MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

NOVEMBER 14, 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, Ethan Ashley, Katherine Baudouin, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Leila Jacobs Eames and Dr. Donaldo Batiste were  absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present. Ms. Eames joined the meeting at 1:06pm and Dr. Batiste joined the meeting at 3:21pm. Ms. Baudouin departed at  4:35pm.

 

- 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 Mr. Zervigon

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames

·         Abstain: None

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin to adopt the minutes of the October 17, 2023 Committee of the Whole Meeting as presented. (waiving the reading)

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames

·         Abstain: None

 

ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS

 

3.1 Schools Update

President Parker acknowledged  Dr. Kelli Jordan, chief school support and improvement officer, for this month’s schools update which featured school highlights.

 

Ms. Eames welcomed Patricia Perkins, head of school, Morris Jeff Community School, for the Schools At Work presentation.

 

Ms. Eames acknowledged Dr. Shayla Guidry Hilaire, chief student and school support officer, for an update on student support.

 

Board Comment:

·         A discussion ensued regarding the International Baccalaureate® designation for Morris Jeff; commendations were offered for the school’s academic and co-curricular programming, including the school’s perfect interest and opportunity score; historic implications of the school’s high school campus location at the Frantz School given its diverse student population; advance course offerings and gifted education;   

·         Board members commended student presenters from Morris Jeff.

·         A discussion ensued regarding English Learner support; Special Education programming support, as well as post-secondary transition support for students with exceptionalities; family and parent engagement for diverse learners, and expansion of the Child Search Program to New Orleans East.

 

3.2 Portfolio and Accountability Updates

Rafael Simmons, chief portfolio innovation and accountability officer,

provided updates as follows: Notices of Noncompliance; Renewals and Extensions; Policy HB; and Charter Request for Applications.

 

Board Comment:

·         President Parker referenced the release of SPS scores and the growth of students and schools and commended the efforts of educators and school leaders.

 

POLICY

 

4.1 FIRST READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority

 

4.2 SECOND READING: Amendment to Policy HAA, Charter School Operating Agreement

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy HAA, Charter School Operating Agreement.

 

Motion by Ms. Eames, seconded by Mr. Ashley

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Dr. Batiste

·         Abstain: None

 

4.3 SECOND READING: Amendment to Policy BD, School Board Policy

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy BD, School Board Policy.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Ashley

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Dr. Batiste

·         Abstain: None

 

4.4 SECOND READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy HB, Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to OPSB Policy HB, Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools.

 

Motion by Ms. Eames, seconded by Mr. Parker indicating a technical edit.

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Dr. Batiste

·         Abstain: None

 

4.5 SECOND READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy BCAD, Teleconference/Remote Participation in School Board Meetings

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy BCAD, Teleconference/Remote Participation in School Board Meetings.

 

Motion by Ms. Eames, seconded by Mr. Parker

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Dr. Batiste

·         Abstain: None

 

Board Comment:

·         A discussion ensued regarding the implementation of the policy and virtual participation by board members, as well as further discussion with the state.

 

4.6 SECOND READING: Amendment to Policy BCBI, Public Participation in School Board Meetings

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy BCBI, Public Participation in School Board Meetings.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Dr. Batiste

·         Abstain: None

 

BUDGET AND FINANCE

 

5.1 Monthly Finance Report

Stuart Gay, chief financial officer, provided the following updates: September 2023 Financial Statements – General Fund; Millage Rates, and Departmental Updates.

 

Board Comment:

·         Clarification provided with regard to the constitutional millage rate; action by the Tax Commission; forthcoming funding from state department of education related to the MFP; millage rate reflected on a per pupil and per employee basis, as well as distribution for text books and supplies.

·         Clarity provided regarding the timely submission of the audit.

·         President Parker acknowledged Councilmember Joseph Giarrusso, NSNO, and others for their efforts related to Medicaid billing.  

-Mr. Ashley exercised a point of personal privilege, permitting public comment from Sarah Vandergriff concerning the impending fiscal cliff and its implications for schools, as well as Medicaid billing process.

 

5.2 Acceptance of Grant Proceeds from Special Olympics Louisiana (SOLA)

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the Grant Award in the amount of $25,000.00 from Special Olympics Louisiana.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Ms. Eames

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Zervigon

·         Abstain: None

 

Board Comment:

·         President Parler acknowledged the grant from Special Olympics and the organization’s continued support.

 

5.3 Request to Award ITB No. 23-FAC-0035 Building Envelope Repairs & Fire Alarm Replacement at Sylvanie Williams Elementary School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid for Building Envelope Repairs & Fire Alarm Replacement at School from Williams Elementary School from Cuzan Services in the amount of $440,000.00; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker

 

5.4 Request to Award ITB No. 23-FAC-0075 for Mechanical Improvements at Gentilly Terrace School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve Mathes Brierre Architects to provide design services for Mechanical Improvements at Gentilly Terrace School in the amount of $519,589; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Architect.

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Dr. Batiste

·         Abstain: None

 

5.5 Request to Approve First Amendment to Contract with Dove Group, LLC for HVAC Preventative Maintenance Services

Recommended Action:It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the First Amendment in the amount of $119,288.00 with Dove Group, LLC for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Services; and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare an Amendment for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Mr. Parker  

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Dr. Batiste

·         Abstain: None

 

5.6 Request to Approve SOW 3, Amendment #3 to Contract with Carahsoft Technology Corporation for Family Portal Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves SOW 3, Amendment #3 to the contract with Carahsoft Technology Corporation for Family Portal Services extend the performance completion end date from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024 at no additional cost to the School Board.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Parker

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Dr. Batiste

·         Abstain: None

 

5.7 Request to Approve Amendment No. 1 to SOW 5 with Carahsoft for College and Career Success Hub Platform

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Amendment No. 1 to SOW 5 with Carahsoft for a College and Career Success Hub Platform to extend the performance completion end date from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024 at no additional cost to the OPSB.

 

Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Ms. Baudouin

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Dr. Batiste

·         Abstain: None

 

5.8 Request to Approve Amendment No. 1 to SOW 6 with Carahsoft for Expert Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Amendment No. 1 to SOW 6 with Carahsoft for Expert Services for the Salesforce instance to extend the performance completion end date from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024 at no additional cost to the OPSB.

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Eames

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Dr. Batiste

·         Abstain: None

 

5.9 Request to Award ITB No. 24-FAC-0027 for Roof Replacement @ Lawrence D. Crocker School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Legacy Restoration and Referral, LLC in the amount of $400,000.00 for Roof Replacement at Lawrence D. Crocker School; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·         Clarification provided regarding the age of the roof.

 

5.10 Request to Award ITB No. 23-FAC-0030 for Roof Replacement at Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Legacy Restoration and Referral, LLC in the amount of $629,000.00; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon

 

5.11 Request to Award ITB No. 23-FAC-0016 for Chiller Plant Improvements at Henry C. Schaumburg School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Arc Mechanical Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $382,400.00 for Chiller Plant Improvements at Henry C. Schaumburg School; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Ms. Baudouin

 

Board Comment:

·         President Parker referenced the number of items reflecting 100% DBE.

 

5.12 Audubon Gentilly Greenspace CEA between Orleans Parish School Board and City of New Orleans

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of New Orleans granting the School Board exclusive use of a portion of the City's land in Square 28, in the Third Municipal District, bounded by Mirabeau Avenue, Carnot Street, Painters Street, Arts Street (Municipal Address: 4720 Painters Street) and obligating the School Board to erect a permanent fence to separate the adjacent school from the park.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·         Vice President Zervigon noted agreement among various parties for this item and its resolution.

·         Ms. Baudouin also acknowledged efforts of Parks & Parkways.  

 

PROPERTY

 

6.1 Sylvanie E. Williams Historical Marker Presentation

Presentation by Dr. Libby Neidenbach of The Historic New Orleans Collection to discuss an historical marker to honor the legacy and memory of New Orleans suffragist and educator Sylvanie E. Williams.

 

Board Comment:

·         Board members acknowledged the historical significance of Sylvanie E. Williams and the placement of the marker in recognition of her legacy.

·         Mr. Marshall recommended a resolution and the placement of markers resulting from the renaming of school facilities.

 

6.2 Capital Projects and Facilities Update Presentation

Don LeDuff, chief operations officer, provided the following updates:

Capital Projects Update: Planned, Unplanned, and Emergency; Community Solar Project Update; Surplus Property Update; Marsh Fire Update.

 

Board Comment:

·         Clarity was provided regarding the Community Solar Project in response to inquiries from Mr. Parker and Mr. Marshall.

·         Mr. Zervigon acknowledged the completion of Hurricane Ida repairs.

·         Board members commended the work of the legal and operations personnel referencing the recent property auction, as well as the marsh fire and Mr. LeDuff’s leadership.  

 

6.3 Request to Approve Placement of Sylvanie F. Williams Historical Marker at Thomy Lafon School Site

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the placement of the Sylvanie Williams Historical Marker by The Historic New Orleans Collection at the Thomy Lafon School Site located at 2916 South Robertson St. New Orleans, LA 70113.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Marshall

 

6.4 Request to Accept Bid on 4420 General Meyer Avenue New Orleans LA 70131

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts bid from Excelth, Inc. in the amount of $1,325,000.00 for the purchase of 4420 General Meyer Avenue New Orleans LA 70131.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon

 

6.5 Act of Donation with 9th Ward Field Of Dreams, Inc. re: Stadium Lights

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the donation of stadium light poles from 9th Ward Field Of Dreams, Inc., and approves the Act of Donation transferring the light poles.

 

Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Mr. Parker

 

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

 

7.1 Personnel Report (August 2023 – November 2023)

Dr. Fateama Fulmore, deputy superintendent, provided an update on new hires, personnel changes, and terminations.

 

Board Comment:

President Parker acknowledged NOLA-PS personnel for their efforts.  

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon to move to executive session at 3:21pm.

 

 

Reconvened from Executive Session at 4:49pm. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Leila Jacobs Eames, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Katherine Baudouin was absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

8.1 Discussion of the character, professional competence, physical or mental health, of a person - School Board employee

 

Discussion.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

9.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Marshal  to adjourn the meeting.

 

Meeting Adjourned at 4:50pm.