter School, in accordance with OPSB Policy HB, effective June 30, 2023.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·        At President Parker’s request, Dr. Williams, superintendent, Jolene Galpin, chief executive officer, Mildred Osborne Charter School, and Kate Mehok, chief executive officer, Crescent City Schools, were invited to speak on action items 6.7 and 6.8.

·        Clarification provided with respect to the timing and context for Arise Academy’s voluntary surrender of its charter to operate Mildred Osborne Charter School.

 

6.8 Crescent City Schools' Voluntary Surrender of Akili Academy

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts Crescent City Schools' voluntary surrender of its charter to operate Akili Academy, in accordance with OPSB Policy HB, effective June 30, 2023.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Marshall

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

·        Dr. Ken Ducote, representing the Ruby Bridges Foundation Advisory Board, acknowledged the preservation of the legacy of Ruby Bridges by Akili Academy during its occupancy of the William Frantz School building.  

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·        Mr. Parker echoed the comments expressed by Dr. Ducote and assured that Dr. Williams will also maintain the legacy of Ruby Bridges and the Frantz building in the future siting process.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

7.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin to adjourn the meeting.

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

 

Meeting Adjourned at 7:14 pm.