MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
January 18, 2024
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, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, and Leila Jacobs Eames. Katherine Baudouin and Nolan Marshall, Jr. were absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and General Counsel Kathy Moss were also present. Ms. Baudouin joined the meeting at 1:03pm and Mr. Marshall arrived at 1:04pm.
- Interpretation services were acknowledged.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Parker.
1.3 Rules for Public Comment
General 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 Ms. Eames, seconded by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of the Minutes
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Eames to adopt the minutes of the December 12, 2023 Committee of the Whole Meeting as presented. (waiving the reading)
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: Dr. Batiste
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS
3.1 Schools Update
Ms. Eames welcomed Brionne Marcelle, chief academic officer, Young Audiences at Lawrence D. Crocker, for the Schools at Work presentation.
Dr. Kelli Jordan, chief school support and improvement officer, highlighted school activities throughout the district, as well as the Stop the Bleed Training Program.
Board Comment:
· Clarification provided regarding Young Audiences training and professional development for teachers related to the school’s
arts-based curriculum.
· Clarity provided with regard to student attendance within the neighborhood and other localities within the district.
· Clarification provided with respect to the meaning of “performance” in the context of literacy, as well as the expansion of gifted and talented education at Young Audiences and student enrollment.
· Board members complimented Young Audiences for their leadership and presentation.
· School partnering commended throughout the district and acknowledgement of community partnerships contribution to education.
3.2 Portfolio and Accountability Updates
Rafael Simmons, chief portfolio innovation and accountability officer,
provided updates as follows: Five Year Portfolio Plan, Portfolio and Accountability Data Presentation, Family and Community Concerns Received August – December 2023, Formal Noncompliance Communications, Annual Site Visits and High School Audits, Portfolio Snapshot: Trends - School Performance Scores and Progress Indices, and Portfolio Snapshot: Student Population and Capacity.
Board Comment:
· Board members commended the accountability staff for the presentation data.
· Clarity offered regarding the RFP process in December related to organizational human resources as opposed to the strategic plan of action dashboard creation by Simbli.
· A discussion ensued regarding tracking communications/calls, as well as prioritization of ELL performance, with a request for national comparison for ELL assessments and performance data.
· Clarity offered regarding seating capacity data presented.
· Explanation provided regarding special education compliance and challenges, as well as supports and corrective action.
· Clarification provided regarding professional development provided by the district to educators generally, as well as for those serving particular populations of students, and clarity regarding evaluation of charter school boards and school leaders.
3.3 Superintendent's Report on Readiness to Direct-Run Schools
Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams reported on readiness to direct-run schools.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
· Dana Peterson spoke on the operation of Lafayette Academy.
· Caroline Roemer spoke on the operation of Lafayette Academy.
Board Comment:
· A robust discussion ensued regarding readiness to direct-run schools.
· Ms. Eames requested an agenda item for February that Lafayette Academy at Leah Chase be a direct-run school for 2024-25.
· Mr. Ashley noted the appropriate decorum for OPSB meetings.
· Dr. Batiste entreated the board to have a discussion regarding the direction of the district and its portfolio of schools.
· Clarification provided regarding the readiness to direct-run immediately, if necessary, as well as clarity regarding application of current OPSB policy in response to inquiry by Mr. Zervigon.
· Clarity provided regarding the use of the Leah Chase facility within the context of district optimization, as well as the use of transformation funds by the district for a transition such as this in response to inquiry by Ms. Baudouin.
· A discussion ensued concerning the impact the closure of Lafayette Academy will have on families and the communication of the decision to close the school, as well as ensuring excellence and accountability in direct-run schools, inclusion of charter school community and non-adversarial system among operation of diverse types of schools, as well as the board’s formalization of expectations for the superintendent provided by Mr. Marshall and Mr. Parker.
· Clarity regarding the financial expectations at start-up reflected in the superintendent’s presentation, and inclusion of secondary schools should they be taken over, and the availability of enrollment staff at Lafayette Academy to assist families through the enrollment window as requested by President Parker.
3.4 Student Enrollment Services Presentation
Dr. Fateama Fulmore, deputy superintendent, provided an update on the following: K-12 Enrollment Updates, K-12 Main Round Application and Website Enhancements, Early Childhood Enrollment Updates and Application Launch Data, Early Childhood Website, Enrollment Guide, and Campaign, as well as Family Resource Center Supports.
Board Comment:
· Clarification provided on the virtual Lunch and Learn and the number of persons in attendance.
3.5 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.
POLICY
4.1 SECOND READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy BCBK, Executive Sessions
4.2 SECOND READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy DC, Annual Operating Budget
4.3 SECOND READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy DID, Audits
4.4 SECOND READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy EBBC, Emergency/Crisis Management
4.5 SECOND READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy EBBI, Public Health Emergency
4.6 SECOND READING: OPSB Policy EBCB, Video Monitoring of School Board Property
4.7 SECOND READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy ED, Transportation Management
4.8 SECOND READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy FJ, Orleans Parish School Facility Preservation Program
4.9 SECOND READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy GBRIB, Sick Leave
Motion by Dr. Batiste and a second by Mr. Marshall to consider the Policy action items 4.1 - 4.9 in globo, waiving the reading
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Dr. Batiste to move to the full board Policy action items 4.1 - 4.9 for approval
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
Board Comment:
· Ms. Baudouin noted there were no substantial language changes between the 1st reading and 2nd reading for the policies referenced.
BUDGET AND FINANCE
5.1 Monthly Finance Report
Stuart Gay, chief financial officer, provided the following updates: November 2023 Financial Statements – General Fund, Millage Update, FY25 Budget, and FY23 Annual Audit Results with a presentation by Tiffani M. Dorsa, CPA, Partner, and Jordan Sandwisch, CPA, Manager of EisnerAmper.
Board Comment:
· President Parker indicated he would follow-up by email with auditors regarding management letter items.
5.2 Request to Approve Second Amendments to Various Contracts for Special Education Evaluation Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Second Amendments to the contracts with Educational Diagnostic Services & Consulting of Louisiana, Young Cypress Psychology, and Speducation for Special Education Evaluation Services to renew the services for an additional year and to increase the total contracts cost by an amount not to exceed $516,000.00.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
5.3 Request to Approve Design Services Contract with NY Associates, Inc. for Roof Replacement @ Dwight D. Eisenhower School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that The Orleans Parish School Board approves the contract with NY Associates Inc. to provide Design Services for the Roof Replacement at Dwight D. Eisenhower School in the amount of $134,276.00; and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the architect.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
5.4 Request to Approve SOW 7, Amendment No. 1 with Carahsoft for Unified Registration Process Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves SOW 7, Amendment #1 to the contract with Carahsoft Technology Corporation for Unified Registration Process to 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. Parker, second by Ms. Eames
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
5.5 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 24-0049 Speech Therapy Services
Recommended Action:It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Speech Therapy Services from Hubbard and Tennyson in the amount of $300,000.00, Orange Tree Staffing in the amount of $30,000.00, and Stepping Stones Group in the amount of $180,000.00 for a total cost not to exceed $ 510,000.00 for a period of one (1) year with an option to renew two (2) additional one (1) year periods and authorizes 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
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
5.6 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 24-0043 Risk Management Consulting Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Risk Management Consulting Services from Alliant Insurance Services in the amount of $0.00 for a period of one (1) year with an option to renew two (2) additional one (1) year periods and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
Motion by Ms. Eames, second by President Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
· Clarification provided regarding zero dollar contract for this item and calculation of DBE under the contract.
5.7 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 24-FAC-0054 for Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid for Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, from Magee Enterprises, Inc., in the total amount of $173,953.00.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Dr. Batiste
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
· Clarity provided regarding the budget source for this item noting the correct source as the Capital Outlay funds.
PROPERTY
6.1 Capital Projects and Facilities Update Presentation
Don LeDuff, chief operations officer, provided the following updates:
Capital Projects Updates: Planned, Unplanned, and Emergency, Facility Updates and Hard Freeze Preparation.
Board Comment:
· Ms. Baudouin requested information and criteria pertaining to school closure decisions during inclement weather at next month’s meeting.
LEGAL AND LEGISLATIVE
7.1 Legislative Update Presentation
Courtney Washington, chief communication and community affairs officer, provided the 2024 legislative outlook, NOLA-PS objectives and priorities, including the forthcoming legislative session, as well as next steps: consideration of recommendations for new/additional priorities, continued dialogue with stakeholders, and Legislative Luncheon in February. Ms. Washington noted that Julieanne Lund, director of community & governmental affairs, will provide future legislative updates.
Board Comment:
· Mr. Marshall inquired about how families and students would be identified for Educational Savings Accounts and the actual amount.
· Mr. Parker noted financial implications and impact for Educational Savings Accounts.
· Mr. Zervigon echoed similar concerns, including the preservation of locally generated tax revenues.
· Mr. Ashley inquired about legislative changes permitting increased virtual accessibility during meetings.
· Ms. Baudouin commented on the number of legislative priorities and possible difficulty addressing them given the time constraints of the legislative session.
-Mr. Parker exercised a point of personal privilege noting the next meeting will begin at 5:10pm.
ADJOURNMENT
8.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon to adjourn the meeting.
Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Ashley, Ms. Baudouin
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall
· Abstain: None
Meeting Adjourned at 4:56pm.