MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
DECEMBER 12, 2023
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 1:07pm by President Olin G. Parker. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Ethan Ashley, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Katherine Baudouin, and Leila Jacobs Eames were absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams was also present. Ms. Baudouin and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin joined the meeting at 1:09pm.
- Interpretation services were acknowledged.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Parker.
1.3 Rules for Public Comment
President Parker 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 Ms. Baudouin
· 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 Vice President Zervigon, second by President Parker to adopt the minutes of the November 14, 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, as well as information on school transition support efforts.
Mr. Parker welcomed Dr. Michelle Douglas, chief executive officer, Hynes Charter Schools, for the Schools At Work presentation, featuring Hynes Parkview.
Board Comment:
· Clarification provided that the Accountability Update will reflect communications to parents regarding the school transition process.
· Mr. Zervigon commended Hynes Parkview for its academic program and acknowledged the Hynes network for its replication efforts.
· Clarification provided regarding advanced courses and the gifted and talented education offerings at Hynes Parkview, especially for math and reading in response to inquiries from Mr. Marshall.
· Ms. Baudouin commented on the diverse characteristics of each Hynes campus and their unique identity; an explanation was provided regarding the distinct differences and commonalities among campuses within the Hynes network.
· Mr. Parker acknowledged the academic progress of the school; clarity was provided with respect to the school’s social emotional supports for students and families.
· Clarification provided with respect to the role of the instructional facilitator and solutions facilitator in response to an inquiry from Dr. Williams.
3.2 Portfolio and Accountability Updates
Rafael Simmons, chief portfolio innovation and accountability officer,
provided updates as follows: Notices of Noncompliance; Charter Request for Applications; and School Transitions.
Board Comment:
· President Parker requested information regarding the Level 2 Notice of Noncompliance for Warren Easton; clarification provided with regard to the date for school transition meetings for Lafayette and Moton.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
· Byron Cole offered public comment regarding Warren Easton High School.
-Following a brief recess, the board meeting resumed at 1:53pm.
3.3 Portrait of a Graduate Update
Dr. Fateama Fulmore, deputy superintendent, presented the Portrait of a Graduate Update recognizing students who embodied Portrait of a Graduate attributes.
Board Comment:
· Clarification provided regarding the nomination process for student recognition and the forthcoming April culminating event in response to inquiries from Mr. Marshall, who also suggested that the narrative highlighting each student’s achievements, along with a picture, are displayed within their individual schools.
· President Parker recognized members of KIPP New Orleans leadership seated in the audience.
POLICY
4.1 FIRST READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy BCBK, Executive Sessions
4.2 FIRST READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy DC, Annual Operating Budget
4.3 FIRST READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy DCBB, Systemwide Needs Program
Board Comment:
· Ms. Baudouin noted this item will likely not have a second reading in January and encouraged input from board members and stakeholders it the policy’s development.
· President Parker cautioned intentionality with respect to policy development by the board.
4.4 FIRST READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy DID, Audits
4.5 FIRST READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy EBBC, Emergency/Crisis Management
Board Comment:
· Clarification provided with regard to information submitted by charter schools relative to emergency and crisis management and the development of school plans in response to an inquiry from Mr. Zervigon.
· President Parker highlighted the availability of bleeding control kits from the New Orleans Health Department and commented on the implications of trauma from active shooter drills.
· Dr. Williams indicated that NOLA-PS personnel, Isaac Johnson, executive director of safety and security, can assist the school community in the facilitation of active shooter drills.
4.6 FIRST READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy EBBI, Public Health Emergency
4.7 FIRST READING: OPSB Policy EBCB, Video Monitoring of School Board Property
4.8 FIRST READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy ED, Transportation Management
4.9 FIRST READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy FJ, Orleans Parish School Facility Preservation Program
4.10 FIRST READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy GBRIB, Sick Leave
BUDGET AND FINANCE
5.1 Monthly Finance Report
Stuart Gay, chief financial officer, provided the following updates: October 2023 Financial Statements – General Fund, 1st Quarter Investment Summary, Millage Update, and Departmental Updates.
Board Comment:
· Clarification provided that of the different millage rates the vast majority directly supports schools rather than central administration responding to an inquiry from Ms. Baudouin.
· Clarity provided regarding the amount for the 2024 roll forward.
· President Parker commended finance staff for timely payment of stipends to educators.
· Clarification provided with regard to the process for the forthcoming budget amendment.
· Mr. Parker requested details with respect to costs per resident and per student relative to the millage and impact of rolling forward or not.
5.2 Request to Approve Amendment No. 2 for Design Services for the Auditorium Refurbishment at Frederick A. Douglass High School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Amendment No. 2 in the amount of $52,377.00 to the contract with NANO, LLC for Design Services for the Auditorium Refurbishment at Frederick A. Douglass High School.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Mr. Parker
· Abstain: None
5.3 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 24-0052 for Gift Card and/or Voucher Services for Shoe Apparel
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the proposal from Poree's Embroidery, LLC for Gift Card and/or Voucher Services for Shoe Apparel, in the amount of $90,000.00 for one (1) year, with the option to extend the contract for two (2) additional one (1) year periods, for a total amount not to exceed $270,000.00 over a three-year period, and authorize General Counsel to prepare contract for signatures of the Board President.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, , Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Mr. Parker
· Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
· Vice President Zervigon noted the need that this service will satisfy for students.
5.4 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 24-0038 Professional Governmental Relations Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Professional Governmental Relations Services from The Advocacy Partners, LLC in the amount of $95,400.00 for a one (1) year period 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.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
5.5 Request to Award RFP No. 24-0039 for Professional Development In Instructional Practices For English Learners Services
Recommended Action:It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for RFP 24-0039 for Professional Development In Instructional Practices For English Learners Services from edCount, LLC in the amount of $199,049.00 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 Ms. Baudouin, second 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
5.6 Request to Award RFP No. 24-0040 for Environmental Consulting Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for RFP 24-0040 for Environmental Consulting Services From Terracon and Materials Management Group in the amount of $1,000,000 each for a period one (1) year with an option to renew 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 Mr. Parker, second 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
5.7 COVID-19 Retention Stipends
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the COVID-19 retention stipends in the amount of 5% of salary up to a maximum of $5,000 for employees hired on or prior to September 14, 2023 and 2.5% of salary up to a maximum of $2,500 for employees hired on or after September 15, 2023.
Motion by Vice President Zervigon, second by President Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
PROPERTY
6.1 Capital Projects and Facilities Update Presentation
Don LeDuff, chief operations officer, provided the following updates:
Capital Projects Update: Planned, Unplanned, and Emergency; Facility Update; Restored Wetlands Project; Network/Cyber Security Update.
Board Comment:
· President Parker commented on the positive neighborhood response to students returning to the Albert Dent facility; clarification also provided regarding the permanent repairs to the Katherine Johnson facility in response to his inquiry, as well as the current solution to heat the building during cooler temperatures.
· Ms. Baudouin acknowledged International High School of New Orleans’ move to a better facility at Albert Dent and noted costs for maintenance of vacant facilities. Indication that a costs analysis relative to vacant properties will be forthcoming in January.
· President Parker proposed review of policy and existing legislation regarding vacant properties to ensure OPSB can cover the costs of vacant properties and land.
· Ms. Baudouin and President Parker acknowledged the forethought related to network security.
· Ms. Baudouin extended congratulations to Mr. LeDuff on the completion of his MBA and acknowledged the support provided by Dr. Williams for continuing education by NOLA-PS personnel.
ADJOURNMENT
7.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin to adjourn the meeting.
Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames
· Abstain: None
Meeting Adjourned at 2:58pm.