MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
JUNE 6, 2023
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 1:03pm by President Olin G. Parker. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Carlos Luis Zervigon was absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.
- A moment of silence was observed for the loss of NOLA-PS student life.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dr. Donaldo Batiste.
- Interpretation services were acknowledged.
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 presented by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of the Minutes
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Marshall to adopt the minutes of the May 16, 2023 Committee of the Whole Meeting. (waiving the reading)
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS
3.1 Schools Update
NOLA-PS staff provided its monthly Schools Update, including STEM Fest, STEM Summit, graduations, and reception hosted by Children’s Hospital.
Ms. Eames welcomed Abril Horne, academic support coordinator, Sophie B. Wright High School, for the Schools at Work Presentation.
Board Comment:
· Board members, along with Dr. Williams, commended students for their presentations and applauded their leadership and academic achievements.
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: Policy HH, Five Year Portfolio Planning, CSAF and School Quality Profile Engagement.
Board Comment:
· A discussion ensued with clarification provided regarding the Five Year Portfolio Plan and its implementation; clarity with regard to the meaning of “geographic lens” (i.e., within an equity context, ensuring accessibility of high quality schools across the school district’s regions); as well as progress of the CSAF and School Quality Profile.
· Ms. Eames expressed concern about failing schools and the implications for children and the broader community.
PROPERTY
4.1 Capital and Facilities Update Presentation
NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Capital Projects and Facility Updates which included key updates on Capital Projects Updates: Planned, Unplanned, and Emergency projects.
Board Comment:
· Clarity provided regarding the current and future use of the Rabouin and Dent school facilities in response to inquiries by Mr. Marshall and Mr. Parker.
4.2 Request to Approve Auction and Sale of 4422 General Meyer Avenue New Orleans LA 70131 and Ratification of March 9, 2023 Property Auction
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board ratify the initial auction held March 9, 2023, relative to the property located at 4422 General Meyer Avenue, New Orleans; authorize any future auctions of the property that may be necessary, in accordance with applicable law; authorize the sale of the property to the highest bidder; and, authorize the Board President or, in the President’s absence, the Vice President, to execute any and all documents required to effectuate the sale.
Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Dr. Batiste
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
Board Comment:
· Clarification provided with forthcoming next steps regarding the surplus property strategy, including an update in July and more comprehensive reporting in August in response to inquiries by Mr. Marshall.
BUDGET AND FINANCE
5.1 Finance Update
NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Finance Update providing updates on Financial Statements, Budget Timeline, and Departmental Updates.
Tracey Griffin-Robertson updated the board on the implications for insurance coverage and premium payments given current market factors.
Board Comment:
· A discussion ensued regarding the gap in coverage with clarification provided in response to an inquiry raised by Ms. Baudouin.
· President Parker acknowledged Ms. Griffin-Robertson’s efforts and expressed the possibility of engaging the state legislative delegation to address insurance coverage issues.
· Mr. Marshall indicated the inclusion of the federal delegation as well to address insurance issues.
· Mr. Parker encouraged the public’s participation in the budget hearing scheduled for Thursday, June 8th.
5.2 Fourth Amendment to Contract with Postlethwaite and Netterville for Professional Auditing Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board rescinds its action of May 19, 2022, on Action Item No. 4.4 related to Postlethwaite and Netterville and approves a Fourth Amendment to the contract with Postlethwaite and Netterville for professional Auditing Services, renewing the contract for one (1) additional audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023 for a total cost of $179,000; and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signature of the Board President and contractor.
Motion by President Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
5.3 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase: Food Products and Distribution Services from US Foods, Inc.
Recommended Action: It is requested that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the contract with US Foods, Inc. for Food Products and Distribution Services, in the amount of $400,000.00, including but not limited to a 15% variance for unforeseen market price increases, and to authorize OPSB General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and of US Foods, Inc.
Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
5.4 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase: Salesforce System Enhancements from Carahsoft
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the purchase of Salesforce System Enhancements from Carahsoft, a Louisiana state contractor, for a total amount of $80,086.50.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Ms. Eames
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
· Clarification provided on system enhancements as well as functions and processes impacted in response to inquiries by Mr. Parker and Mr. Marshall.
5.5 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase: Student Success Hub from Carahsoft
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the purchase of Student Success Hub from Carahsoft, a Louisiana state contractor, for a total amount of $277,614.13.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
5.6 First Amendment to Fiscal Year 2023 Contract for Milk for The Child Nutrition Program
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves an amendment to the FY 2024 contract with East Side Jersey Dairy/Prairie Farms for milk for the Child Nutrition Program, increasing the contract amount by $33,874.00, from a total value of $199,125.20 to $233,000.00.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
5.7 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 24-CN-0001 - Milk for The Child Nutrition Program Fiscal Year 2024
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the only bid received meeting the specifications for Invitation to Bid No. 24-CN-0001 for Milk for the Child Nutrition Program for fiscal year 2024, from East Side Jersey Dairy/Prairie Farms in the amount of $269,433.85.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
Board Comment:
· Clarification provided with respect to reimbursement process from schools for this item in response to an inquiry by Ms. Baudouin.
5.8 Request to Award RFQ NO. 23-0061 Architectural Services for 9th Ward Stadium
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board awards RFQ NO. 23-0061 for Architectural Services for 9th Ward Stadium to John C. Williams Architects, LLC dba Williams Architects & Multistudio.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
5.9 Request to Approve Contract with Lachin Architects for Design Services for Project No. 23-FAC-0015, Metal Roof Replacement & Mechanical Improvements at Katherine Johnson School Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the contract with Lachin Architects to provide design services for the Metal Roof Replacement & Mechanical Improvements at Katherine Johnson School in the amount of $308,121.00.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
5.10 Request to Approve Contract with C.D.W. Services, LLC for Elementary School Adjustments at Julius Rosenwald School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Elementary School Adjustments @ Julius Rosenwald School from C.D.W. Services, LLC in the amount of $143,000.00; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Ms. Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
5.11 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 23-0071 for Program Grants Management Services - Hurricane Katrina
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposal for Program Grants Management Services - Hurricane Katrina from CSRS, Inc. in the amount of $128,118.54 for a one (1) year period with an option to renew for two (2) additional one(1) year periods and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Ms. Eames
Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
Board Comment:
· Clarity offered indicating these services are for the closeout of FEMA reimbursement claims related to Hurricane Katrina in response to an inquiry by President Parker.
5.12 COVID-19 Retention Stipends
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the COVID-19 retention stipends in the amount of 5% of salary up to a maximum of $5,000 for employees hired prior to December 31, 2022 and 2.5% of salary up to a maximum of $2,500 for employees hired on or after January 1, 2023.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
5.13 Revisions to Central Office Salary Schedules
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed revision to the 7/1/21 Central Office salary schedule that would move the ceiling for the maximum salary range and bridge the gap between the grandfathered and July 1, 2021 salary tables.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
· Ms. Baudouin expressed support for this item in order for the district to remain competitive in attracting professional talent.
· In response to inquiries posed by Mr. Parker and Mr. Marshall, clarification offered with regard to the implications for the salary revision pertaining to current employees (the revision is not a salary increase for current employees), as well as the flexibility offered with regard to salary ranges and offers to new hires
5.14 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 23-0062 for Application - Salesforce Integration Engineering
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposal for Application - Salesforce Integration Engineering Services from Coastal Cloud, LLC in the amount of $200,000 for one (1) year period with an option to renew for two (2) additional one(1) year periods and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE
6.1 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of New Orleans re: Special Officer Commissions
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of New Orleans to allow for the New Orleans Police Department to resume issuing Special Officer Weapons Commissions to security officers directly employed by the School Board.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Nolan Marshall
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
ADJOURNMENT
7.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin to adjourn the meeting.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
Meeting Adjourned at 2:33pm.