MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
JUNE 4, 2024
1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call
The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by Vice President Eames at 1:04pm. The following board members were present: Leila Jacobs Eames, Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste, Olin G. Parker, and Carlos Luis Zervigon. Katherine Baudouin and Nolan Marshall, Jr. were absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.
-Interpretation services were acknowledged.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice President Eames.
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 amended moving the Personnel Committee to follow Section 5 Policy and before Budget and Finance on the agenda.
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Ashley
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Ms. Baudouin
Abstain: None
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of the Minutes
Motion by Vice President Eames, second by Mr. Parker to adopt the minutes of the May 14, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting. (waiving the reading)
Final reMs. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: solution: Motion passes
Yeas: None
Absent: Ms. Baudouin
Abstain: None
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS
3.1 ThriveKids Presentation
Ms. Eames welcomed Chelsea Moore, director of ThriveKids, and Emily Wolff, senior director of community benefits, for a presentation regarding interventions and successes during the 2023-24 school year.
Board Comment:
Clarification provided regarding care coordinator, behavioral health services provided, and process for enhanced enrollment in response to inquiries from Mr. Parker.
Clarity provided related to future funding to ensure sustainability in response to an inquiry from Mr. Ashley.
3.2 Schools Update
Dr. Kelli Jordan, chief of school support and improvement, provided an update on school transitions and noted reporting in July on the System Wide Needs Program.
Board Comment:
Clarification provided regarding financial closeout processes for schools in transition in response to inquiry from Dr. Batiste.
Vice President Eames inquired about policy changes.
Mr. Parker noted the need for possible legislative changes to address fiscal obligations during closeout phase.
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, RFP Recommendations, and Proposed Charter Amendments.
Board Comment:
Clarity provided regarding a Notice of Noncompliance in response to an inquiry by Vice President Eames.
3.4 Student Enrollment Services Update
Dr. Fateama Fulmore, deputy superintendent, provided an update on student enrollment processes, including: Unmatched Main Round Placements, Getting Ready for Open Enrollment, Main Round Survey Data, and Improvements for Future Enrollment Cycles.
Board Comment:
A discussion ensued and clarity provided regarding NCAP survey data and availability to parents in response to comments from the president and vice president, as well as Mr. Marshall.
Clarification provided regarding the availability of online registration and the notification to families of the window for registration, as well as the implication for not registering, in response to an inquiry from Mr. Marshall.
3.5 Portrait of a Graduate Update
Ashley R. Jones, executive director of administrative affairs, provided a review of the Portrait of a Graduate with a video presentation.
BOARD COMMENT:
Clarification provided in response to an inquiry from Vice President Eames regarding student engagement process for Portrait of a Graduate, as well as the number of schools participating and PEP Talks for this year.
3.6 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Presentation
Samantha Pichon, executive director of DEIB, provided a presentation on NOLA-PS Equity Framework and next steps.
BOARD COMMENT:
Mr. Parker applauded Mr. Ashley for the resolution offered in November 2020 related to racial equity, as well as the administration’s current efforts.
Clarification provided regarding future reporting to the board and updates on DEIB strategies.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
4.1 Approval of the Five-Year Portfolio Plan
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the Five-Year Portfolio Plan from FY 2024 through FY 2028.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Ashley
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
4.2 Revised 2024-2025 Academic Calendars for The Leah Chase School and Central Office School-Base Staff
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the revised 2024 - 2025 Academic Calendars for The Leah Chase School and Central Office School-Base Staff.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, seconded by Mr. Zervigon
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
POLICY
First Readings were held for the following OPSB policies:
5.1 Amendment to OPSB Policy GAMC, Investigations
5.2 Amendment to OPSB Policy GAMD, Drug-Free Workplace
5.3 Repeal of OPSB Policy GAMFD, Mandatory COVID Vaccinations
5.4 Amendment to OPSB Policy GBBA, Qualifications and Duties
5.5 Amendment to OPSB Policy GBC, Recruitment
5.6 Amendment to OPSB Policy GBRIBB, Sick Leave Bank
5.7 Amendment to OPSB Policy GBRIF, Bereavement Leave
5.8 Amendment to OPSB Policy GBRJ, Substitute Personnel
5.9 Amendment to OPSB Policy IFD, Parental Involvement in Education
5.10 Amendment to OPSB Policy JDA, Corporal Punishment
5.11 Amendment to OPSB Policy IDAB, COVID-19 Distance Learning
5.12 Amendment to OPSB Policy GBRB, Employee Attendance
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
9.1 Personnel Update
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Fateama Fullmore provided an update on personnel changes related to new hires, promotions, and separations from January 19, 2024 through May 24, 2024.
BOARD COMMENT:
Clarification provided regarding pupil teacher ratio and formula for Leah Chase School (TLC) staff hiring, as well as hiring intervals for teachers and support personnel, in response to an inquiry from Dr. Batiste.
Clarity provided as to whether the staff hires reflected are guaranteed in response to Mr. Marshall’s comment.
An exchange ensued regarding hiring process for teachers previously by the district.
Clarification was provided regarding the number of students who indicated, by completion of the survey, they would attend TLC versus actual enrollment of students during open enrollment. Vice President Eames requested an update on TLC enrollment during the board meeting on Thursday.
Clarity provided on the enrollment process and possible adjustments.
Clarification provided regarding staffing and budget projections based on TLC enrollment in response to an inquiry from Mr. Parker, as well as federal funding sources for certain staff.
Clarity provided regarding the exact number of staff at TLC in response to an inquiry from Ms. Baudouin, including whether staff may fill multiple roles and varied staff hiring dates reflected.
An exchange ensued regarding commitment to education of students at TLC balanced against fiscal stewardship and acceptable level of deficit.
9.2 Strategic Plan of Action Organizational Chart: Superintendent Performance Objective
Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams presented an overview of the organizational chart, inclusive of budget, job descriptions, responsibilities, and goals aligned to strategic plan of action.
BOARD COMMENT:
Clarification provided regarding the current and future role of chief academic officer in response to an inquiry from Mr. Marshall; he further noted the future implications for funding Leah Chase School.
Mr. Parker commented on the $2.7 million budget excess as a result of federal funding.
Mr. Zervigon articulated the need to be clear regarding the board’s expectations of the administration, as well as the possibility of the district running schools in the future.
Mr. Ashley noted the need for board training and understanding of the administration’s vision.
Vice President Eames commented on the necessity for hiring educators and paraprofessionals.
BUDGET AND FINANCE
6.1 Monthly Finance Report
Stuart Gay, chief financial officer, provided the following updates: April 2024 Financial Statements – General Fund, FY23 Audit Findings, FY25 Budget, Risk Management, and Departmental Updates.
BOARD COMMENT:
President Baudouin and Mr. Parker commended the finance staff, particularly Tracey Griffin-Robertson.
6.2 Request to Approve RFP No. 24-0065 Turnkey Development and Operation of Community Solar Systems
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the lease proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for RFP 24-0065 Turnkey Development and Operation of Community Solar Systems from General Coast Enterprises, LLC in the amount of $32,000.00 a year with an annual 2% escalation for a period of ten (10) years with an optional (5) five-year renewal period, subject to Board approval, and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste
Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
Mr. Parker acknowledged the efforts of Ms. Baudouin in this regard.
President Baudouin recognized the administrative staff for their work.
6.3 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase: Food Products and Distribution Services from US Foods, Inc.
Recommended Action: It is requested that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the contract with US Foods, Inc. for Food Products and Distribution Services in the amount of $399,477.14, including but not limited to a 15% variance for unforeseen market price increases.
Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste
Abstain: None
6.4 Request to Award ITB 24-FAC-0063 Phase III: Hurricane Ida Repairs at Frederick Douglass School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the bid from Legacy Restoration and Referral, LLC in the amount of $965,000.00 for Phase III Hurricane Ida Repairs at Frederick Douglass HS; and authorize the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste
Abstain: None
6.5 Request for Award ITB 23-FAC-0017 Building Envelope Repairs at Laurel Elementary School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the bid from Colmex Construction LLC in the amount of $383,792.67 for Building Envelope Repairs at Laurel Elementary School and authorize 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. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste
Abstain: None
6.6 Request to Award ITB 24-FAC-0068 Mechanical Improvements to Ronald McNair School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the bid from Industrial and Mechanical, Inc in the amount of $472,900.00 for Mechanical Improvements at Ronald McNair School and authorize General Counsel to prepare a change order for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste
Abstain: None
6.7 Request to Award ITB 23-FAC-0074 for Chiller Replacement at Thurgood Marshall School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the bid from Industrial & Mechanical Contractors, Inc in the amount of $250,300.00 for Chiller Replacement at Thurgood Marshall School and authorize 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. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste
Abstain: None
6.8 Request to Award ITB 24-FAC-0030 Building Repairs from Water Intrusion at Morris Jeff Elementary School
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the bid from Colmex Construction, LLC in the amount of $285,161.00 for Building Repairs from Water Intrusion at Morris Jeff Elementary school and authorize the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste
Abstain: None
6.9 Request to Award Request for Proposal Number 24-0071 for Education and Select Wrap Around Services for Juveniles in Secured Facilities
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Education and Select Wrap Around Services for Juveniles in Secured Facilities from Travis Hill NOLA in the amount of $2,708,886 for a period of one (1) year with an option to renew four (4) additional one (1) year periods and authorize General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste
Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
Mr. Parker commended the Travis Hill school and noted the forthcoming graduation.
6.10 Request to Approve First Amendment to Contract with JEI Solutions, Inc. for Maintenance Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the first amendment to the contract with JEI for maintenance services removing 4422 Gen. Meyer from the contract and increasing the contract by $522,202.18, to cover the second year of the contract term and authorize the General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signature of the Board President and contractor.
Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Ashley
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste
Abstain: None
6.11 Request to Approve First Amendment to Contract with S.P. Evals for Student Assistance Teams Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the first amendment to the contract with S.P. Evals for Student Assistance Teams Services increasing the contract amount by $25,000.00 and authorize 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. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste
Abstain: None
6.12 Request to Approve Amendments to Contracts for RFP No. 21-0031 Special Education Evaluation Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the sixth amendment to the contract with Educational Diagnostic Services & Consulting of Louisiana, decreasing the maximum fee for services from $515,000.00 to $450,000.00, and approve the fifth amendment to the contract with Speducation, increasing the maximum fee for services from $276,000.00 to $341,000.00; and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the Amendments for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.
Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Marshall
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
6.13 Request to Award Request for Proposals No. 24-0072 for Types 1 and 3 Charter Application Review Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Types 1 and 3 Charter Application Review Services from The Learning Collective in the amount of $52,900.00 for a period of one (1) year with an option to renew four (4) 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
There was a motion to amend the language to reflect “up to $52, 900.00” by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
Resolution of the vote on the amended motion
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
Clarification provided regarding the payment amount and that payment would be contingent on receipt of applications.
6.14 Request to Approve the Fourth Amendment to Contract with 4 A Era for Grounds Keeping Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that Orleans Parish School Board approve the fourth amendment to the contract with 4 A Era for Grounds Keeping Services to extend the contract from July 1, 2024 to July 31, 2024 in an amount not to exceed $28,000.00 and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Marshall
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
6.15 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 April 29, 2024 and 2.5% of salary up to a maximum of $2,500 for employees hired on or after April 30, 2024.
Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Ashley
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
Clarification provided indicating the payments are from ESSER III funding in response to an inquiry from Ms. Baudouin.
Clarity that the payments are stipends and not salary increases responding to a comment from Mr. Parker.
6.16 Request to Approve Third Amendment with CSRS for Disaster Recovery Management Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the Third Amendment with CSRS to exercising the second one-year option to renew the contract through July 31, 2025 with no increase to the contract amount and authorize General Counsel to prepare an amendment for signatures of the Board President and Contractor.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
6.17 Request to Approve Second Amendment to Contract with Blackmon Mooring for Disaster Recovery Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the second one-year renewal of the contract with Blackmon Mooring for Disaster Recovery Services for the period of August 9, 2024 through August 8, 2025 in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00 and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract renewal for signature of the Board President and contractor.
Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
Clarification provided regarding the general fund as the budget source for this item in response to an inquiry from Ms. Baudouin.
6.18 Request to Approve State Contract Purchase of HVAC and Chiller Rentals from Trane US Inc. for H.C. Schaumburg Site
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the purchase of HVAC equipment delivery, installation, and seven months rental of a temporary chiller for the Schaumburg site from Trane US, Inc., who holds a Louisiana state-approved contract, for a total amount not to exceed $110,000.00.
Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
6.19 2024 - 2025 Property & Casualty Insurance Placement
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve renewal of the Property & Casualty Insurance package for the period of July 1, 2024 through July 1, 2025.
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
Board Comment:
Mr. Parker acknowledged efforts of Tracey Griffin-Robertson, executive director of risk management.
PROPERTY
7.1 Capital Projects and Facilities Update Presentation
Don LeDuff, chief operations officer, provided updates on Capital Projects and 2024 Hurricane Season Outlook.
Board Comment:
Mr. Parker noted implications for Notice of Noncompliance for nonparticipation in hurricane preparedness training by tenants in OPSB facilities.
LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE
8.1 2024 Legislative Session Presentation
Julieanne Lund, director of community & governmental affairs, provided updates on the 2024 Legislative Session.
Board Comment:
Mr. Parker commented on various legislation passed at the state level and their implications, including failure to increase the MFP and teacher pay, as well as acknowledged the efforts of state legislators to ensure funding for the summer feeding program.
An exchange ensued regarding failed House Resolution 323 related to use of edutainment children’s videos, including Prager U. Senator Bouie’s efforts were recognized by Mr. Parker.
Board members Baudouin, Parker, and Ashley acknowledged efforts of staff, board members, and/or lobbyists throughout the legislative session.
8.2 First Amendment to Charter Operating Agreement with The Einstein Group, Inc. for Sherwood Forest, Village de l'Est, and Einstein Middle
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve amendments to The Einstein Group, Inc.'s charter operating agreements for Sherwood Forest and Village de l'Est, and Einstein Middle schools authorizing the elementary schools, Sherwood Forest and Village de l'Est, to return to serving grades K-5 and the Einstein Middle School to return to serving grades 6-8.
Motion by Vice President Eames, second by Mr. Marshall
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste
Abstain: Mr. Parker
ADJOURNMENT
10.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon to adjourn the meeting.
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon
Nays: None
Absent: Dr. Batiste
Abstain: None
Meeting Adjourned at 5:07pm.