MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

AUGUST 13, 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 1:00pm. The following board members were present: Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste, Olin G. Parker, and Carlos Luis Zervigon. Nolan Marshall, Jr. was 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 President Katherine 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 by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Ashley.

• Final resolution: Motion passes

• Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon

• Nays: None

• Absent: Mr. Marshall

• Abstain: None

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by President Baudouin, seconded by Mr. Parker to adopt the minutes of the July 23, 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. Parker, Mr. Zervigon

• Nays: None

• Absent: Mr. Marshall

• Abstain: None

ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS

3.1 Portfolio and Accountability Updates

Rafael Simmons, chief portfolio innovation and accountability officer, provided updates as follows: Portfolio and Accountability Updates, Policy, Renewal Timeline, and School Quality Profiles.

BOARD COMMENT:

• Vice President Eames highlighted usefulness of the school quality profiles.

• Clarification that the profiles will be available for schools irrespective of governance structure in response to an inquiry from Mr. Zervigon.

• Discussion ensued and clarification regarding the inclusion of teacher retention information in response to Mr. Parker and contextualizing how retention of teachers is presented within school quality profiles.

• Clarity provided regarding the inclusion of help text and glossary within the school profiles, as well as assessment tool used to capture family and student experience, responding to an inquiry from Ms. Baudouin.

3.2 Enrollment Update

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Fateama Fulmore provided an update on open enrollment for the district and shared an overview of enrollment at The Leah Chase School. Dr. Fulmore acknowledged the efforts of various NOLA-PS staff involved in the opening of The Leah Chase School (TLC).

Board Comment:

• President Baudouin and Mr. Zervigon inquired about the inclusion of additional categories to reflect demographic data for students enrolled at TLC.

• Clarification provided regarding district efforts to ensure students are enrolled and/or ascertain why they may not throughout open enrollment process in response to inquiry from Mr. Zervigon regarding NCAP.

• Vice President Eames recognized district staff and noted enrollment at TLC and further inquired about the possibility of a universal calendar.

• Dr. Batiste commended the administration for its leadership and passion in opening TLC and the board’s role.

• Mr. Parker echoed similar sentiments regarding the common calendar, and he commended Dr. Fulmore’s efforts and changes relative to enrollment processes.

• Mr. Zervigon credited Dr. Williams and administrative staff for the successful opening of TLC and highlighted the institutional culture.

• Mr. Ashley acknowledged the partnership reflected within the school community and current climate of success for all students.

• Dr. Williams expressed thanks to board members for their accolades; commended Dr. Fulmore’s endeavors; and acknowledged the culture within the district and encouragement from the school community as regards The Leah Chase School.

Committee of the whole

4.1 Student Support Update - Educational Service Agency

Dr. Shayla Guidry Hilaire, chief student and school support officer, provided a presentation for launch of an Educational Service Agency (ESA) for the centralization of special education services and supports.

BOARD COMMENT:

• President Baudouin expressed support for administrative efforts for the ESA.

• Mr. Parker acknowledged Mr. Zervigon’s commitment, as well as support from other partners with respect to the ESA,  and commented on the previous coverage by the media and its characterization relative to the framing of efforts and issues in serving students with exceptionalities; he further applauded efforts of the school community in serving students of diverse needs and the performance of the district in comparison to other districts.

• Mr. Zervigon noted the collaboration and innovation across the district and implications for efficiencies through coordination of services and the dynamic between NOLA-PS, as an authorizer, relative to school participants in the ESA, and inclusion of possible safeguards.  

4.2 Resolution 10-24 re: Educational Service Agency

Recommended Action: That the Orleans Parish School Board adopt resolution 10-24 supporting the design and launch of an ESA to improve the delivery, coordination, and scale of special education services and programming for students with disabilities, as well as the Superintendent or designee(s) completion of their ongoing working group and Design Team process to create a comprehensive ESA model that does not impede the operational autonomy afforded to charter schools under the School Board’s authorization, as defined at La. R.S. § 17:10.7.1(G)(1)

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. 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

PUBLIC COMMENT:

• Dr. Kenneth Ducote spoke in support of this item.

• Haley Burns spoke in support of this item.

• Ms. Jennifer Coco expressed support for this item.

BOARD COMMENT:

• Mr. Zervigon acknowledged efforts of the administration in this regard in addition to opening a new school.  

• Clarification provided for the inclusion of gifted and talented in response to an inquiry from Ms. Baudouin.

POLICY

Kathy Moss, general counsel, provided a presentation relative to policy items being considered.

The following Notices of Intent were announced:

5.1 Notice of Intent to Amend OPSB Policy HA, Charter School Operating Agreement

5.2 Notice of Intent to Amend OPSB Policy HH, Student Safety and Well-Being

First Readings were held for the following OPSB policies:

5.3 Amendment to OPSB Policy EB, Buildings and Grounds Management

5.4 Amendment to OPSB Policy GAMA, Employee Tobacco Use

5.5 Amendment to OPSB Policy IDCH, Home Study Program

5.6 Amendment to OPSB Policy IDE, Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities

5.7 Amendment to OPSB Policy IDFA, Interscholastic Athletics

5.8 Amendment to OPSB Policy JBE, Truancy

5.9 Amendment to OPSB Policy JCDAA, Student Tobacco Use

5.10 Amendment to OPSB Policy JCDAE, Electronic Telecommunication Devices

5.11 Amendment to OPSB Policy JD, Discipline

5.12 Amendment to OPSB Policy JDD, Suspension

5.13 Amendment to OPSB Policy JDE, Expulsion

5.14 Amendment to OPSB Policy JGCE, Child Abuse

5.15 New OPSB Policy JGCF, Behavioral Health Support for Students

5.16 Amendment to OPSB Policy JS, Student Fees, Fines and Charges

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board suspend its ordinary processes for policy adoption and approve the proposed amendment to Policy JS, Student Fees, Fines and Charges to update the Schedule of Fees for directly operated pre-K through 8 grade schools and high schools.

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Dr. Batiste

A motion to amend the proposed policy was offered by President Baudouin removing gendered references and replacing them with gender neutral language where appropriate, second by Mr. Ashley

Results of vote on the amended motion as follows:

Final resolution: Motion passes

• Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

• Nays: Mr. Parker

• Absent: None

• Abstain: None

BOARD COMMENT:

• Mr. Parker expressed reservations about the fee schedule and noted a desire to revisit the issue; he further noted the financial burden on families for such charges.

• A discussion ensued regarding an alternative for financial relief to families through possible waiver, as well as a request from Mr. Ashley for additional information pertaining to this item.

• Dr. Williams noted the implications for the fee structure and sensitivity to the needs of families, including other possible funding sources to cover such costs.

• Vice President Eames inquired about fees charged by other schools.

• Board Counsel provided an explanation of the vote threshold needed by the board to forward item 5.16 Amendment to OPSB Policy JS, Student Fees, Fines and Charges for consideration at Thursday’s board business meeting, responding to an inquiry from Mr. Zervigon.

BUDGET AND FINANCE

6.1 Monthly Finance Report

Stuart Gay, chief financial officer, provided the following updates: Charter School Accountability Framework (CSAF), District Level Funding Allocation Working Group, and Revenue Anticipation Note (RAN).

BOARD COMMENT:

• Mr. Parker acknowledged the efforts of the finance team and cost savings to the district.

6.2 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase of Expert Services NOLA Application Enhancements from Carahsoft Technology Corp.

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the quote from Carahsoft Technology Corp., who holds a Louisiana state-approved contract, for NOLA Application Enhancements in an amount not to exceed $163,963.33.

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by President Baudouin

• 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

6.3 Request to Approve Second Amendment to Contract with Tracey Boudoin for Occupational Therapy Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that Orleans Parish School Board approve Second Amendment to Agreement with Tracey Boudoin to renew the contract for Occupational Therapy Services for the period of October 1, 2024-September 30, 2025 for a total amount not to exceed $75,000.00.

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by President Baudouin

• 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

6.4 Request to Approve Third Amendment to Contract with Ergo Tech for Occupational Therapy Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that Orleans Parish School Board approve Third Amendment to Agreement with Ergo Tech to renew the contract for Occupational Therapy Services for the period of October 1, 2024-September 30, 2025 for a total amount not to exceed $120,000.00.

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Dr. Batiste

• 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

6.5 Request to Approve First Amendment to Contract with Inspire NOLA for English Learner Newcomers Program

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve a one-year renewal of the contract with InspireNOLA for the English Learner Newcomers Program in an amount not to exceed $250,000.00 for the renewal period of September 19, 2024, to September 18, 2025.

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second 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

6.6 Request to Approve First Amendment to Contract with Keys to Literacy for Act 108 Literacy Foundation Training Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve a one-year renewal of the contract with Keys to Literacy for Act 108 Literacy Foundation Training Services for an amount not to exceed $155,000.00 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 Dr. Batiste

• 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

6.7 Request to Award ITB 23-FAC-0072 for Mechanical Improvements and Door Repairs at Samuel Green

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the bid from ARC Mechanical, Inc in the amount of $986,900.00 for Mechanical Improvements and Door Repairs at the Samuel Green School 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. 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

6.8 Request to Accept Quote from PowerSchool Group, LLC for PowerSchool Suite Implementation Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the quote from PowerSchool Group, LLC for PowerSchool Suite Implementation Services in an amount not to exceed $86,736.00.

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by President Baudouin

• 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

6.9 Revolving Loan Fund for Joseph A. Craig Campus

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the School Facilities Preservation Program Revolving Loan Fund Agreement between OPSB and the Citizens Committee for Education for improvements to Joseph A. Craig Elementary School for the Building Automation System and Valve Replacement project in the amount of $290,812.43.

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by President Baudouin

• 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

PROPERTY

7.1 Capital Projects and Facilities Update Presentation

Don LeDuff, chief operations officer, provided Capital Projects Updates and Facility Updates.

BOARD COMMENT:

• In response to an inquiry from Mr. Marshall, clarity provided regarding lack of availability of dedicated funding for the facility renaming process; information will be made available to board members regarding renaming costs.

• Mr. Zervigon commented on the Homer Plessy School previously located at McDonogh 15 and future use of the site.

7.2 Development Agreement with GCE Services, LLC dba Green Coast Enterprise and Working Power re: Community Solar Project

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the Development Agreement with Green Coast Enterprise and Working Power for the purpose of evaluating the feasibility of renewable energy systems to be located on OPSB property, and to finance, develop, and operate such Renewable Energy Systems that are determined to be feasible.

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by President Baudouin

• 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

7.3 Amended and Restated Cooperative Endeavor Agreement re: Bronze Statue of Ruby Bridges at the William Frantz School Building

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the Amended and Restated Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Morris Jeff Community School and The Ruby Bridges Foundation regarding the installation of a commemorative bronze statue of Ruby Bridges on the campus of the William Frantz school building to update the parties, party names, Foundation incorporation information, and party responsibilities.

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by President Baudouin

• 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

PUBLIC COMMENT:

• Dr. Kenneth Ducote spoke in support of this item, including site improvements.

BOARD COMMENT:

• Mr. Zervigon expressed gratitude for the continued stewardship and care of the statue, as well as the context offered by Dr. Ducote.

• Mr. Parker provided historical context and implications for Ruby Bridges’s enrollment at William Frantz Elementary School.

• Clarification provided to inquiries from Vice President Eames and Dr. Batiste regarding abandoned school properties.

ADJOURNMENT

8.1 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, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Parker, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Zervigon

• Nays: None

• Absent: None

• Abstain: None

Meeting Adjourned at 4:05pm.