MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
JULY 25, 2023
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 1:02pm by President Olin G. Parker. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Katherine Baudouin, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Ethan Ashley and Leila Jacobs Eames were absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present. Mr. Marshall departed at 1:33pm and Mr. Ashley joined the meeting at 2:41pm
-Interpretation services were acknowledged.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ms. Baudouin.
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 the 2023 Legislative Review Presentation as Item 7.1 and making the Adjournment as Item 8.1
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Ashley, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of the Minutes
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin to adopt the minutes of the June 6, 2023 Committee of the Whole Meeting. (waiving the reading)
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Ashley, Ms. Eames
Abstain: None
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS
3.1 Schools Update
NOLA-PS staff provided highlights of back-to-school activities, including summer programming activities by schools, preparations for the 2023-2024 school year, SY24 Attendance Campaign, and Back to School Boogaloo.
President Parker welcomed Dr. Melanie Moore, principal, Eleanor McMain Secondary School, for the Schools at Work Presentation.
Board Comment:
· Clarification provided regarding the district’s truancy efforts and how truancy data is reported, indicating that such information is sent to the state in response to Ms. Baudouin’s inquiry.
· Vice President Zervigon requested an August update related to truancy with identification of specific entities involved and their respective responsibilities.
· President Parker commended the efforts of those involved in truancy efforts, including district staff, as well as school personnel.
· Vice President Zervigon commended InspireNOLA and the McMain school leadership for their work.
-Dr. Williams acknowledged McMain’s efforts, especially its priority on increasing the number of scholars engaged in college and career opportunities and proposed possible exploration of the addition of Junior ROTC at the school.
3.2 Hynes Charter Lakeview Student Recognition
Dr. Avis Williams acknowledged Rhys Butler, Hynes Charter Lakeview student, who achieved a near perfect score (99.5) on the DELF Exam (French Language Proficiency Exam).
Board Comment:
· Board members commended Rhys Butler for her academic achievement.
· Mr. Zervigon provided a historical context for the development of French immersion schools across the city.
3.3 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, Contract Extension with the Center for Resilience, and Proposal Recommendation for the NOLA-PS Five Year Portfolio Plan Services.
PUBLIC Comment:
· Reverend Joseph Recasner spoke on the Notice of Noncompliance for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School.
· President Parker recognized Ms. Dione Cotton, SPED Coordinator, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School, who spoke on the school’s Notice of Noncompliance.
Board Comment:
· President Parker expressed concern about the persistent Notice of Noncompliance for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School, as well as the school’s continued operation, but acknowledged the school’s innovation at its founding and its legacy.
PROPERTY
4.1 Blue Bikes Presentation
Ms. Baudouin welcomed Dan Jatres, from the Mayor’s Office of Resilience and Sustainability, for a presentation on Blue Bikes and their proposed placement on school property.
Board Comment:
· Clarity provided regarding options for subscribers across varied income levels in response to an inquiry from Ms. Baudouin.
· Clarification provided on age restrictions in response to an inquiry by Mr. Parker, including the suggestion for an educator discount.
4.2 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:
Ms. Baudouin inquired about the school building renaming process and identification of the specific schools.
BUDGET AND FINANCE
5.1 Finance Update
NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Finance Update providing updates on Financial Statements, FY24 Capital Budget, Risk management, Revenue Anticipation Note (RAN), and Charter School Accountability Framework (CSAF).
Board Comment:
· Clarification provided regarding the School Facility Account and the allocation of the premium payment amount by schools within risk management.
· A discussion ensued regarding the Gentilly Terrace lot and conversations with the City of New Orleans.
· Clarity provided with respect to the loss of tenants and rent as reflected in the Timbers Enterprise fund.
· President Parker commended finance staff efforts securing the best insurance rates and noted state and national implications relative to insurance issues.
5.2 Amendment to Action Previously Taken re: Amendment 2 to Contract with Mark I. Baum Architect, LLC for Architectural Services for Building Repairs from Water Infiltration at Elijah Brimmer, Jr. School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board amends its previous action of March 23, 2023, approving Amendment 2 to the contract with Mark I. Baum Architect for Building Repairs from Water Infiltration @ Elijah Brimmer, Jr. School increasing the Architect's fee by $488,903, for an amended total of $1,078,505.00 based on the AFC value of the construction bid; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor to revise the amended total of Amendment 2 from $1,078,505.00 to $1,146,569.00.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Dr. Batiste
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
5.3 Assignment of Contract for Professional Auditing Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the assignment of the contract for Professional Auditing Services (RFP No. 20-0066), awarded to Postlethwaite & Netterville to EAG Gulf Coast LLC, which recently purchased Postlethwaite & Netterville, and authorize the General Counsel to prepare the Assignment for signatures.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
5.4 Request to Award ITB 23-FAC-0043 Hurricane Ida Repairs Phase 2 @ Albert Dent School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid for Hurricane Ida Repairs Phase 2 at Albert Dent School from Pivotal Engineering n an amount not to exceed $100,236.00 and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and contractor.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
5.5 Request to Award RFQ No. 23-0061 for Design Services for 9th Ward Stadium
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the award of the contract for design services for the construction of the 9th Ward Stadium project to John C. Williams Architects, LLC dba Williams Architects & Multistudio in an amount not to exceed $580,654.00 and authorizes the 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, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
5.6 Request to Amend Action Previously Taken re: Award of RFP No. 23-0071 Program Grants Management Services - Hurricane Katrina
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board amends its action of June 8, 2023 accepting 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 to correct the contract amount to $352,800.00.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Ms. Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
Nays: None
Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
Abstain: None
5.7 Request to Award RFP No. 23-0068 for Professional Development In Supporting Immigrant Students and Engagement with Families
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Professional Development in Supporting Immigrant Students and Engagement with Families from Our Voice Nuestra Voz in an amount not to exceed $255,000.00 for a period of one (1) year with an option to renew two (2) additional one (1) year periods and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Dr. Batiste
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
PUBLIC Comment:
· Tiye Davis, Director of Partnerships, Our Voice Nuestra Voz, spoke in support of this item.
Board Comment:
· Vice President Zervigon commended the efforts of Our Voice Nuestra Voz and the district’s partnership with the organization.
· Ms. Baudouin spoke in support of this item and the needed assistance that will be available to students and their families.
5.8 Request to Award RFP No. 23-0063 Act 108 Literacy Foundation Training Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Act 108 Literacy Foundation Training Services from Keys To Literacy, LLC in the total amount of $104,000.00. The contract term will be for a period of one (1) year 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 Dr. Batiste, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
5.9 Request to Award RFP No. 23-0079 for English Learner Newcomers Program
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for the English Learner Newcomers Program from InspireNOLA in the total in an amount not to exceed $103,773.00 for one (1) year with an option to renew two (2) additional one (1) year periods and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
5.10 Request to Approve Third Amendment to Contract with Center for Resilience for Therapeutic Setting for Mental and Behavioral Health Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the third amendment to the contract with Center For Resilience for a Therapeutic Setting for Mental and Behavioral Health Services for a one-year renewal period of September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2024 in an amount not to exceed $1,300,000.00 and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by President Parker, second by Vice President Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
5.11 Request to Award RFP No. 23-0065 for Literacy Support Specialist Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Literacy Support Specialist Services from Center for Literacy and Learning, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $400,000.00. The contract term will be for a period of one (1) year with an option to renew two (2) additional one (1) year periods 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. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
5.12 Request to Award RFP No. 23-0066 for Language Access: Translation Interpretation Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Language Access: Translation Interpretation Services from TNOLA in an amount not to exceed $250,000.00 for a period of one (1) year with an option to renew two (2) additional one (1) year periods and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Vice President Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
5.13 Request to Renew Property, Casualty and Flood Insurance Premiums Expiring in 2022-2023
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the insurance premium renewal for property and casualty for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
Board Comment:
· Mr. Parker noted implications for the lack of an increase to the MFP to offset rising insurance costs.
5.14 Request to Award RFP No. 23-0076 NOLA-PS Five-Year Portfolio Plan Services Phase 3 and 4
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for NOLA-PS Five Year Portfolio Plan Services Phase 3 and 4 for Eschbacher Consulting, LLC in an amount to not to exceed $74,500.00 for a ten (10) month period and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: Mr. Parker
5.15 Request to Award RFP No. 23-0077 for Teacher Recruitment and Training Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposals meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Teacher Recruitment and Training Services from Teach for America and in an amount not to exceed $1,200,000.00 and TNTP in amount not to exceed $1,680,000.00 for terms of three (3) years and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contracts for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
6.1 Amendment to Superintendent's Employment Contract
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board amend the Superintendent's employment contract to be consistent with Board Policy regarding district employees' outside work activities.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE
7.1 Legislative Review Presentation
NOLA-PS staff provided an overview of recent legislative activities, including measures passed and vetoed, as well as legislative priorities for the district.
Board Comment:
· Mr. Zervigon acknowledged the efforts of Rep. Jason Hughes on behalf of the school district during the recent legislative session.
ADJOURNMENT
8.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin to adjourn the meeting.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
Meeting Adjourned at 3:16pm.