MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
AUGUST 15, 2023
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 1:05pm by President Olin G. Parker. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Leila Jacobs Eames, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Ethan Ashley and Katherine Baudouin were absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present. Ms. Baudouin arrived at 1:20pm and Mr. Ashley arrived at 2:06pm. Ms. Baudouin and Ms. Eames departed at 3:33pm.
-A moment of silence was observed for the recent loss of student life to gun violence.
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 deleting Item 6.4 Request to Approve the Contract with Avela to Run the Early Childhood Application Platform; the Property Committee will follow the Personnel Committee and the Budget and Finance Committee will be last on the agenda; and addition of Item 3.5 Approval of the Revised CSAF.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Ashley
· Abstain: None
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of the Minutes
Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Dr. Batiste to adopt the minutes of the July 25, 2023 Committee of the Whole Meeting. (waiving the reading)
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin
· Abstain: None
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS
3.1 Schools Update
Ms. Eames welcomed Dione Singleton, school director, Phillis Wheatley Community School, of FirstLine Schools, for the Schools at Work Presentation.
NOLA-PS staff provided the following updates on efforts for improving school attendance, including intervention delivery, insights, 23-24 attendance strategies, attendance interventions, identification of community partners, as well as the attendance campaign.
Board Comment:
· Board members commended Delton James, student from Phillis Wheatley, for his academic achievement, as well as the school’s leadership and academic programs, use of data, and support to EL students.
· Mr. Marshall noted the importance of parental involvement and acknowledged the school’s progress.
· Ms. Eames commended Dr. Jordan and her staff for attendance efforts and clarity was provided with regard to the interface and MOU with the Juvenile Court.
· Clarification offered on utilization of the Truancy Center and use of School resource officers.
· President Parker acknowledged the district’s improvement regarding attendance and noted the national context for this issue; he commended the Office of Youth and Families for its contribution to the CEA with Communities in Schools.
-Dr. Williams acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Jordan, as well as school leaders in addressing school attendance and indicated that the district’s efforts are seeking to address the root causes of truancy.
-Spanish Interpretation services were acknowledged.
3.2 CEA with City of New Orleans and Communities in Schools for Truancy Support
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the City of New Orleans and Communities in Schools (CIS) to provide personnel support for students who are at-risk of chronic absenteeism or chronically absent.
Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
3.3 Resolution 16-23 re: High School Voter Registration
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt Resolution 16-23 encouraging schools under the jurisdiction of the Orleans Parish School Board to make voter registration and voter education opportunities available to students.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Marshall
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
Board Comment:
· President Parker commented on his participation in voter registration with John F. Kennedy students last year and acknowledged the various entities collaborating in student voter registration efforts.
3.4 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 HH, Charter School Accountability Framework, and Charter Request for Applications.
Board Comment:
· Board members commended Dr. Williams and Rafael Simmons for their leadership and engagement for the revisions to the CSAF, as well as school leaders.
· Ms. Eames acknowledged the attorneys for their contribution, especially their interface with Dr. Batiste.
· Mr. Zervigon acknowledged efforts of the administration and board committee expertise and acknowledged the significance of specific provisions within the CSAF regarding how growth is measured and alignment to OPSB’s values.
· Clarification provided with regard to how growth is measured within the CSAF in response to an inquiry from Mr. Marshall.
· Mr. Parker commended Ms. Eames and Dr. Batiste for their efforts in the CSAF’s development, as well as Dr. Williams and Mr. Simmons.
-Dr. Williams acknowledged Rafael Simmons for his professionalism and persistence in the CSAF development process.
-Mr. Simmons acknowledged contributions of his staff, school leaders, and members of the board with regard to the CSAF.
3.5 Approval of the Revised Charter School Accountability Framework (CSAF)
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the revised Charter School Accountability Framework (CSAF).
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Marshall
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
Board Comment:
· President Parker noted the benefit of annual accountability reports within the CSAF for the public and schools.
POLICY
4.1 New Policy HH, Student Safety and Well-Being
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves New Policy HH, Student Safety and Well-Being.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Eames
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
PUBLIC Comment:
· Elizabeth Ostberg, founder and chief executive officer, Educators for Quality Alternatives, spoke in support of this item, including greater advocacy by OPSB to address the broader issues related to this issue.
· Ms. Melissa Tyler spoke in support of this item, especially the focus on teen dating violence.
Board Comment:
· President Parker acknowledged members of the public who spoke and referenced the annual convening contained within the policy; he named various entities, as well as Ashley Heilprin, board counsel, and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Fateama Fulmore for their participation in development of Policy HH.
· Mr. Marshall acknowledged the focus of the administration and the board on development of the whole child, as well as the need for bringing together various resources within the city.
· Mr. Zervigon commended Mr. Parker’s efforts; cautioned against normalizing violence; and sought clarity regarding statutory references within the policy.
· Clarification was provided on which topics are taught and the selection of a particular curriculum that should be taught.
· Ms. Baudouin indicated this issue might be elevated elsewhere (e.g., superintendent’s priorities, Portrait of a Graduate, and/or CSAF) rather than embodied in policy.
PERSONNEL
5.1 Personnel Committee Update
NOLA-PS staff presented personnel highlights: new hires and promotions.
Board Comment:
· Dr. Batiste congratulated new hires and staff who were promoted.
PROPERTY
7.1 Capital Projects and Facilities Update Presentation
NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Capital Projects Updates: Planned, Unplanned, and Emergency, Capital Improvement Funds Awardees, and Surplus Property Strategy Update.
Board Comment:
· Clarification provided regarding the two applications not selected as part of the Capital Improvement Funds Awardees with an indication they may apply next year in response to an inquiry by Mr. Parker.
· Clarity offered regarding recent statutory changes and the statute’s application to school buildings, rather than schools, in response to Ms. Baudouin’s inquiry regarding the capital improvement fund.
· Clarification provided regarding the CEA with NORA in response to Mr. Ashley’s inquiries.
· Clarification provided regarding vacant property not surplused and forthcoming vacant property list in response to Ms. Baudouin.
· President Parker inquired about the John Dibert and Israel Augustine properties.
· Vice President Zervigon commended Mr. LeDuff for his participation in a recent community meeting in the Carrollton neighborhood.
BUDGET AND FINANCE
6.1 Finance Update
NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Finance Update providing updates on Financial Statements, FY24 Budget Amendment #1, DBE Summary: Public Works, Revenue Anticipation Note (RAN), Ad Valorem and Sales Tax Collection Fees, as well as Certificated and Support Staff Stipends/Differentiated Compensation.
Board Comment:
· President Parker acknowledged progress regarding DBE participation and commended Mr. Ashely’s efforts during his tenure on the board in this regard and noted the implications of the legislative vote regarding stipends for educators.
· Mr. Ashley also commended the finance staff for efforts regarding DBE participation.
6.2 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase for Updated SIS Integration
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the purchase of Updated Student Information system (SIS) Integration from Carahsoft, who holds a Louisiana state-approved contract for a total amount of $183,159.60.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Marshall
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
6.3 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase for New Registration Portal
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the purchase of a new Registration Portal from Carahsoft, who holds a Louisiana state-approved contract for a total amount of $188,457.64.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
6.5 Request for Award Q23-FAC-12 for Auditorium HVAC Replacement @ Gentilly Terrace School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Industrial & Mechanical Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $218,500.00 for the replacement of Mechanical units that serve the Gentilly Terrace School Auditorium; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
6.6 Amendment #1 to Contract with Williams Architects for Architectural Services for Building Repairs from Water Infiltration at Homer Plessy Elementary School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Amendment No. 1 in the amount of $155,633.00 with Williams Architects for Architectural Services for Building Repairs from Water Infiltration at Homer Plessy Elementary School.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
6.7 Request to Approve Capital Improvement Fund Awardees
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Capital Improvement Fund Awardees in the amount of $4,695,430; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare an agreement for signatures of the Board President and the School. Attached are the awardees for the Capital Improvement Fund and their respective award amounts.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
6.8 Resolution 15-23 re: FY 2023-2024 Consolidated Operating Budget Amendment No. 1
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 15-23 authorizing the first amendment to the Consolidated Operating Budget of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
6.9 Final Renewal of Contract with Second Harvest for Warehouse Storage and Delivery of USDA Commodity Goods
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the final-year renewal of the contract with Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana to provide Warehouse Storage and Delivery of USDA Commodity Goods for fiscal year 2024, at an amount not to exceed $175,000.00, and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the contract renewal for signature of the Board and contractor.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
6.10 Request to Award ITB 23- FAC-0056 Lease for Public Land: 1700 Pratt Drive
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board awards ITB 23- FAC-0056 Lease for Public Lands: 1700 Pratt Drive to Barriere Construction Co, LLC for one (1) year period, effective August 18, 2023 through August 18, 2024, for the amount of $22,000.00 with the option to renew for three (3) additional one (1) year periods, and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the lease for signature of the Board President and the lessee.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
Board Comment:
· Mr. Parker inquired about the proposed use of this site.
6.11 Request to Award RFP No. 23-0078 for Specialized Programming For Students with Autism
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Specialized Programming For Students with Autism from the Center for Resilience in an amount not to exceed $650,000.00 for one (1) year with an option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year periods at amount not to exceed $350,0000 each of those extension years 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, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
6.12 Request to Approve List of Qualified Engineering Firms Per RFQ No. 24-0005 for Engineering Consultant Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the use of the professional engineering firms as selected under Request for Qualifications No. 24-0005.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
6.13 Request to Award RFP No. 24-0023 for Mental Health Providers For Students Who Are English Learners
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for RFP 24-0023 Professional Development In Instructional English Learners from New Orleans Multicultural Institute of Counseling (NOMIC)) in the amount of $290,400.00 for a period of one (1) year with an option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year periods, subject to Board approval, 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, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
6.14 First Renewals of Contracts with Occupational Therapy Services Providers
Recommended Action: It is recommended that Orleans Parish School Board approves the one-year renewal of the contract with AMN Allied Services, Ergo Tech, Orange Tree Staffing, Stepping Stones Group, and Tracey Boudoin for Occupational Therapy Services for the period of October 1, 2023-September 30, 2024 at an amount not to exceed $400,000.00 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract renewal for signature of the Board President and the Contractor.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
Board Comment:
· President Parker inquired about what qualifies as a wavier for DBE.
6.15 First Renewals of Contracts with Independent Contractors to Provide Physical Therapy Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the one-year renewal of the contract with AMN Allied Services, LLC, Attain Therapy, LLC, Jane Cavallo, LBZ Believe Rehab, Pediatric Developmental Services, The Stepping Stones Group, LLC, and Orange Tree Staffing for Independent Contractors To Provide Physical Therapy Services for the period of October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024 at an amount not to exceed $462,000.00 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Dr. Batiste
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
-On behalf of the full board and Dr. Williams, President Parker extended condolences to Mayor Cantrell and her daughter RayAnn on the passing of the first gentleman Jason Cantrell.
ADJOURNMENT
8.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Dr. Batiste to adjourn the meeting.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
Meeting Adjourned at 3:58pm.