MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

JUNE 6, 2024

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order by Board President Katherine Baudouin at 5:59pm. The following board members were present: Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Olin G. Parker, and Carlos Luis Zervigon. 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 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 amended agenda adding Executive Session as Item 6.1 Discussion of attorney-client privileged matter, pursuant to La. R.S. 42:17(A)(10) and La. Code Evid. art. 506 making Adjournment as Item 7.1 by Vice President Eames, seconded by Dr. Batiste

 

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the minutes of the May 16, 2024 Board Business Meeting. (waiving the reading)  

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Dr. Batiste

 

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

3.1 Superintendent's Remarks

Dr. Willliams began her remarks with a Mental Minute, sharing a quote on gratitude and offering individual thanks to board members and their contributions and attributes. She acknowledged Tyran Zardies Jr., NOLA-PS graduate with perfect attendance and recipient of a 2024 Toyota Corolla LE from Premier Automotive Group; she recognized Troy Duhon and Premier Automotive Group for their partnership with NOLA-PS and investment in the community, as well as board members for their contribution to cover fees associated with the car giveaway.  

 

The superintendent recognized employees celebrating milestones in their years of service with the district and noted 2024 high school graduations she had attended, specifically highlighting Elijah Hogan, valedictorian, Walter L. Cohen High School.  

 

Dr. Williams mentioned Education Elevation, a monthly radio show on WBOK; she provided updates regarding English Learners and activities to support EL students and their families; and encouraged participation in the superintendent’s various advisory councils. The following monthly celebrations were highlighted: Pride Month, Juneteenth, National Hunger Awareness Day, and Father’s Day. She provided an update on Open Enrollment, including enrollment at The Leah Chase School. Dr. Williams provided remarks on the Community Survey Results; MGT provided a high-level overview of survey results. Additional updates were provided by Dr. Williams: addition of two goals to the strategic plan of action to accommodate direct operation of schools, as well as financial implications for doing so; DCBA, District-Level Funding Allocation: notification of possible revisions to the DLFA computation for implementation in the 2025-2026 school year; and responses to inquiries from board members relative to The Leah Chase School (TLC) regarding staffing and enrollment levels.   

 

BOARD COMMENT:

-President Baudouin recognized Gina Cobette, of alignED New Orleans, who was seated in the audience; she commended the  organization’s efforts fostering  parental engagement and advocacy.

 

-Mr. Parker exercised a point of personal privilege to acknowledge Ms. Rosie Jackson, executive director child nutrition with NOLA-PS, for efforts securing resources to ensure summer feeding at NORD camps.

 

Motion to adopt the agenda as amended by Mr. Parker, second by Dr. Batiste as follows:

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board move to approve Consent Agenda Items 4.1 through 4.20 as presented in globo.

 

4.1 Approval of the Five-Year Portfolio Plan

 

4.2 Revised 2024-2025 Academic Calendars for The Leah Chase School and Central Office School-Base Staff

 

4.3 Request to Approve RFP No. 24-0065 Turnkey Development and Operation of Community Solar Systems

 

4.4 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase: Food Products and Distribution Services from US Foods, Inc.

 

4.5 Request to Award ITB 24-FAC-0063 Phase III: Hurricane Ida Repairs at Frederick Douglass School

 

4.6 Request for Award ITB 23-FAC-0017 Building Envelope Repairs at Laurel Elementary School

 

4.7 Request to Award ITB 24-FAC-0068 Mechanical Improvements to Ronald McNair School

 

4.8 Request to Award ITB 23-FAC-0074 for Chiller Replacement at Thurgood Marshall School

 

4.9 Request to Award ITB 24-FAC-0030 Building Repairs from Water Intrusion at Morris Jeff Elementary School

 

4.10 Request to Award Request for Proposal Number 24-0071 for Education and Select Wrap Around Services for Juveniles in Secured Facilities

 

4.11 Request to Approve First Amendment to Contract with JEI Solutions, Inc. for Maintenance Services

 

4.12 Request to Approve First Amendment to Contract with S.P. Evals for Student Assistance Teams Services

 

4.13 Request to Approve Amendments to Contracts for RFP No. 21-0031 Special Education Evaluation Services

 

4.14 Request to Award Request for Proposals No. 24-0072 for Types 1 and 3 Charter Application Review Services

 

4.15 Request to Approve the Fourth Amendment to Contract with 4 A Era for Grounds Keeping Services

 

4.16 COVID-19 Retention Stipends

 

4.17 Request to Approve Third Amendment with CSRS for Disaster Recovery Management Services

 

4.18 Request to Approve Second Amendment to Contract with Blackmon Mooring for Disaster Recovery Services

 

4.19 Request to Approve State Contract Purchase of HVAC and Chiller Rentals from Trane US Inc. for H.C. Schaumburg Site

 

4.20 2024 - 2025 Property & Casualty Insurance Placement

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Vice President Eames   

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

Action Item 5.1  Financial Sustainability Regarding Leah Chase School Enrollment Projections

Recommended Action: That the superintendent and her team ensure that (1.)The expenses of The Leah Chase School not exceed $1.5 million of the school’s revenue from state, federal, and philanthropic funding; and (2.) The superintendent shall provide the board with an update on projected enrollment, staffing, and deficit or surplus for The Leah Chase School, inclusive of any creation of new or elimination of positions, by July 10, 2024. The update shall be distributed via the superintendent’s regular email updates to individual board members.

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Dr. Batiste

 

The motion was amended as follows:

 

That the superintendent and her team ensure that (1.)The expenses of The Leah Chase School shall not exceed $1.5 million in excess of revenues from general fund spending, contingent on passage of the Budget Resolution 08-24; and (2.) The superintendent shall provide the board with an update on projected enrollment, staffing, and deficit or surplus for The Leah Chase School, inclusive of any creation of new or elimination of positions, by July 10, 2024. The update shall be distributed via the superintendent’s regular email updates to individual board members.

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Ashley 

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

Resolution of the motion as amended:

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

Action Item 5.2 Resolution 08-24 Fiscal Year 2025 General Fund and Special Revenue Fund Budget Adoption

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt Resolution Number 08-24 adopting and finalizing the General Fund and Special Revenue Fund budget of the Orleans Parish School Board for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2024 and ending on June 30, 2025. (waiving the reading)

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon 

 

Action Item 5.3 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 Dr. Batiste   

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by President Baudouin to move to executive session at 7:29pm.

 

 

Reconvened from Executive Session at 7:45pm. The following board members were present: Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste, Nolan Marshall, Jr., Olin G. Parker, and Carlos Luis Zervigon. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.  

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

6.1 Discussion of attorney-client privileged matter, pursuant to La. R.S. 42:17(A)(10) and La. Code Evid. art. 506

 

Motion to amend the agenda adding Action Item 6.2 to approve the course of action recommended by its legal counsel.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, seconded by Ms. Baudouin

 

Action Item 6.2 Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the course of action recommended by its legal counsel to protect the interests of the school system.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Zervigon

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

7.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Zervigon to adjourn the meeting.

 

Meeting Adjourned at 7:49pm.