MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

September 21, 2023

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:48pm 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. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Fateama Fulmore 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 removing Item 4.5 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 23-FAC-0040 Hot Water Boiler Replacements at Eleanor McMain Secondary School from the Consent Agenda to be considered after Action Item 5.2

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Dr. Batiste

·        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 Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Marshall to adopt the minutes of the August 17, 2023 Board Business Meeting as presented.

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

3.1 KID smART Presentation

Elise Gallinot-Goldman, executive director KID smART, provided an informational presentation about KID smART and its impact.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·        Mr. Marshall requested to facilitate an introduction with Susan Taylor at the New Orleans Museum of Art.

·        Board members expressed importance of the organization’s efforts in support of schools and children.

 

3.2 Toyota of New Orleans Stay in School Program – Seniors with Perfect Attendance Presentation

Will Lewis, general manager Toyota of New Orleans, presented the Toyota of New Orleans Stay in School Program for seniors with perfect attendance, a partnership with NOLA Public Schools to encourage school attendance. 

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·        Board members expressed gratitude for the support provided by Toyota of New Orleans regarding school attendance.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board move to approve Consent Agenda Items 4.1 through 4.4 and 4.6 through 4.10 as presented in globo.

 

4.1 Approval of the OPSB Pupil Progression Plan for the 2023-2024 School Year

 

4.2 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 24-FAC-0006 Design Services for Roof Replacement at Dominic Mai Thanh Luong School

 

4.3 Request to Approve Purchase of Annual License Agreement for Avela Apply Platform

 

4.4 Amendment to Action Previously Adopted re: Approval of RFQ No. 24-0005 for Engineering Consultant Services

 

4.6 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Orleans Parish School Board and Pontchartrain Conservancy re: Costal Restoration Education

 

4.7 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with FirstLine Schools re: Construction of Two-Classroom Building on Langston Hughes School Site

 

4.8 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

 

4.9 Amendment Stipend and Supplemental Compensation Schedule - FY24

 

4.10 Orleans Parish School Board v. The City of New Orleans, et al., CDC No. 2019-05174; Summary Proceedings

 

·        Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Ashley

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Abstain: None

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

5.1 First Amendment to the Charter School Facilities Lease with Morris Jeff Community School, Inc. for Morris Jeff High School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the First Amendment to the Charter School Facilities Lease with Morris Jeff Community School, Inc. for Morris Jeff High School.

 

·        Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Ms. Eames

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Abstain: None

 

5.2 NOLA-PS Evolve 2023-2028 Strategic Plan of Action

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the "NOLA-PS Evolve 2023-2028 Strategic Plan of Action" for NOLA Public Schools.

 

·        Motion by Vice President Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Abstain: None

 

4.5 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 Vice President Zervigon, second by President Parker

·        Final resolution: Motion passes

·        Abstain: None

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

·        Dr. Ken Ducote, executive director, Greater New Orleans Collaborative of Charter Schools, spoke on this item and implications of the upcoming millage renewal.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·        President Parker echoed the sentiments expressed with regard to the forthcoming School Facilities Preservation millage renewal on October 14th.  

 

The following individuals provided public comment on items for which no action would be taken and pertaining to matters not on the agenda:

 

·        Agelina Elder, representing One Unity LLC, spoke on heat related issues experienced by children being transported on school buses.

·        Mama Umraha spoke on heat related issues experienced by children being transported on school buses.

·        Horace Derry spoke on heat related issues experienced by children being transported on school buses.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

6.1 Adjourn Meeting

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

 

Meeting Adjourned at 6:17pm.