MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

JUNE 8 , 2023

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:41pm 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.

 

-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 amended, adding Action Item 6.8 Resolution 14-23 regarding the Innovation and Stability Committee.

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Ashley  

·        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 May 18, 2023 Board Business Meeting as presented. (waiving the reading).

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

3.1 Superintendent's Remarks

Dr. Avis Williams began her remarks acknowledging commencement exercises and congratulated students. She also recognized scholars who participated in the 2023 Opportunities Academy Transition Ceremony. Macailen Davis, of the Willow School, was acknowledged as recipient of the 2023 Stay in School Car Giveaway and Troy Duhon was commended for his continued commitment to the community and school district. At the superintendent’s request, Mr. Davis offered remarks.

 

Dr. Williams further noted the 2023 Louisiana Landmarks Society Excellence in Historic Preservation Award recipients, namely Rose Mary Loving School, Frederick Douglass School Auditorium,  Leah Chase School, Eleanor McMain Secondary School Auditorium, as well as the Orleans Parish School Facilities Master Plan, and acknowledged June as Pride Month.  

 

-Mr. Parker acknowledged the passing of Belle Adelman-Cannon, a Benjamin Franklin High School student, and referenced Belle’s LGBTQ activism.

 

The superintendent provided updates on the following: strategic planning process; Hurricane Preparedness; collaboration between NOLA-PS and Children’s Hospital ThriveKids project and the award of $10 million for school-based mental health care; NOLA STEM Summit; engagement with Our Voice Nuestra Voz; and her article featured in AASA School Administrator entitled “Leading with Joy as a Prerequisite to Better Outcomes.”

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·        Ms. Eames commended the superintendent and NOLA-PS staff for their efforts over the past year, as well as acknowledged promotional and graduation exercises and expressed enthusiasm for the mental health partnership with Children’s Hospital and requested an update on the truancy partnership with the City of New Orleans.

·        Mr. Ashley acknowledged the City Council’s efforts in support of the ThriveKids partnership and recognized Dr. Jordan and Dr. Williams for their efforts.

·        Mr. Marshall referenced the funding provided from the Biden administration in support of children’s mental health care.

·        President Parker congratulated Robert, a student featured in the Opportunities Academy Transition Ceremony, and further acknowledged Dr. Kelli Jordan and her staff and Dr. Jennifer Avegno for their efforts related to the ThriveKids partnership and Councilmember Giarrusso for his mental health advocacy and efforts related to Medicaid billing.

·        President Parker exercised a point of personal privilege to acknowledge Kimberly Kupresan, director of Children’s Hospital ThriveKids,  who offered remarks emphasizing the focus on improving mental health outcomes and violence reduction.  

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

4.1 Coalition for Compassionate Schools Presentation

Teddy McGlynn-Wright, coordinator, Coalition for Compassionate Schools, provided a presentation of the organization’s work on trauma-informed, healing centered practices.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·        A discussion ensued related to capacity of schools; necessity for screening; student access to care; impact of enhanced resources and services and actual support received by school age children; and training opportunity/availability through the Coalition for Compassionate Schools.

 

-Dr. Williams acknowledged the significance of MTSS: Multi-tiered system of supports as a framework for coordination of services and student support and expressed interest in follow-up for efforts being developed with teachers.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

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

 

5.1 Request to Approve Auction and Sale of 4422 General Meyer Avenue New Orleans LA 70131 and Ratification of March 9, 2023 Property Auction

 

5.2 Fourth Amendment to Contract with Postlethwaite and Netterville for Professional Auditing Services

 

5.3 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase: Food Products and Distribution Services from US Foods, Inc.

 

5.4 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase: Salesforce System Enhancements from Carahsoft

 

5.5 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase: Student Success Hub from Carahsoft

 

5.6 First Amendment to Fiscal Year 2023 Contract for Milk for The Child Nutrition Program

 

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

 

5.8 Request to Award RFQ NO. 23-0061 Architectural Services for 9th Ward Stadium

 

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

 

5.10 Request to Approve Contract with C.D.W. Services, LLC for Elementary School Adjustments at Julius Rosenwald School

 

5.11 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 23-0071 for Program Grants Management Services - Hurricane Katrina

 

5.12 COVID-19 Retention Stipends

 

5.13 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 23-0062 for Application - Salesforce Integration Engineering

 

5.14 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of New Orleans re: Special Officer Commissions

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Eames

·        Abstain: None

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

6.1 Resolution 12-23 Fiscal Year 2024 General Fund and Special Revenue Fund Budget Adoption

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution Number 12-23 adopting and finalizing the General Fund and Special Revenue Fund budget of the Orleans Parish School Board for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2023 and ending on June 30, 2024.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin (waiving the reading)

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Results of Roll Call Vote:

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

 

6.2 Request to Renew Property, Casualty and Flood Insurance Premiums for FY 2023-2024

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans parish School Board approves the renewal of Property, Boiler & Machinery (equipment breakdown), Terrorism (physical and liability), General Liability, Workers Compensation, Excess Liability, Pollution Liability, Violent Malicious Acts, Cyber Liability and Flood Insurance policy renewals and authorizes the Board President to sign forms binding coverages effective July 1, 2023 through July 1, 2024.

 

 

6.3 Approval of Louisiana State Contract Purchase of Furniture and SpaceSaver Storage for New Orleans Career Center Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the purchase of furniture and SpaceSaver Storage for New Orleans Career Center (NOCC) from the Louisiana State approved contract vendor (Knoll) in the amount of $929,739.34 from the school's Capital Outlay fund.

·        Abstain: None

 

6.4 Affiliation Agreement with Children’s Hospital New Orleans re: ThriveKids Program

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the OPSB approve the affiliation agreement between the Orleans Parish School Board and Children’s Hospital concerning the ThriveKids program.

 

·        Abstain: None

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

·        Dr. Ken Ducote, executive director, Greater New Orleans Collaborative of Charter Schools, spoke in support of this item, reflecting on the impact the program will have on the lives of children.

 

board comment:

·        Vice President Zervigon commended President Parker for his commitment and leadership regarding the partnership with the ThriveKids program.

·        President Parker acknowledged Hope Drew, Warren Easton High School student and member of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, who spoke during the press conference held on June 7th.

 

6.5 Resolution 13-23 re: ThriveKids Selection Process

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 13-23 establishing criteria and priorities for the ThriveKids program school selection and process.

 

·        Abstain: None

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

·        Kimberly Kupresan, with Children’s Hospital ThriveKids program, conveyed her gratitude to President Parker.

 

6.6 Revisions to Central Office Salary Schedules

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed revised Central Office Salary Schedule, to be effective beginning July 1, 2023.

 

·        Abstain: None

 

6.7 Superintendent's 2023-2024 Specific Performance Objectives

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Superintendent's 2023-2024 Specific Performance Objectives.

 

·        Nays: Dr. Batiste,  Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall

·        Absent: None

·        Abstain: None

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·        Dr. Batiste stated his opposition to the process related to the Superintendent's 2023-2024 Specific Performance Objectives, noting the process followed was different from that initially agreed upon and expressed his concern and lack of confidence in the process.

 

6.8 Resolution 14-23 Maintaining the Innovation & Stability Committee through December 31, 2024

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt Resolution 14-23 maintaining the Innovation & Stability Committee through December 31, 2024.

 

-Board Counsel read Resolution 14-23 in its entirety.

 

·        Motion by Mr. Zervigon, seconded by Mr. Marshall

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Results of Role Call Vote:

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

·        Nays: None

·        Absent: None

·        Abstain: None

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Ashley to move to executive

session at 6:48pm.

 

 

Reconvened from Executive Session at 7:00pm. 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.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

7.1 Carolyn Mitchell, et al. v. Orleans Parish School Board, et al., CDC No. 93-22839; Personal Injury Litigation - Settlement Recommendation

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

 

 

-Ms. Baudouin exercised a point of personal privilege to express disappointment in the state legislature for not passing an increase in the MFP and passage of a meager stipend in lieu of teacher pay raises.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

8.1 Adjourn Meeting

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

 

Meeting Adjourned at 7:04pm.