MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
may 14, 2024
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by Board President Katherine Baudouin at 1:06pm. The following board members were present: Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, Ethan Ashley and Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste. Nolan Marshall, Jr., Olin G. Parker, and Carlos Luis Zervigon were absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present. Mr. Parker joined the meeting at 2:26pm.
-Interpretation services were acknowledged.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Baudouin.
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.
Motion by Vice President Eames, seconded by Mr. Ashley
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of the Minutes
Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Ashley to adopt the minutes of the April 16, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting and the minutes of the March 19, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting correcting the reference to General Counsel in 1.3 Rules for Public Comment to reflect Board Counsel as presented. (waiving the reading)
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
-A moment of silence was held to acknowledge the passing of David Sprague, information systems manager, with NOLA Public Schools.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS
3.1 YouthForce NOLA Presentation
Ms. Eames welcomed Cate Swinburn, president and CEO, YouthForce NOLA, for a presentation highlighting the Career Expo, expansion of career connected learning opportunities, and a preview of the summer YouthForce NOLA Internship program. The following individuals also presented: Larry Washington, president, Junior Achievement; Claire Jecklin, chief executive officer, New Orleans Career Center; and Sara Bell, of YouthForce NOLA, chief of industry exposure & expereince.
Board Comment:
Clarification provided on the competitive interview process for acceptance into the YouthForce NOLA Internship.
A discussion ensued regarding barriers to partnering, including building capacity, resetting post COVID, perspective on who has access to participation; availability of internship opportunities at school sites and throughout the community, including NOLA-PS, as well as the value of youth networking and developing skills outside of their school setting; implications for youth remaining in New Orleans to counter the brain drain locally; and expansion of career connected learning as a pathway to postsecondary education and the myriad options available for youth to move into a career.
3.2 Schools Update
Dr. Kelli Jordan, chief of school support and improvement, provided an update on the district's System Wide Needs Program in preparation for the Round Two Annual Report. She recognized Dr. Candace Robertson, executive director, systemwide programming, who was seated in the audience.
3.3 Portfolio and Accountability Updates
Rafael Simmons, chief portfolio innovation and accountability officer,
provided updates as follows: Notices of Noncompliance; Five-Year Portfolio Plan Project Update; Data Dashboard Update; Extension of Approved Charters; and Local Education Status Request.
-Superintendent Dr. Avis Willaims provided remarks regarding the Five-Year Portfolio Plan.
Board Comment:
Vice President Eames and President Baudouin commended Mr. Simmons and the accountability staff for their efforts.
A discussion ensued regarding: qualitative nature of variety; targets as placeholders and aspirational nature of the targets.
Dr. Williams acknowledged the implications of qualitative and quantitative data as a driver for decision-making.
3.4 2024 Main Round Summary Results and Future Enrollment Timeline Planning for NCAP
Dr. Fateama Fulmore, deputy superintendent, provided an update on student enrollment processes.
Board Comment:
A discussion ensued regarding comparison of enrollment timelines across the country; parental feedback related to geographic priority and sharing scores across admissions criteria schools; and selection of choices among the 521 applicants reflected and tracking of those applicants through open enrollment in response to inquiries from Mr. Parker.
Discussion and insights offered regarding internal selection and transitions at kindergarten and 9th grade in response to inquiry from President Baudouin.
Mr. Ashley inquired about listing of schools at full capacity; clarification provided regarding schools reporting acceptance of
matches by families during main round, as well as schools who met their total allocation during main round.
Vice President Eames noted fewer complaints received related to enrollment processes and acknowledged the work of the enrollment team.
3.5 Student Code of Conduct Update
Ashley R. Jones, executive director of administrative affairs, provided updates relative to the Student Code of Conduct.
3.6 Acceptance of Grant Award from New School for New Orleans
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the grant award in the amount of $100,000.00 from New School for New Orleans to fund a full-time staff person to maintain the NOLA-PS data dashboard.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Dr. Batiste
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Holly Reid provided public comments in support of this item.
BOARD COMMENT:
Board members Eames and Ashley acknowledged the support by New Schools for New Orleans and accountability staff.
3.7 Extension of Collegiate Academies' Deadline to Open Approved Charter
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board grant Collegiate Academies an extension to begin operation of one charter approved by the Orleans Parish School Board on April 14, 2022, to serve 9-12 grade students by the 2023-2024 school year. If the Board grants this extension, it would allow the charter to begin serving students by the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Parker
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
3.8 Request for Independent Local Education Agency (LEA) Status - ReNEW Robert Russa Moton: Lakefront
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the request from ReNEW Schools allow ReNEW Robert Russa Moton: Lakefront to operate as its own Local Education Agency (LEA) effective July 1, 2024.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Dr. Batiste
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
BUDGET AND FINANCE
4.1 Monthly Finance Report
Stuart Gay, chief financial officer, provided the following updates: March 2023 Financial Statements – General Fund, FY23 Audit Findings, and FY25 Budget.
Board Comment:
Clarification provided regarding current FTEs and projections for The Leah Chase School (TLC) in response to an inquiry from Dr. Batiste.
Clarity provided regarding TLC budget in response to inquiry from President Baudouin.
Clarification provided regarding general expenses fund for the district and non-authorizing and/or fees for service functions in response to inquiry from Mr. Parker.
Clarity regarding TLC budget and implications for varied enrollment levels at the school and making available budget data based on flexible staffing relative to TLC in response to inquiries from Mr. Parker.
Clarification of FTEs within the district accounting for vacancies and how FTEs are determined.
4.2 Donation from The Thurman Perry Foundation - Model P Dispenser Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the donation of a Model P dispenser for menstrual products, valued at $341.00, from The Thurman Perry Foundation.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Ms. Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
President Baudouin expressed gratitude for the donation and future installations.
Mr. Parker acknowledged the efforts of Ms. Baudouin in this regard.
4.3 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 24-0066 Student Transportation and Management Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Student Transportation and Management Services from First Student in the amount not to exceed $1,173,486.00 for a period of one (1) year with an option to renew two (2) additional one (1) year periods and authorize the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Ms. Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste
Nays: Mr. Parker
Absent: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
Mr. Parker requested information comparing the contract to other First Student contracts across the district, as well as a distinction between services provided.
4.4 Third Amendment to Contract with Educators for Quality Alternatives for Restorative Practices Program for Middle School Students
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the third amendment to the contract with Educators for Quality Alternatives for a restorative practices program for middle school students exercising the final option to renew for a one-year period from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, for the amount not to exceed $950,000.00 and authorize the General Counsel to prepare the amendment for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Ashley
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
4.5 First Amendment to Third-Party Contracts to Provide Title I Supplemental Educational Services for Eligible Students in Non-Public Schools
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the first amendment to the contracts for Title I educational services for eligible students in non-public schools for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, increasing the contracts with Catapult Learning, LLC to $2,991,313.57, Cusanza Enterprises II, LLC d/b/a Sylvan Learning Center to $2,969,100.84, Learn-It Systems, LLC to $292,467.54, and Believe to Achieve to $1,654,847.97, and authorize the General Counsel to prepare the contract amendments for signature of the Board President and the consultants.
Motion by President Baudouin, second by Dr. Batiste
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
Vice President Eames inquired about the number of students impacted within non-public schools.
Clarification provided regarding the DBE participation.
4.6 First Amendment to Third-Party Contract to Provide Title II Supplemental Educational Services for Eligible Students in Non-Public Schools
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the first amendment to the contract with Learn-It Systems, LLC, for Title II educational services for eligible students in non-public schools for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, increasing the contract from $99,431.05 to $257,561.02, and authorize the General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signature of the Board President and the consultant.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
Vice President Eames requested number of students in non-public schools served by this item.
Clarity provided regarding the school district’s legal obligations relative to services provided by items 4.5, 4.6, and 4.7 to students attending non-public schools, student utilization, and the source as federal funding.
4.7 First Amendment to Third-Party Contracts to Provide Title IV Supplemental Educational Services for Eligible Students in Non-Public Schools
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the first amendment to the contracts for Title IV educational services for eligible students in non-public schools for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, increasing the contracts for Catapult Learning, LLC to $816,539.07, Cusanza Enterprises II, LLC d/b/a Sylvan Learning Center to $191,115.50, and Learn-It Systems, LLC to $149,254.47 and authorize the General Counsel to prepare the contract amendments for signatures of the Board President and the consultants.
Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
4.8 Third Amendment to Contract with PFM Financial Advisors, LLC, for Financial (Municipal) Advisory Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the second amendment to the contract with PFM Financial Advisors, LLC for Financial (Municipal) Advisory Services exercising the second option to renew for the one-year period of June 10, 2024 through June 9, 2025 for the amount of $150,000.00 and authorize the General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
4.9 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 24-0073 Special Education Direct and Related Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Special Education Direct and Related Services from Sunbelt Staffing in the amount of $ 125,000.00, The Stepping Stones Group in an amount of $125,000.00, Orange Tree Staffing in the amount of $125,000.00, Delta -T Group in the amount of $62,500.00, and Soliant in the amount of $62,500.00 for a period of one (1) year with an option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year periods and authorize the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Ashley
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
4.10 Third Amendment to Contract with Dove Group for HVAC and Maintenance Service
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the third amendment to the contract with Dove Group HVAC and Maintenance service, increasing the contract amount by the total amount of $72,091.25, to add The Leah Chase School site located at 2727 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118 at an added cost of $52,091.25 and to add an amount not to exceed $20,000.00 for future corrective maintenance that exceed the deductible for which the contractor is responsible and authorize the General Counsel and the contractor.
Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
4.11 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 25-CN-0001 for Milk Products
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the bid for Milk Products for the Child Nutrition Program for fiscal year 2025 from East Side Jersey Dairy/Prairie Farms in the amount of $207,802.50.
Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
Board Comment:
Clarity provided regarding vendor’s locale and origin of the milk.
4.12 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 25-CN-0003 for Paper Products for The Child Nutrition Program Fiscal Year 2025
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the bid for Paper Products for the Child Nutrition Program for Fiscal Year 2025 from Economical Janitorial and Paper Supplies, LLC in the total amount of $187,190.40.
Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Ashley
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
4.13 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 25-CN-0004 for Fresh, Processed and Pre-Cut Produce
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the FY 2025, First Quarter bid for Fresh, Processed and Pre-Cut Produce, from Capital City Produce, LLC, in the amount of $66,884.00.
Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
4.14 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No 24-FAC-0019 for Mechanical Improvements at Frances Gaudet School Site
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the base bid from Industrial & Mechanical Contractors, Inc in the amount of $825,900.00 for Mechanical Improvements at the Frances Gaudet school site and authorize the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by President Baudouin, second by Vice President Eames
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
4.15 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 24-FAC-0055 for Mechanical and HVAC Improvements at Ellis L. Marsalis Jr. School Site
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the bid from Mechanical Resource Contractors, Inc in the amount of $318,900.00 for Mechanical and HVAC Improvements at the Ellis L. Marsalis Jr. School site and authorize the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
4.16 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase of Family Engagement Services to Support LEA Schools from Scholastic, Inc.
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the engagement of Scholastic, Inc., who holds a Louisiana state-approved contract, to provide comprehensive Literacy Family Engagement services, support, and resources to the five charter schools and one direct-run school in the Orleans Parish School Board’s LEA for the amount of $650,000.00.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Vice President Eames
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
4.17 Third Amendment to Contract with 4 A Era for Grounds Keeping Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that Orleans Parish School Board approve the third amendment to the contract with 4 A Era for Grounds Keeping Services in an amount not to exceed $77,000.00 and authorize the General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by President Baudouin, second by Vice President Eames
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
4.18 First Amendment to Contract with Resolute Industrial, LLC, Mobile Air & Power Rental for Cooling Tower Rental at Katherine Johnson Site
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the first amendment to the contract with Resolute Industrial, LLC Mobile Air & Power Rental for Cooling Tower Rental Services at the Katherine Johnson school site for the period of February 19, 2024, through December 31, 2024, for an amount not to exceed $170,612.04 and authorize the General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signature of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Vice President Eames, second by Mr. Ashley
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
4.19 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase from Calcasieu Mechanical Corporation for HVAC Equipment Installation Services at Katherine Johnson Site
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the purchase of HVAC Equipment Installation Services for the Katherine Johnson school site from Calcasieu Mechanical Corporation, who holds a Louisiana state-approved contract, for a total amount not to exceed $350,000.00.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT
Mr. Parker acknowledged the efforts of the operations staff in alleviating the HVAC issues at Katherine Johnson site.
PROPERTY
5.1 Capital Projects and Facilities Update Presentation
Don LeDuff, chief operations officer, provided the following updates:
Capital Projects Update, Louisiana SUN Bucks, and 2024 Hurricane Season Preparedness.
Board Comment:
Clarification provided regarding roof repair at Frederick Douglass throughout the summer.
Mr. Parker acknowledged city leaders working to fund SUN Bucks, as well as provided an update on summer feeding at NORD locations.
Request for listing of schools who do not comply with participation in hurricane preparedness training by Mr. Parker.
5.2 First Amendment to Charter School Facilities Lease with Community Academies for the Leah Chase Facility
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the First Amendment to the Charter School Facilities Lease with Community Academies, operator of Lafayette Academy, for the Leah Chase facility to revise the termination date from June 30, 2024, to May 31, 2024.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
ADJOURNMENT
6.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Ashley to adjourn the meeting.
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
Meeting Adjourned at 4:33pm.