MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
February 20 , 2024
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 1:05pm by President Katherine Baudouin. The following board members were present: Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Olin G. Parker, and Carlos Luis Zervigon. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams was also present. Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin joined the meeting at 1:06pm.
- Interpretation services were acknowledged.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Baudouin.
- Ms. Baudouin recognized Ms. Mary Garton for her contributions and service to NOLA-PS during her tenure with the district.
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. Parker
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
· 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 January 18, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting as presented. (waiving the reading)
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS
3.1 Schools Update
Ms. Eames welcomed Shimon Ancker-Pierce, school leader, Booker T. Washington, for the Schools at Work presentation.
Dr. Kelli Jordan, chief school support and improvement officer, highlighted school activities throughout the district and provided an update on School Support Improvement: Student, Staff and Community Wellbeing.
Board Comment:
· Mr. Marshall requested action plans relevant to school improvement at Booker T. Washington.
· Mr. Parker commended the school for its responsiveness relative to the loss of student life and for school safety; clarification provided regarding the school’s partnerships with the Career Center and Bard College.
· Clarification provided regarding industry-based credentials available on-site at Booker T. Washington; Dr. Wiliams inquired about the expansion of athletic offerings at the school.
· A discussion ensued about Medicaid and billed services and additional advocacy for services not covered.
· Inquiry from Vice President Eames regarding number of schools that received professional development and the district’s truancy plan.
· Clarification regarding Thrive Kids funding allocation provided.
3.2 Portfolio and Accountability Updates
Rafael Simmons, chief portfolio innovation and accountability officer,
provided updates as follows: Level 2 Notices of Noncompliance; parent and community concerns received January 3 - 31, 2024; board governance; school quality profiles; data dashboard development.
Board Comment:
· Vice President Eames commended Mr. Simmons and the accountability team.
· Clarity offered regarding beta testing for the data dashboard development in response to an inquiry from President Baudouin.
3.3 Superintendent’s Presentation on Direct Running a School in the Leah Chase Building
Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams presented on various aspects related to direct run planning: school design; talent and human resources; transportation, marketing and communications; and finance.
Board Comment:
· A robust discussion ensued regarding aspects of the plan on direct running a school, including: enrollment processes; lack of inclusion within the strategic plan of action; enrollment target; clarity regarding hiring/vetting administrative and school personnel; and implications for portfolio diversification.
· Mr. Ashley inquired about the number of unplaced students within the school at the Leah Chase facility and their distribution across grade levels.
· Clarification sought with regard to finances reflected in the plan, general and/or ESSER in response to an inquiry from Mr. Parker.
· Clarification provided relative to this item 3.3 as the presentation and Item 3.4 as the action item.
3.4 Creation and Opening of a New School Commencing the 2024-2025 School Year
Recommended Action: That the Orleans Parish School Board authorize its Superintendent to create and establish a new school to be located at 2727 S. Carrollton Avenue, to operate as "The Leah Chase School", with a grade configuration of pre-k through 8, with slow growth, to commence operating at the start of the 2024-2025 school year with kindergarten through fifth grade.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Dr. Batiste
PUBLIC Comment:
· Wanda Romain expressed support for this item.
· Former Congressman Cedric Richmond expressed support for this item.
· Aretha Lewis expressed support for this item.
· Ashana Bigard expressed support for this item.
· Sandra Ewell commented on the inconvenience in location and timing for parents to attend board meetings.
· Alicia Plummer expressed support for this item.
· Betty DiMarco expressed support for this item.
· Pastor Greg Manning expressed support for this item and concern for parents’ inability to participate in the meeting due to location and timing, as well as advocated for community engagement.
· Darryl Kilbert expressed support for this item, as well as noted a STEM partnership and resources to support the Leah Chase School.
· Raynard Sanders expressed support for this item.
· Tracie Washington expressed support for this item.
· Edward Parker expressed support for this item.
· Adrinda Kelly expressed support for this item.
· W.C. Johnson expressed support for this item.
· Melissa Francis expressed support for this item.
Board Comment:
· Mr. Parker raised a point of order to clarify that board comments could not be limited.
· Mr. Marshall clarified that the RSD closed John McDonogh School not the Orleans Parish School Board in reference to a public comment and echoed the sentiments of Rep. Richmond, as well as advocated for the creation of a Friends of Leah Chase to support the school.
· Mr. Zervigon read into the record comments from community leaders in District 6 offering support for the Leah Chase School as a direct run school; he further expressed concern to successfully open a direct run school given the present time constraints.
Mr. Zervigon offered the following amendment, second by Mr. Ashley:
That the Orleans Parish School Board authorize its Superintendent to create and establish a new school to be located at 2727 S. Carrollton Avenue, to operate as "The Leah Chase School", with a grade configuration of pre-k through 8, with slow growth, to commence operating at the start of the 2025-2026 school year with kindergarten through fifth grade.
Furthermore, the Board requests that the superintendent incorporate into the 5-Year Portfolio Plan a blueprint for the operation of additional direct-run schools that offer high quality and unique programming beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and beyond and submit the plan to the Board by June 30, 2024.
· Final resolution: Motion fails
· Yeas: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
· Mr. Marshall expressed opposition to the amendment offered and expressed concern for the parents and students currently enrolled at Lafayette School.
· Vice President Eames expressed opposition to the amendment that was offered.
· Mr. Zervigon reiterated his concern for opening a direct run school presently.
· Mr. Parker advocated for the formal incorporation of direct run schools for the district providing direction to the superintendent.
Mr. Parker offered the following amendment, seconded by Dr. Batiste:
That the Orleans Parish School Board authorize its Superintendent to create and establish a new school to be located at 2727 S. Carrollton Avenue, to operate as "The Leah Chase School", with a grade configuration of pre-k through 8, with slow growth, to commence operating at the start of the 2024-2025 school year with kindergarten through fifth grade.
Furthermore, the Board requests that the superintendent incorporate into the 5-Year Portfolio Plan or some other mechanism a blueprint for the operation of additional direct-run schools that offer high quality and unique programming.
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Results of the Roll Call Vote:
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
Motion by Mr. Ashley, seconded by Dr. Batiste to move the amended motion to the full board
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Results of the Roll Call Vote:
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: None
· Abstain: None
3.5 Request to Suspend OPSB Policy HE, Enrollment, and to Bypass the Common Enrollment System
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board (1) suspend OPSB Policy HE to allow students currently enrolled in Lafayette Academy grades kindergarten through fourth grade and fifth graders who will be repeating fifth grade during the 2024-2025 school year to receive both closing school priority and guaranteed enrollment at the Leah Chase School, and (2) allow those students to bypass the common enrollment system such that they are able to receive a guaranteed seat at the Leah Chase School for the 2024-2025 school year and a seat at another school through the NCAP system's match process with closing school priority.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, seconded by Mr. Ashley
PUBLIC COMMENT:
· Tracie Washington was acknowledged but had departed the meeting.
BOARD COMMENT:
· Clarification provided with regard to the language “to bypass the common enrollment system” and its implications within the NCAP process in response to an inquiry from Mr. Marshall.
· Ms. Eames inquired about surveying the current parents/families to determine interest in continued enrollment at the Leah Chase School.
· A discussion ensued regarding appropriate language for Policy HE.
President Baudouin offered a motion to table Action Item 3.5 and postpone until Thursday’s Board Business Meeting, second by Vice President Eames
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
3.6 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.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
4.1 Resolution 04-24 Orleans Parish School Board Member Training Requirements
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve Resolution 04-24, recording the completion of training and instruction by school board members for calendar year 2023.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by President Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Zervigon
· Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
· President Baudouin acknowledged training credits missing by her.
4.2 Strategic Plan of Action Dashboard: Introduction of Simbli
Dr. Ashley Jones, executive director of administrative affairs, provided an overview of Simbli which will be used to track the district’s strategic plan progress.
BOARD COMMENT:
· Clarification provided regarding the tracking that will be provided by Simbli and reporting related to KPIs (key performance indicators), and costs.
· President Baudouin acknowledged the usefulness of the tool in tracking progress of the strategic plan of action.
· Clarity provided regarding employee activity tracking and use of an internal dashboard used across the district.
- Board Counsel acknowledged that the following individuals had submitted comment cards for agenda item 3.6 Portrait of a Graduate Update: Aretha Lewis, Wanda Romain, and Ashana Bigard; however, the individuals had left the meeting.
POLICY
5.1 SECOND READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy DCBB, Systemwide Needs Program
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy DCBB, Systemwide Needs Program.
Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Mr. Ashley
PUBLIC COMMENT:
· Tiffany Delcour advocated for additional language and process relative to the use of funds proposed by the district for other purposes and priorities, as well as public notification process to ensure transparency for competitive/noncompetitive uses.
· Sarah Vandergriff Kelly provided historical context for the Systemwide Needs Program and advocated for transparency and collaboration, including greater reporting.
BOARD COMMENT:
· Clarification offered regarding school leader input relative to the policy amendment in response to an inquiry from Mr. Marshall, as well as Dr. Batiste.
· Clarity provided with regard to board reporting relative to approved priorities in response to an inquiry from Mr. Zervigon, as well as additional language for inclusion in the policy.
· Clarification offered that school leader input was sought and provided which was not included.
Mr. Zervigon moved that this item is deferred until the policy committee meeting in March for a second reading, seconded by Ms. Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Parker
· Abstain: None
5.2 SECOND READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy HA, School Board Chartering Authority.
Motion by Vice President Eames, second Ms. Ashley
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
· Abstain: None
BUDGET AND FINANCE
6.1 Monthly Finance Report
Stuart Gay, chief financial officer, provided the following updates: December 2023 Financial Statements – General Fund, FY23 Audit Findings, FY24 Budget Amendment #2, FY25 Budget Timeline and Departmental Updates.
Board Comment:
· Mr. Ashley acknowledged the timeline for the forthcoming FY25 budget and the district’s transparency in this regard.
6.2 Resolution 06-24 Amendment No. 2 to FY 2024 General Fund Budget
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) approves the 2nd General Fund Budget Amendment for the FY23-24 fiscal year. This amendment incorporates additional revenues and transfers of $32,945,602 increasing the total General Fund Revenues to $58,058,317 and transfers to $16,000,000 and increases expenses $20,345,642 for total General Fund Expenses of 57,741,502.
Motion by President Baudouin, second by Dr. Batiste
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Parker
· Abstain: None
6.3 Request to Approve First Amendment to Contract with CSRS for Program Grants Management Services - Hurricane Katrina
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the First Amendment in the amount of $6,000.00 to the contract with CSRS for Program Management Services - Hurricane Katrina and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signatures of the Board President and Contractor.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Parker
· Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
· Mr. Marshall requested an explanation in updates to the board for corrections.
6.4 Request to Ratify Fifth Amendment with Hubbard and Tennyson for Speech Therapy Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board ratifies the Fifth Amendment in the amount of $25,000.00 with Hubbard & Tennyson, LLC for Speech Therapy Services and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the contact amendment for signature of the Board President and Contractor.
· Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Vice President Eames
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Parker
· Abstain: None
6.5 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 23-FAC-0026 for Renovations at Leah Chase Building
Recommended Action:It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from Colmex Construction, LLC in the amount of $247,429.00 for Renovations at Leah Chase building; and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Mr. Zervigon
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Parker
· Abstain: None
6.6 Fourth Amendment to Third-Party Contracts to Provide Title I Supplemental Educational Services for Eligible Students in Non-Public Schools (RFP 20-0048)
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Fourth Amendment to the contracts for Title I educational services for eligible students in non-public schools for the 2022-2023 fiscal year for Catapult Learning, LLC ($1,202,452.40), and Sylvan Learning ($1,052,920.15), and Believe to Achieve ($490,341.19) and authorize General Counsel to prepare the contract amendments for signature of the Consultants and the Board President.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by President Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Parker
· Abstain: None
6.7 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 24-0051 for Gift Card and/or Voucher Services for School Uniforms
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts proposals from: Poree's Embroidery, LLC in the amount of $90,000 and Young's Fashions Uniforms, Inc., in the amount of $50,000, for a combined total of $140,000.00, for Gift Card and/or Voucher Services for School Uniforms, for one (1) year, with the option to extend the contract for two (2) additional one (1) year periods, at the same prices, terms and conditions, with the total contract term not to exceed thirty-six (36) months, and authorize General Counsel to prepare contracts for signature of the Board President.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by President Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Parker
· Abstain: None
6.8 Fourth Amendment to Third-Party Contracts to Provide Title II Supplemental Educational Services for Eligible Students in Non-Public Schools (RFP 20-0049)
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the fourth amendment to the contract for Title II educational services for professional development services of teachers for non-public schools for the 2022-2023 fiscal year for Catapult Learning, LLC in the amount of ($250,779.22) and authorizes General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signature of the Consultant and the Board President.
Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Parker
· Abstain: None
6.9 Amendment to Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with New Orleans Career Center
Recommended Action: It is recommended that Orleans Parish School Board approves an amendment to the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with New Orleans Career Center to require the School Board to fund specialized programming, as outlined in the NOLA-PS Round 2 Systemwide Needs Program Improvement Plan, in an amount not to exceed $1,300,000 for the period of March 1, 2024 through December 29, 2025 (the end of the CEA's initial term), for the purpose of offsetting the per pupil program cost.
Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by President Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Parker
· Abstain: None
PUBLIC COMMENT:
· Claire Jecklin expressed support for this item.
BOARD COMMENT:
· Mr. Ashley commended the efforts of the Career Center.
6.10 Revision to NOLA Public Schools Salary Schedule
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the revised salary schedules for school-based positions.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by President Baudouin
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Parker
· Abstain: None
6.11 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 24-0044 for NOLA-PS Cares Consultant Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for NOLA-PS Cares Consultant from Dottin-Haley Group, LLC in the amount of $150,000.00 for a period of one (1) year with an option to renew for 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 Eames, second by Dr. Batiste
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: Mr. Parker
· Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
· Clarification provided regarding the deliverables for this item and request for the RFP by Mr. Marshall.
- Mr. Ashley exercised a point of personal privilege to inquire about Harrah’s funding and to acknowledge efforts of the City Council.
PROPERTY
7.1 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 Emergency Preparation and Communication Process.
BOARD COMMENT:
· Clarification provided regarding to whom Sewage & Water Board statements would be sent, namely tenants of school properties.
INNOVATION & STABILITY
8.1 Innovation & Stability Committee Update
Nolan Marshall, chair, Innovation & Stability Committee, provided an update on the committee’s work, including historical context and forthcoming focus group meetings.
LEGAL AND LEGISLATIVE
9.1 Legislative Update Presentation
Julieanne Lund, director of community & governmental affairs, provided a legislative presentation, including: 2024 Legislative Outlook, Legislative Priorities, Legislative Agenda and Next Steps. Mr. Zervigon invited lobbyist Suchitra Satpathi to address the board.
9.2 OPSB Legislative Agenda - 2024 Regular Legislative Session
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the proposed Spring 2024 Legislative Agenda and authorize the Superintendent to direct the Board's legislative activities in accordance with the adopted agenda.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Marshall
· Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas:, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Baudouin, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Parker
· Abstain: None
PUBLIC COMMENT:
· Dr. Ken Ducote commented on teacher salaries, enhancement of the MFP, as well as legislation related to lesson plans and ESA (Educational Saving Accounts).
· Angela Ramirez was acknowledged to speak but had departed.
· Emma Merrill commented on the legislative priority regarding English Learners.
· Lissy Alonzo spoke in support of the legislative priority regarding English Learners.
· Flasuaret Simmers spoke in support of the legislative priority regarding English Learners.
· Mr. Zervigon extended a point of personal privilege to permit Luis Castillon, Mrs. Tatiana Begault, and Taylor Castillo to speak regarding the legislative priority pertaining to English Learners.
Board Comment:
· Mr. Ashley and Mr. Zervigon requested that Flasuaret Simmers enter her comments into the record in Spanish. Board members commended Ms. Simmers for her proficiency and skill.
· Clarification provided by Dr. Williams regarding the implications of the LEAP testing appeals process and graduation pathways for English Learners.
· Clarity provided regarding the vote on approving the eleven legislative priorities, not specific legislation.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
10.1 Personnel Update
Dr. Fateama Fulmore, deputy superintendent, provided a personnel presentation: New Hires, Terminations, and Personnel Changes.
BOARD COMMENT:
· Clarity provided regarding exit interviews provided by the district.
ADJOURNMENT
11.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Ashley to adjourn the meeting.
Final resolution: Motion passes
· Yeas: Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon,
· Nays: None
· Absent: Ms. Baudouin, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Parker
· Abstain: None
Meeting Adjourned at 6:24pm.