MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

APRIL 18, 2023

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 1:08pm by President Olin G. Parker. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Katherine Baudouin and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, and Leila Jacobs Eames were absent. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Fateama Fulmore and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.

 

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 modified: deletion of items

8.1 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person - School Board Personnel and 9.1 Superintendent's 2023-2024 Specific Performance Objectives

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by President Parker, second by Vice President Zervigon to adopt the minutes of the March 21, 2023 Committee of the Whole Meeting. (waiving the reading).

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS

 

3.1 Schools Update

NOLA-PS staff provided its monthly Schools Update which included school highlights and reporting on the special education resource fair, which featured 80 participating organizations.

 

Mr. Parker welcomed Adam Meinig, executive director, Success @ Thurgood Marshall, for the Schools at Work Presentation.

 

Board Comment:

 

·        Board members commended the leadership at Success @ Thurgood Marshall for the school’s academic growth and social, emotional interventions.

·        A discussion ensued regarding Success @ Thurgood Marshall’s support and interface with English Learners.

 

3.2 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: HA and HB, and Charter School Accountability Update, as well as the Five-Year Portfolio Plan and Extension Request for Approved Charters.

 

Board Comment:

·        A robust discussion ensued regarding the CSAF changes, including accountability and monitoring within the CSAF; notices of noncompliance; appeals process; use of qualitative and quantitative measures; inclusion of career and technical education stakeholders and school leader focus group, as well as modeling for finance metrics.

 

3.3 Extension of KIPP New Orleans Schools’ Deadline to Open its Approved Charters

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board grant KIPP New Orleans Schools an extension to begin operations on three charters approved by the Orleans Parish School Board (one K-8 approved on November 15, 2018, one 9-12 approved on November 15, 2018, and one K-8 approved on June 6, 2018) to first serve students by the 2021-22 school year. The Orleans Parish School Board first granted an extension for these charters on June 11, 2020 to begin serving students by the 2022-2023 school years. On April 22, 2021 the School Board granted a second extension for these charters to begin serving students by the 2023-24 school year. If the Board grants this extension, it would allow the three charters to begin serving students by the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Vice President Zervigon

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: Mr. Parker

 

Board Comment:

·        Clarity provided regarding the rationale for the extension of the three charters reflected in Action Items 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5, as well as the availability of other charters on the shelf as potential operators.

 

3.4 Extension of FirstLine Schools’ Deadline to Open its Approved Charters

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board grants FirstLine Schools an extension to begin operations on the K-8 charter approved by the Orleans Parish School Board on December 17, 2017 to first serve students by the 2021-22 school year. The Orleans Parish School Board first granted an extension for these charters on June 11, 2020 to begin serving students by the 2022-2023 school years. On April 22, 2021 the School Board granted a second extension for this charter to begin serving students by the 2023-24 school year. If the Board grants this extension, it would allow the charter to begin serving students by the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Ms. Baudouin

 

3.5 Extension of Crescent City Schools’ Deadline to Open its Approved Charter

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board grants Crescent City Schools an extension to begin operations on the K-8 charter approved by the Orleans Parish School Board on May 21, 2019 to first serve students by the 2021-22 school year. The Orleans Parish School Board previously granted an extension on April 22, 2021 for the charter to begin serving students by the 2023-24 school year. If the Board grants this extension, it would allow this charter to begin serving students at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

 

Motion by Vice President Zervigon, second by Mr. Marshall

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

 

policy

 

4.1 Notice of Intent to Create a New Policy to Establish a Common Calendar for NOLA-PS Charter Schools Beginning With the 2024-25 School Year

 

No Action Taken; Information, Procedural.

 

Board Comment:

·        President Parker provided context for this proposed new policy to maximize student attendance, and which is amenable to families.

 

INNOVATION & STABILITY

 

5.1 Portrait of a Graduate Update

NOLA-PS staff provided an update on the Portrait of a Graduate, including attributes/domains and content development.

 

Board Comment:

·        Clarification offered regarding modeling for Portrait of a Graduate, including acknowledgement that schools are currently engaged in aspects of this work and the audit with YouthForce NOLA.

·        President Parker commended Mr. Marshall and Dr. Fulmore in advancing the Portrait of a Graduate and offered comparisons from across the district relative to current activities and those featured in Portrait of a Graduate and the possibility for expansion of opportunity for students.

·        Clarity offered with respect to how Portrait of a Graduate is embedded within the community and across the city, in particular through incorporation in the guidebook.

·        Mr. Marshall expressed enthusiasm for the progress made with Portrait of a Graduate.

 

BUDGET AND FINANCE

 

6.1 Finance Update

NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Finance Update which included key updates on Financial Statements, ESSER Funding Status, Revenue Forecast, and Departmental Updates.

 

Board Comment:

·        A discussion ensued regarding lack of MFP increases; regular reporting/updates of OPSB LEAs impact relative to the fiscal cliff and implications for district operations; clarity regarding ESSER funding and its expiration also provided.

 

6.2 Request to Award RFP No. 23-0052 Third Party Contractor, Title l Services Non-Public Schools

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the qualifications, terms, and conditions for Third Party Contractor, Title l Services Non-Public Schools from Catapult Leaning, Cusanza Enterprises ll, LLC d/b/a Sylvan Learning Center, Learn-It Systems, LLC, and Believe to Achieve Educational Services, LLC in the total aggregate amount not to exceed $4,785,624.00 for two (2) years with an option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year terms and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and contractors.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

Board Comment:

·        Clarity provided regarding the source of funding for the awards reflected in Items 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4, as federal funds, for Title 1, Title II, and Title IV to meet obligations for nonpublic schools, indicating they resulted from recent RFPs.

 

6.3 Request to Award RFP No. 0053 Third Party Contractor, Title ll Services Non-Public Schools

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the qualifications, terms, and conditions for Third Party Contractor, Title ll Services Non-Public Schools from Learn-It Systems, LLC, in the total aggregate amount not to exceed $160,050.00 for two (2) years with an option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year terms and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and contractor.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

6.4 Request to Award RFP No. 23-0054 Third Party Contractor Title IV Services for Non-Public Schools

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the qualifications, terms, and conditions for Third Party Contractor, Title IV Services Non-Public Schools from Catapult Learning, LLC, Cusanza Enterprises ll, LLC d/b/a Sylvan Learning Center and Learn-It Systems, LLC, in the total aggregate amount not to exceed $519,439.00 pursuant to fiscal year 2022-2023 for one (1) year with an option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year terms and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the contracts for signatures of the Board President and contractors.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Vice President Zervigon

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

Board Comment:

·        Clarification provided with respect to the receipt of indirect costs at 6% to 7% by the district to cover administrative costs.

 

6.5 Direct Diversion of USDA Commodities for the 2023-2024 School Year for the Child Nutrition Program

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes the Direct Diversion of USDA Donated Products from the approved vendors awarded by the St. Charles Parish School Board in the amount of $415,918.82for the 2023-24 school year.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·        Clarification provided that OPSB participates in a child nutrition consortia with other school districts and/or parishes allowing the district to realize competitive rates for purchasing.

 

6.6 Request to Approve Textbooks Purchases via State of Louisiana Contract and Interlocal Purchasing Cooperative System (TIPS)

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the purchase of textbooks for the 2022–2023 school year for fifty-six (56) Orleans Parish non-public schools in the amount of $427,267.00 through Louisiana State approved contract vendors and The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) cooperative contract vendors.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Vice President Zervigon

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

6.7 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. ITB23-FAC-0048 for Plumbing Repairs at Enrique Alferez

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the base bid from Industrial & Mechanical Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $229,000.00 and Alternate No. 1 in the amount of $8,000.00 for the Plumbing Repairs at Enrique Alferez ITB23-FAC-0048; 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. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

6.8 Request to Renew Grounds Keeping Services Contract with 4 A Era, LLC to provide Grounds Keeping Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the second one-year renewal of the contract with 4 A Era, LLC for Grounds Keeping Services for the period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 at an amount not to exceed $250,000.00 and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the renewal for signature of the Board President and contactor.

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Vice President Zervigon

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

Board Comment:

·        Ms. Baudouin, along with Mr. Parker, acknowledged the importance of lawn care among constituents and commended the lawn care service provider for its responsiveness.

·        Clarification offered regarding the chemical treatment of lawns to limit growth.

 

6.9 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Élan Academy, Inc.

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Élan Academy, Inc., for the purpose of funding up to $250,000.00 of any actual additional expenses Élan incurs for moving necessary equipment and supplies to create an age appropriate environment for elementary school students at the newly renovated Rosenwald facility (originally renovated for middle to high school use) including, but not limited to, play equipment and other student age related expenses.

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Zervigon

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames

·        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 Capital Projects and Surplus Property Strategy: Feedback Overview.

 

Board Comment:

·        Clarification provided that the surplus property strategy would be amended such that proposed changes will be incorporated; clarity also provided regarding the release of building schematics at the point of RFP.

·        President Parker acknowledged community feedback related to the surplus property strategy meetings, as well as implications for declining enrollment and the necessity for pursuing this strategy; offered the inclusion of accessible affordable housing within the surplus property strategy.

·        Clarity offered with respect to New Orleans Housing Authority as a housing developer, along with other possible developers, as well as conversations with the Louisiana Housing Corporation and the Office of Community Development.

·        Ms. Baudouin echoed the positive community feedback and impact of declining enrollment, as well as her commitment to a transparent process and encouraged transparency to the community on the part of school leaders and district partners.

 

PUBLIC Comment:

·        Monisha S. James, O. Perry Walker alumna, expressed interest and continued involvement by alumni in the school, including the renaming ceremony and possible reopening of the school, as well as continued conversations with the board and superintendent.  

 

-        Ms. Delcour expressed gratitude for her affiliation with NOLA-PS, as well as acknowledged the talent and dedication of district staff and operations staff in particular.

 

Board Comment:

·        Board members commended Ms. Delcour for her leadership throughout the COVID pandemic, as well as her competency

in operations, facilities and construction management.

 

7.2 Second Amended and Restated Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with 9th Ward Stadium, Inc.

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Second Amended and Restated Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with 9th Ward Stadium, Inc.

 

Motion by Vice President Zervigon, second by President Parker

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

Board Comment:

·        Clarification provided with regard to the CEA amendment revising its expiration through substantial completion of the project but does not pertain to fundraising.

ADJOURNMENT

 

10.1 Adjourn Meeting

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

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

Meeting Adjourned at 4:34pm.