MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

May 18 , 2023

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:31pm 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, Jr. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present. Mr. Ashley departed at 6:29pm

 

-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 modified, removing Action Item 6.1 Superintendent's 2023-2024 Specific Performance Objectives and adding the recommended action for Action Item 6.4 Adoption of the Portrait of a Graduate as follows: Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the Portrait of a Graduate.

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Dr. Batiste

·        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 Ms. Baudouin to adopt the minutes of the April 20, 2023 Board Business Meeting. (waiving the reading).

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

3.1 Superintendent's Remarks

Dr. Avis Williams commended graduates of NOLA PS during graduation season and acknowledged the following: Aerospace Physiology Award Winner, Gregory L. Sextion, Sr., of Samuel J. Green Charter School, as well as University of Holy Cross Leadership Award Recipient, Dr. Samara Miller. The following celebrations for May were recognized: Teacher Appreciation Week and Mental Health Awareness Month.

 

The superintendent provided updates on school visits and the inaugural Dr. Rosalynne B. Dennis Fitness Challenge, noting Fitness Challenge Award Winners. Additional information regarding open enrollment would be forthcoming with the exact date of the next cycle.

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

4.1 The Starting Block Presentation

Mr. Arnie Fielkow provided remarks about the progress of the 9th Ward Stadium and presented information on The Starting Block, a program for high school students interested in sports related careers. He provided details on the selection process and curriculum.

 

Board Comment:

·        Vice President Zervigon commended Mr. Fielkow for his efforts through The Starting Block, noting its emphasis on diversity.

·        Ms. Baudouin acknowledged Mr. Fielkow’s efforts as an advocate for public education, as well as the broader community.

·        Ms. Eames praised Mr. Fielkow’s commitment to school age children and the opportunities presented through The Starting Block.

·        Dr. Batiste and President Parker echoed sentiments of other board members commending the efforts of Mr. Fielkow on behalf of the New Orleans community.

 

4.2 New Orleans Public Library Summer Fun and Reading  Challenge Presentation

Emily Painton, Executive Director, New Orleans Public Library, introduced library staff in attendance: Heather Riley, Director of Public Services and Amy Wander, Head of Youth Programming. Ms. Wander provided a presentation on the New Orleans Public Library Summer Fun and Reading Challenge.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·        Ms. Eames highlighted the various community resources that families can avail themselves of as a library cardholder and commended library staff for their literacy efforts.

·        Ms. Baudouin commended the library’s efforts related to the summer reading challenge.

·        Vice President Zervigon acknowledged the library’s efforts with an equity context regarding accessibility to knowledge and information.

 

4.3 Presentation of the Proposed 2023-2024 Budget for the General Fund and Special Revenue Fund

Stuart Gay, chief financial officer, provided a presentation of the proposed 2023-2024 budget for the General Fund and Special Revenue Fund.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·        A robust discussion ensued regarding: clarity with respect to TRSL eligibility and rates and implications for liability of the pension plan; availability of disaggregated data in preparation for upcoming budget discussions; decline in MFP funding as reflected by projected declining enrollment, as well as implications for funds received from sales tax and ad valorem taxes.

·        Clarity provided regarding legacy costs, as well as unspent ESSER funds by networks and their reallocation.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board move to approve Consent Agenda Items 5.1 through 5.24 as presented in globo.

 

5.1 Approval of Local Educational Agency (LEA) Agreement FY2023-2024

 

5.2 Amendment to Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority

 

5.3 Amendment to Policy HB, Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools

 

5.4 Request to Renew Contract with The Learning Collective for Type 1 and 3 Charter Application Review Services

 

5.5 Request to Renew Contract with BreakFree Education for Education and Wrap Around Services at Travis Hill Schools (2022-23)

 

5.6 First Amendment to Contract with Cox Communications for E-Rate Services

 

5.7 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase for Enrollment Systems Enhancements

 

5.8 Request to Approve Contract with Empower Schools to Implement Phase II of Reimagine School Systems Grant

 

5.9 Request to Renew Contract with Blackmon Mooring for Disaster Recovery Services

 

5.10 Request to Renew Contract with PFM Financial Advisors, LLC for Financial (Municipal) Advisory Services

 

5.11 Request to Renew Contract with CSRS for COVID-19 Program and Grants Management Services

 

5.12 Request to Approve Purchase of Computer Technology, Hardware, Software, and Licenses from Louisiana State Vendors

 

5.13 Request to Renew Contract with Educators for Quality Alternatives for Restorative Practices Program for Middle School Students

 

5.14 Request to Award ITB 23-FAC-0039 for Temporary Modular Classrooms at Elijah Brimmer Jr. School

 

5.15 Request to Renew Contract with PFM Asset Management, LLC for Financial (Municipal) Treasury Management Services

 

5.16 Request to Award ITB 22-FAC-0052 for Hurricane Ida Repairs at Vorice Jackson Waters Elementary School

 

5.17 Revolving Loan Fund for Lake Forest Elementary School

 

5.18 Request to Award ITB 22-FAC-0013 for Water Intrusion Repairs at Homer Plessy Elementary School

 

5.19 Revolving Loan Fund for Elijah Brimmer School

 

5.20 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 24-CN-0001 - Milk Products for The Child Nutrition Program Fiscal Year 2024

 

5.21 Request to Award Invitation to Bid NO. 24-CN-0002 - Paper Products for The Child Nutrition Program Fiscal Year 2024

 

5.22 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 24-CN-0003 for Fresh, Processed and Pre-Cut Produce

 

5.23 Adoption of Property Disposition Strategy

 

5.24 Request for Conflict Waiver: Phelps Dunbar, LLP

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Abstain: None

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

6.2 Resolution 10-23 Calling a Special Election re: Millage Renewal

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 10-23 ordering and calling a special election to be held in the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana, to authorize the levy of a special tax therein; making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

 

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

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Results of Roll Call Vote:

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

 

6.3 Resolution 11-23 Levying Constitutional and other Dedicated Millages 2024

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 11-23 setting forth and designating Constitutional Mills and Other Dedicated Mills on all property subject to taxation in the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana for the year 2024.

 

 

6.4 Adoption of the Portrait of a Graduate

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the Portrait of a Graduate.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Sarah Kelley, with Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools, spoke in support of the adoption of the Portrait of  A Graduate and acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Fateama Fulmore in this regard.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·        Mr. Marshall highlighted the implications of Portrait of a Graduate throughout the community and its significance across various sectors as Portrait of a Graduate is implemented; he further praised Dr. Fulmore for her efforts.

·        President Parker commended Dr. Fulmore’s leadership with respect to Portrait of a Graduate.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Ms. Baudouin to move to executive

session at 6:56pm.

 

Reconvened from Executive Session at 7:17pm. The following board

members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Ethan Ashley was absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

7.1 Orleans Parish School Board v. JEI Solutions, Inc., Admiral Insurance Group Claim No. A000000039490; Contract Claim - Settlement Recommendation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed settlement of this matter as recommended by its legal counsel.

 

 

7.2 Woodrow Wilson Construction, LLC f/k/a Woodrow Wilson Construction Co., Inc. v. Orleans Parish School Board, Orleans Parish Civil District Court No. 2017-3885; Construction Litigation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves mediation authority as recommended by its legal counsel.

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by President Parker

 

7.3 Orleans Parish School Board v. Woodrow Wilson Construction, LLC, and Western Surety, CDC No. 2019-11852; Construction Litigation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves mediation authority as recommended by its legal counsel.

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, seconded by President Parker

 

7.4 Aitia Bell v. Orleans Parish School Board, et al., CDC No. 2014-11891; Personal Injury Litigation - Settlement Recommendation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the settlement of this matter as recommended by its legal counsel.

 

Motion by Vice President Zervigon, seconded by President Parker

 

7.5 Jacqueline Mayfield v. Orleans Parish School Board, CDC No. 2017-9069; Personal Injury Litigation - Settlement Recommendation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves settlement of this matter as recommended by its legal counsel.

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, seconded by Ms. Baudouin

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

8.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Vice President Zervigon to adjourn the meeting.

 

Meeting Adjourned at 7:22pm.