MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

MARCH 23, 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, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, and Nolan Marshall. Ethan Ashley was absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present. Leila Jacobs Eames departed the meeting at 6:14pm.

 

-Interpretation services were acknowledged.

 

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Leila Jacobs Eames.

 

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 amended, removing from the Consent Agenda items: 5.13 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 23-FAC-0044 for Building Repairs from Water Infiltration at Elijah Brimmer, Jr. School and 5.15 Request for Approval of Amendment 2 to Contract with Mark I Baum Architect for Building Repairs from Water Infiltration at Elijah Brimmer, Jr. School with them becoming Action Items 6.2 and 6.3, respectively

 

Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Mr. Zervigon

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

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by President Parker to adopt the minutes of the February 9, 2023 Board Business Meeting as presented. (waiving the reading).

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

 

-President Parker acknowledged the various guests in the audience.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

3.1 Superintendent's Remarks

Dr. Avis Williams acknowledged the following celebrations in March: International Women’s Day, as well as Women’s History Month and Social Work Month. She recognized the following: Phillis Wheatley Community School for its Early Literacy program and their Model of Excellence Recognition from the Louisiana Department of Education; The Living School for its partnership with Upbeat Academy, focused on music production and vocal performance, which received national recognition, including being featured on Good Morning America; National Board Certified Teachers recently credentialed and those maintaining certification; George Washington Carver High School Boys Basketball Team as Division II State Champions; The Willow School Boys Soccer Team for  winning the Division III State Title; and Student of the Year State Finalist for NOLA Public Schools, William Xi, who attends The Williow School.

 

Dr. Williams congratulated Ms. Nicolette London on her appointment as permanent CEO at The Willow School.

 

The superintendent’s update included reporting on recent school visits; as well as these highlights: stakeholder engagement, creation of two solution circles, district optimization, advisory convenings, transition team, leading with equity, excellence and joy; articulation of district priorities; and the strategic planning process. She further elaborated on the NOLA- PS HUB, a one-stop shop for families to access various wrap-around services. Dr. Williams announced her school siting decisions.

 

Board Comment:

·        President Parker offered historical context for Carver High School’s previous basketball tournament participation.

·        Mr. Zervigon acknowledged Ms. London’s permanent appoint-ment at The Willow School.

·        Dr. Batiste acknowledged Ms. London as a doctoral student at the University of Holy Cross.

·        President Parker acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Williams and the NOLA-PS staff for the past several months.

·        Ms. Baudouin acknowledged the superintendent’s siting decisions, ensuring access to high quality facilities while being fiscally responsible.

·        President Parker referenced the educational opportunities offered by Élan Academy, as well as ReNew’s efforts in early childhood education and therapeutic offerings.

 

3.2 Delta Sigma Theta Day at the School Board

Dr. Williams recognized members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in attendance and welcomed Ms. Adele London, social action chair, New Orleans Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, who offered remarks, followed by a presentation to Dr. Williams, as the school district’s first woman to serve as permanent superintendent, by Ms. Adrian Woods in honor of Women’s History Month.

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

4.1 STEM Library Lab Presentation

Todd Wackerman, executive director,  Maria Landrum, service learning manager, of the STEM Library Lab presented information on its resources and collaborative opportunities available for educators.

 

Board Comment:

·        Mr. Marshall commended the efforts of Mr. Wackerman and his persistence in the lab’s development and expansion.

·        Ms. Baudouin acknowledged the importance of service learning and its integration into the curriculum.

·        President Parker acknowledged the Lab’s creation and significance to educators as a resource for STEM education and proposed a future visit by the board.   

 

-Motion to amend the agenda adding Actions Item 6.4:1st Amended Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the State of Louisiana, New Orleans Career Center, Orleans Parish School Board, Expanding High Wage, High Demand Career and Technical Training, FP&C Project 50-N17-21-01 and Action Item 6.5: Resolution 09-23 re: Signature Authority for State Capital Outlay Funding for Dr. Alice R. Geoffray Career Center

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, seconded by Mr. Parker

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

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board move to approve Consent Agenda Items 5.1 through 5.12 and Consent Agenda Items 5.14, and  5.16 through 5.19 as presented in globo.

 

5.1 System Wide Needs Program Proposal

 

5.2 Amendment to Policy DCBD, School Transformation Fund

 

5.3 Amendment to Policy HAA, Charter School Operating Agreement

 

5.4 Amendment to Policy HAC, Local Education Agency Status

 

5.5 Amendment to Policy HE, Enrollment

 

5.6 New Policy HG, District Optimization

 

5.7 2022-2023 Pupil Progression Plan Addendum

 

5.8 2023 - 2024 Central Office Calendar, 2023-2024 ECS Calendar, and 2023-2024 Child Nutrition Calendar

 

5.9 Acceptance of Grant from Special Olympics Louisiana (SOLA)

 

5.10 Request to Approve Amendment No. 1 to Contract with Capitol City Produce LLC for Fresh, Processed and Pre-Cut Produce

 

5.11 Second Extension of Lease For Public Lands: Agricultural, Grazing, Trapping, Hunting and any other Legitimate Purposes

 

5.12 Amendment to Agreement for Audit Services

 

5.14, and  Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 23-FAC-0018 for Hurricane Ida Repairs at Lake Forest ES

 

5.16 Request for Approval to approve Amendment 4 for contract between Owner and Designer 20-FAC-0042 for the Renovation at Julius Rosenwald School

 

5.17 Request to Award Request for Qualification No. 23-0051 Energy Consultant Services

 

5.18 Termination of Right of First Refusal to Purchase Encore Learning Facility at 2518 Arts Street

 

5.19 OPSB Legislative Agenda - 2023 Regular Legislative Session

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin

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

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

6.1 Third Amendment to Contract with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc. for Risk Management Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the third amendment to the contract with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management services, Inc for Risk Management services for the period of March 24, 2023 - March 23, 2024 in the amount not to exceed $25, 000.00 and authorizes General counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signature of the Board President and Contractor.

 

Motion by President Parker, second by Vice President Zervigon

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

 

6.2 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 23-FAC-0044 for Building Repairs from Water Infiltration at Elijah Brimmer, Jr. School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid in the amount of $14,880,000.00 and Alternate 1 in the amount of $165,000.00, totaling $15,045,000.00, from Gibbs Construction for the Building Repairs from Water Intrusion at Elijah Brimmer, Jr School and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

 

6.3 Request for Approval of Amendment 2 to Contract with Mark I Baum Architect for Building Repairs from Water Infiltration at Elijah Brimmer, Jr. School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Amendment 2 to the contract with Mark I Baum Architect for Building Repairs from Water Infiltration at Elijah Brimmer, Jr. School, increasing the Architect’s fee by $488,903, for an amended total of $1,078,505 based on the AFC value of the construction bid; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare Amendment#2 for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

 

6.4 1st Amended Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the State of Louisiana, New Orleans Career Center, Orleans Parish School Board, Expanding High Wage, High Demand Career and Technical Training, FP&C Project 50-N17-21-01

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the 1st Amended Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the State of Louisiana, New Orleans Career Center, Orleans Parish School Board, Expanding High Wage, High Demand Career Development, FP&C Project 50-N17-21-01, which provides for Capital Outlay funding from the State of Louisiana in the gross amount of $4.5M for expanding high wage, high demand career development.

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Claire Jecklin, executive director, New Orleans Career Center, spoke in favor of this item, explaining the funds referenced are for facilities funding and not education purposes.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·        President Parker acknowledged Ms. Jecklin’s efforts in creation of the New Orleans Career Center over the past several years.

·        Ms. Baudouin commended NOLA-PS staff for working so promptly to bring this item before the full board.

 

6.5 Resolution 09-23 re: Signature Authority for State Capital Outlay Funding for Dr. Alice R. Geoffray Career Center

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Resolution 09-23 authorizing the Superintendent or his/her designee to perform ministerial and administrative acts on behalf of the Orleans Parish School Board as required by the State of Louisiana for the receipt of Capital Outlay funding for the purchase of equipment necessary to access hands-on technical training for trainees at the Dr. Alice R. Geoffray Career Center, pursuant to the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the State of Louisiana, New Orleans Career Center, and Orleans Parish School Board, Expanding High Wage, High Demand Career and Technical Training, FP&C Project 50-N17-21-01.

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Dr. Batiste (waiving the reading)

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Results of the Roll Call Vote:

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

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion to move into Executive Session offered by President Parker at 6:58pm. Motion not seconded; motion failed.

 

Substitute motion to amend the agenda removing the Executive Session agenda item from today’s agenda

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

8.1 Adjourn Meeting

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

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

 

Meeting Adjourned at 7:00pm.