MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 6:24pm by Board President Olin G. Parker. The following board members were present:Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Ethan Ashley was absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams 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 with the following modifications:

 

Addition of Action Items 5.1 and 5.2 and Executive Session Action Item 6.1 with adjournment as item 7.1:

 

Action Item 5.1 – Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 24-0029 Transition Services and Planning For Students with Exceptionalities In The Areas Of Post-Secondary Education, Vocational Education, And Integrated Employment Services

 

Action Item 5.2 – Resolution No. 21-23 Regarding EPA Bus Rebate Program  

 

Executive Session Action Item 6.1 – Orleans Parish School Board v. The City of New Orleans, et al., CDC No. 2019-05174

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Ms. Baudouin

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley

·         Abstain: None

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker to adopt the minutes of the October 17, 2023 Public Hearing: Comprehensive Evaluations for Renewal and October 19, 2023 Board Business Meeting as presented. (waiving the reading)

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

3.1 Superintendent's Remarks

Dr. Williams acknowledged November celebrations and causes for awareness: Veterans Day, recognizing NOLA-PS staff for their service; National Education Month, American Education Week, National Parent & Family Engagement Month, Diabetes Awareness Month, American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month, Homeless Youth Awareness Month and National Gratitude Month. She provided the following updates: Voices of Future Leaders at Sarah T. Reed, JOYful Educator October Connection, Lunch & Learn at The Arthur School and Ben Franklin Elementary School, Lattes & Literacy, Noche Familiar Latina.

 

Dr. Williams also recognized The Delores Taylor Arthur School for Young Men for earning charter status within the National Speech and Debate Association, as well as Dr. Fateama Fulmore, deputy superintendent, as a 2024 cohort participant of the Michael Casserly Urban Executive Leadership Institute.

 

Dr. Williams noted her inclusion among the CityBusiness 2023 Power 50 Most Influential People. Dr. Williams announced the forthcoming start for the K-12 enrollment cycle and the 51st National Conference for NABSE (National Alliance of Black School Educators) which will be held in New Orleans later this month and at which she will deliver the welcome address.

 

Dr. Williams provided an overview of the 2023 School Performance Scores noting the overall district score, the academic progress of students and schools across the district, Top Gains Honorees, and Opportunity (Equity) Honorees.  She identified schools with Opportunities for Growth, articulated next steps, and referenced the LA Department of Education for further information. Dr. Williams extended well wishes for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·         Mr. Parker extended congratulations to both Dr. Williams and Dr. Fulmore.

·         Ms. Eames commended schools and teachers, along with  Dr. Williams and NOLA-PS administration, for the progress made.

·         Mr. Parker highlighted schools and networks that made noteworthy improvement.

·         Mr. Marshall offered clarification for the number of schools designated as failing, 5 schools for this year as compared with 8 last year.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board move to approve Consent Agenda Items 4.1 through 4.20 as presented in globo.

 

4.1 2024 Board Meeting Calendar

 

4.2 Amendment to Policy HAA, Charter School Operating Agreement

 

4.3 Amendment to Policy BD, School Board Policy

 

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

 

4.5 Amendment to OPSB Policy BCAD, Teleconference/Remote Participation in School Board Meeting

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

·         Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Ms. Baudouin

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

·         Abstain: None

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

Action Item 5.1 – Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 24-0029 Transition Services and Planning For Students with Exceptionalities In The Areas Of Post-Secondary Education, Vocational Education, And Integrated Employment Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Transition Services and Planning For Students with Exceptionalities In The Areas Of Post-Secondary Education, Vocational Education, And Integrated Employment Services from RBW Consulting, LLC in the amount of $ 255,000.00 for 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.

 

 

Action Item 5.2 – Resolution No. 21-23 Regarding EPA Bus Rebate Program

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve Resolution No. 21-23 encouraging schools under the jurisdiction of the Orleans Parish School Board to improve sustainability and reduce the cost and environmental impacts of their operations by taking advantage of the EPA’s clean school bus rebate program.

 

·         Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Ms. Eames (Ms. Baudouin read the resolution)

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

·         Results of Roll Call Vote: 

·         Abstain: None

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·         Clarification provided regarding participation of bus contractors under the EPA Bus Rebate Program in response to an inquiry by Mr. Marshall.

·         President Parker acknowledged Ms. Baudouin’s efforts related to transportation issues.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Ms. Baudouin to move to executive session at 7:23pm.

 

 

Reconvened from Executive Session at 8:28pm. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon,  Katherine Baudouin, and Nolan Marshall, Jr.  Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, and Leila Jacobs Eames were absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

6.1 Executive Session – Orleans Parish School Board v. The City of New Orleans, et al., CDC No. 2019-05174

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves negotiations authority as recommended by its legal counsel.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin  

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames

·         Abstain: None

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

7.1 Adjourn Meeting

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

·         Abstain: None

 

Meeting Adjourned at 8:29pm.