MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
September 19, 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, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Ethan Ashley, and Katherine Baudouin. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present. Leila Jacobs Eames and Nolan Marshall, Jr. were absent. Mr. Marshall joined the meeting at 1:06pm. Ms. Baudouin departed at approximately 3:36pm.
-President Parker acknowledged Tulane University education faculty and students seated in the audience.
- 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 provided.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, seconded by Dr. Batiste
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of the Minutes
Motion by President Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin to adopt the minutes of the August 15, 2023 Committee of the Whole Meeting as presented. (waiving the reading)
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS
3.1 Schools Update
President Parker welcomed Danielle Woods, principal, Village De L'est, affiliated with Einstein Charter School Network, for the Schools At Work presentation.
Dr. Kelli Jordan, chief school support and improvement officer, presented school highlights, as well as the school attendance campaign and Attendance Awareness Month.
Mary Garton, chief student enrollment officer, provided updates on enrollment and progress of the data dashboard.
Board Comment:
· A discussion ensued regarding the support provided to EL students attending Village De L'est.
· Clarification provided regarding the K12 and Early Childhood release of enrollment placement results; where information resides for families engaged in K12 enrollment processes; and the ability of schools to access data regarding incoming students.
· Mr. Zervigon noted consideration of the calendar for testing for schools with eligibility requirements within the context of the enrollment process.
· Mr. Parker requested data and information regarding usage of the Family Resource Center and re-enrollment data for schools.
· Clarity provided regarding how school programming information is presented within the enrollment website.
3.2 Approval of the OPSB Pupil Progression Plan for the 2023-2024 School Year
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the school board approve the OPSB 2023-2024 Pupil Progression Plan.
Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
Board Comment:
· Mr. Parker explained that the Pupil Progression Plan applied to directly run schools by NOLA-PS and schools within the district’s LEA.
3.3 Portfolio and Accountability Updates
Rafael Simmons, chief portfolio innovation and accountability officer, provided an accountability update, regarding notices of noncompliance, Policy HB Notice of Intent, accountability data report, Renewals and Extensions, and Charter Request for Applications.
Board Comment:
· A discussion ensued regarding data presented within the Accountability Data Report, as well as the possible date for the release of school data by LDOE.
-Dr. Williams encouraged public participation in the community convenings scheduled for early October with respect to the renewal process.
3.4 Portrait of a Graduate Guidebook
Dr. Fateama Fulmore, deputy superintendent, presented the Portrait of a Graduate Guidebook.
Board Comment:
· Mr. Marshall and President Parker acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Williams, Dr. Fulmore, as well as stakeholders in bringing the Portrait of a Graduate to fruition.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
· Justin McCorkle, with YouthForce NOLA, spoke in support of this item.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REMARKS
4.1 Superintendent's Remarks
Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams offered remarks on the following: Attendance Awareness Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Suicide Prevention Month; wellness activities; Travis Hill National Recognition; and the Joyful Educator Collaborative. Dr. Williams reported on NOLA-PS Evolve, the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan of Action for NOLA Public Schools, engaged in a Minuto Mental, as well as emphasized the October 14th School Facilities Preservation Millage Renewal.
Board Comment:
· President Parker referenced the forthcoming renewal of the School Facilities Preservation Millage on October 14th.
-Motion to modify the agenda moving Item 61. Aerify Presentation before Item 5.1 The New Orleans Excellence in Teaching Awards Presentation
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Marshall
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
INNOVATION & STABILITY
6.1 Aerify Presentation
Mr. Marshall acknowledged Clay Fondren and Vincent Sylvain, who provided a presentation of the Aerify Protocol.
-There was a brief recess to address a technologyissue during the Aerify presentation.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
5.1 The New Orleans Excellence in Teaching Awards Presentation
Mr. Parker recognized Dr. Jahquille Ross, executive director of teacher support, with New Schools for New Orleans, who presented on the New Orleans Excellence in Teaching Awards Gala, which celebrates teaching excellence among the top 3% of New Orleans teachers. President Parker extended congratulations on behalf of the board to the teachers who would be recognized for teaching excellence.
-Motion to modify the agenda moving the Property Committee before Policy Committee
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
PROPERTY
9.1 Capital and Facilities Update Presentation
Don LeDuff, chief operations officer, reported on HVAC issues impacting school facilities and the procurement of supplies in this regard, as well as provided an update on the Surplus Property Strategy.
9.2 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with FirstLine Schools re: Construction of Two-Classroom Building on Langston Hughes School Site
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes Firstline Schools to construct a two-classroom building on the Langston Hughes school site, to be funded by Firstline and to be donated to OPSB upon completion, and approves the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with FirstLine Schools setting forth the parties’ rights and obligations with respect to the property and the improvement.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
9.3 Approval of Water and Sewer Servitude to the City of New Orleans for the Use and Benefit of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans - Union Square
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the granting of the Water and Sewer Servitude to the City of New Orleans for the Use and Benefit of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans located within Square 2149 (Union Square), situated in the Third District of the City of New Orleans, Parish of Orleans.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
POLICY
7.1 Notice of Intent to Amend Policy HAA, Charter School Operating Agreement
7.2 Notice of Intent to Amend OPSB Policy HB, Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools
7.3 Notice of Intent to Amend Policy DCBB, Systemwide Needs Program
7.4 FIRST READING: Amendment to Policy BCBI, Public Participation in School Board Meetings
7.5 FIRST READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy BCAD, Teleconference/Remote Participation in School Board Meetings
7.6 FIRST READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy EBBB, School and Student Safety
7.7 FIRST READING: New OPSB Policy EDCA, Carpool and Bus Line Safety
7.8 FIRST READING: New OPSB Policy IDCJ, Continuous Learning
7.9 FIRST READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy JB, Attendance
7.10 FIRST READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy JBD, Student Absences and Excuses
BUDGET AND FINANCE
8.1 Monthly Finance Report
Stuart Gay, chief financial officer, presented the monthly finance update, including July Financials, OPSB Budget Projections, Millage Dedications, and Fiscal Impact Considerations.
Board Comment:
· Clarification provided with regard to receipt of information from the state for budget planning and projections in response to an inquiry from Mr. Zervigon.
· Mr. Parker acknowledged the significance of the finance data for the board’s decision-making.
8.2 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 24-FAC-0006 Design Services for Roof Replacement at Dominic Mai Thanh Luong School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposal submitted by Verges Rome Architects for design services for the Roof Replacement at Dominic Mai Thanh Luong School in the amount of $164,301.00; and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the architect.
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
8.3 Request to Approve Purchase of Annual License Agreement for Avela Apply Platform
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the purchase of an Annual License Agreement for the Avela Apply application management platform for a period of two (2) years at a cost of $88,000.00 per year for a total amount not to exceed $176,000.00.
Motion by Mr. Marshall, 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
8.4 Amendment to Action Previously Adopted re: Approval of RFQ No. 24-0005 for Engineering Consultant Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board amends its previous action of August 17, 2023, accepting "the qualification responses meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Engineering Consultant services from Crumb Engineering, Infinity Engineering Consultants, LLC, Julien Engineering and Consulting, Inc., Linefield, Hunter & Junius, Inc., Marrero, Couvillon & Associates, LLC, Meyer Engineers, Ltd., Moses Engineers, Ltd., MSMM Engineering, LLC, Perrin & Carter, Inc., Pivotal Engineering, LLC, TLC Engineering Solutions, Inc.," to add two additional qualified respondents: BFM Corporation and Gulf South Engineering & Testing, Inc. Geotechnical & Materials Consultants.
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:
· Within the context of the DBE policy, President Parker requested information regarding all vendors having an opportunity to bid, as well as a summary of the bidding process.
8.5 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 23-FAC-0040 Hot Water Boiler Replacements at Eleanor McMain Secondary School Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the base bid from Arc Mechanical Contractors, Inc. for Hot Water Boiler Replacements at Eleanor McMain Secondary School in the amount of $312,800.00; and authorizes the 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
8.6 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Orleans Parish School Board and Pontchartrain Conservancy re: Costal Restoration Education
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the MOU between OPSB and Pontchartrain Conservancy for the purpose of collaborating and authorizes the OPSB President to sign the MOU.
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
-Vice President Zervigon exercised a point of personal privilege to comment on Item 8.5 and the implications for the millage renewal.
PERSONNEL
10.1 Amendment Stipend and Supplemental Compensation Schedule - FY24
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the amendment to the FY24 compensation plan to include the legislative stipends for certificated, non-certificated and differentiated compensation eligible employees. This replaces all previous revisions and aligns with budgets, fund sources and departmental needs.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Ashley
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste
· Nays: None
· Absent : Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Dr. Batiste to move to executive session at 3:56pm.
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste
Nays: None
Absent : Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
Abstain: None
Reconvened from Executive Session at 4:53pm. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present. Katherine Baudouin and Leila J. Eames were absent.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
11.1 In re: Encore Learning, Inc., U. S. Bankruptcy Court, Easter District of Louisiana, Case No. 23-11043
Discussion and Information. No action taken.
11.2 Orleans Parish School Board v. The City of New Orleans, et al., CDC No. 2019-05174; Summary Proceedings
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the course of action recommended by its legal counsel in this matter.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, 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
ADJOURNMENT
12.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Ashley 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 4:55pm.