MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

December 14, 2023

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:33pm 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, and Leila Jacobs Eames. Nolan Marshall, Jr. was absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present. Mr. Marshall joined the meeting at 5:35pm.

 

-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 by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin.

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Ashley to adopt the minutes of the November 15, 2023 Board Retreat, November 16, 2023 Public Hearing: Charter Request for Application, November 16, 2023 Public Hearing: Comprehensive Evaluation, and November 16, 2023 Board Business Meeting as presented. (waiving the reading)

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

3.1 Superintendent's Remarks

Dr. Williams began her remarks recognizing NOLA-PS personnel celebrating milestones for their years of service. She highlighted the following: Voices of Future Leaders @ McDonogh 35 College Prep, Race Around the Table with the Student Advisory Council, JOYful Educator November Connection, NOLA-PS and Center for Learner Equity Feasibility Study, panel discussion by the Education Research Alliance regarding NCAP, Letters to Our Sons engagement at Travis Hill School, Nutcracker Ballet performance, and National Head Start Conference.

 

The superintendent provided the following updates: NOLA-PS Evolve noting the use of Simbli for development of the strategic plan of action dashboard; The Hub, a one-stop shop to offer resources and support to families that will open next year; the Equity Task Force hosting Stefan Lallinger of the Century Fund for a discussion of nationwide school admissions criteria; and the Five-Year Portfolio Plan documenting portfolio processes, policies, and tools in conjunction with Eschbacher Consulting.

 

Dr. Williams provided an annual report of the Systemwide Needs Program; announced K-12 Main Round Enrollment though January 19, 2024 and the launch of Early Childhood Application on January 24, 2024; as well as referenced the Charter RFA recommendations. She expressed concern for students who might me navigating the holiday season and appealed to the broader community to provide support  for youth. Lastly, Dr. Williams extended holiday well wishes.       

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·         Clarification provided regarding the services and support that will be provided via The Hub responding to an inquiry by Ms. Baudouin.

·         Mr. Parker expressed support for board participation in the JOYful Educator Connection, as well as requested dissemination of the Center for Learner Equity Feasibility Study to board members, thanked the New Orleans Ballet Theater for hosting local scholars attending the Nutcracker, and noted a forthcoming opportunity sponsored by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

·         Vice President Zervigon highlighted the Center for Learner Equity Feasibility Study and the work to be done in support of students with exceptionalities.

·         Clarification provided regarding program activities through the Systemwide Needs Program, as well as feedback received in response to inquiries by Ms. Eames.  

·         Clarity provided regarding forthcoming details in January with respect to Simbli in response to an inquiry from Mr. Marshall.

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

4.1 American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) Scholarship

Presentation

The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) and the local

Greater New Orleans Chapter announced the opening of its 2024

Annual Scholarship Program with a presentation by Drew Zyiad

Thompson.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board move to approve Consent Agenda Items 5.1 through 5.5 as presented in globo.

 

5.1 Request to Approve Amendment No. 2 for Design Services for the Auditorium Refurbishment at Frederick A. Douglass High School

 

5.2 Request to Award RFP No. 24-0039 for Professional Development In Instructional Practices For English Learners Services

 

5.3 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 24-0052 for Gift Card and/or Voucher Services for Shoe Apparel

 

5.4 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 24-0038 Professional Governmental Relations Services

 

5.5 COVID-19 Retention Stipends

 

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

6.1 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.

 

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·         Clarification provided regarding this item’s inclusion as an action item relative to the change in DBE reflected as a percentage in response to an inquiry from Ms. Baudouin.

 

6.2 Charter RFA Recommendations

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the Superintendent's recommendations concerning the following charter applicants:

 

1. Engaged Learning Academies of Louisiana (denial recommended)

2. ReNEW - Reinventing Education for two (2) charters (approval with conditions recommended)

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

·         Melissa Francis articulated parental concerns regarding the system of school choice.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·         Clarification offered by Dr. Williams regarding the conditions for the two charters recommended for ReNEW - Reinventing Education in response to an inquiry by Mr. Zervigon.

·         Mr. Parker commended the success of ReNEW - Reinventing Education.

·         Dr. Batiste and Ms. Eames advocated for the district to initiate a process and plan to directly run schools.

·         Vice President Zervigon reflected on the risks, implications for transformation and replication of schools, as well as tempered  expectations.

·         Ms. Baudouin echoed sentiments of Mr. Zervigon, as well as support for a plan that ensures success for direct run school.     

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Vice President Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin to move to executive session at 6:31pm.

 

 

Reconvened from Executive Session at 7:14pm. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Ethan Ashley, Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Dr. Donaldo Batiste was absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.

 

Motion to amend the agenda to add Executive Session Action Item 7.2 Orleans Parish School Board v. The City of New Orleans, et al., CDC No. 2019-05174; Summary Proceedings

Motion by Mr. Parker, 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

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

7.1 Choice Foundation, et al. v. Law Industries, Inc., et al., CDC No. 2019-04385; Construction Litigation

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

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, 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

 

7.2 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 authorize the board’s legal counsel to engage in mediation.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, 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

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·         President Parker offered context regarding the litigation referenced in this action item and continued discussion with relevant parties.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

8.1 Adjourn Meeting

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

 

Meeting Adjourned at 7:19pm.