MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by Board Vice President Leila Jacobs Eames at 1:07pm. The following board members were present: Leila Jacobs Eames, Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste, Olin G. Parker, Nolan Marshall, Jr. and Carlos Luis Zervigon. Katherine Baudouin and Ethan Ashley 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 Leila Jacobs 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 provided by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Zervigon.

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by Vice President Eames, seconded by Mr. Parker to adopt the minutes of the August 13, 2024 Committee of the Whole as presented. (waiving the reading)

 

ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS

 

3.1 Schools Update

Dr. Kelli Jordan, chief of school support and improvement, provided the following updates: ThriveKids data for 24/25 SY, Attendance Awareness Month, including efforts to spread awareness, and Systemwide Need Program.

 

BOARD COMMENT:   

 

3.2 Portfolio and Accountability Updates

Rafael Simmons, chief portfolio innovation and accountability officer,

provided updates as follows: Notices of Noncompliance, Additional Accountability Updates: Regarding Engaged Learning, Inc – Type 2 Charter Application to BESE (Board of Elementary and Secondary Education), Annual Site Visits, Parent and Community Calls, Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) Charter Board training, Renewal Timeline, and Request for Applications Timeline.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

3.3 Resolution 11-24 re: High School Voter Registration

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt Resolution 11-24 encouraging schools under the jurisdiction of the Orleans Parish School Board to make voter registration, voter education, and early voting opportunities available to students.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by President Baudouin

 

Board Comment:

 

3.4 Superintendent recommendation re: Type 2 Charter Application Submitted by Engaged Learning Academies to BESE

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board (1) approve the Superintendent’s recommendation to BESE to deny Engaged Learning Academies' Type 2 charter application, (2) authorize the Superintendent to submit the written recommendations to BESE on behalf of OPSB, and (3) authorize the Superintendent or her designee to present the recommendations to BESE on behalf of OPSB at a scheduled BESE public meeting.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Parker

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

POLICY

 

4.1 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy EB, Buildings and Grounds Management

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy EB, Buildings and Grounds Management.

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Vice President Eames

 

4.2 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy GAMA, Employee Tobacco Use

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy GAMA, Employee Tobacco Use.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Vice President Eames

 

4.3 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy IDCH, Home Study Program

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy IDCH, Home Study Program.

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin

 

4.4 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy IDE, Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy IDE, Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Parker 

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

4.5 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy IDFA, Interscholastic Athletics

Recommended Action; It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy IDFA, Interscholastic Athletics.

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by  President Baudouin

 

4.6 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy JBE, Truancy

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy JBE, Truancy.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by  Mr. Parker

 

4.7 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy JCDAA, Student Tobacco Use

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy JCDAA, Student Tobacco Use.

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by President Baudouin

 

4.8 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy JCDAE, Electronic Telecommunication Devices

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy JCDAE, Electronic Telecommunication Devices.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by President Baudouin

 

4.9 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy JD, Discipline

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy JD, Discipline.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by President Baudouin

 

4.10 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy JDD, Suspension

Recommended Action; It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy JDD, Suspension.

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by Dr. Batiste

 

4.11 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy JDE, Expulsion

Recommended Action ; It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy JDE, Expulsion.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by President  Baudouin

 

4.12 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy JGCE, Child Abuse

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy JGCE, Child Abuse.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Marshall

Final resolution: Motion passes

 

4.13 Second Reading: New OPSB Policy JGCF, Behavioral Health Support for Students

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve New OPSB Policy JGCF, Behavioral Health Support for Students.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by President Baudouin

Final resolution: Motion passes

 

BUDGET AND FINANCE

 

5.1 Monthly Finance Report

Stuart Gay, chief financial officer, provided the following updates: Setting Millages, District Level Funding Allocation (DFLA) Working Group, Revenue Anticipation Note (RAN), Auditor Presentation – Pre-audit, and Direct Run Financial Sustainability.

 

A pre-audit presentation was provided  by Tiffani Dorsa, CPA, and Jordan Sandwisch, CPA, with EisnerAmper LLP.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

5.2 Financial Modeling for Direct Run Schools

An exchange ensued regarding district sustainability and implications for direct run sustainability. Information for this item forthcoming and continued discussion.

 

5.3 School Supply Donation to The Leah Chase School from New Orleans & Company

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the school supply donation from New Orleans & Company to The Leah Chase School.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Vice President Eames

 

BOARD COMMENT:

Specifics regarding donation items to The Leah Chase School will be provided to the full board as requested.

 

5.4 School Supply Donation to The Leah Chase School from Junior Achievement

Recommended Action: It is recommended that Orleans Parish School Board accept the school supply donation from Junior Achievement to The Leah Chase School.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Marshall

 

5.5 School Supply Donation to The Leah Chase School from the Mystical Order of the Phoenix

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the school supply donation from the Mystical Order of the Phoenix to The Leah Chase School.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Marshall

 

5.6 Request to Award ITB 24-FAC-0006 for Roof Replacement at Dominic Mai Thanh Luong School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the bid from Roofing Solutions, LLC in the amount of $995,190.00 for Roof Replacement at Dominic Mai Thanh Luong School; and authorize General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Ashley

 

5.7 Request to Award ITB 24-FAC-0010 for Roof Replacement at Sylvanie Williams School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the bid from Roof Technologies, LLC in the total amount (Base bid + Alternate 1) of $498,094.00 for Roof Replacement at Sylvanie Williams 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

 

5.8 Request to Approve Change Order Number 1 for the Emergency Chiller Rental at Dwight Eisenhower School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the Change Order from Gootee Construction, Inc. in the amount of $163,067.80 to extend the Dwight Eisenhower emergency chiller rental; and authorize General Counsel to approve the change order for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by President Baudouin

 

5.9 Request to Award RFP 24-0079 for Innovative Talent Development Pipeline Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Innovative Pipeline Services from Bloom Board, Inc. in the amount of $500,000.00 and from Engage Learning, LLC. in the amount of $250,000.00 for a period of one (1) year with an option to renew two (2) additional one (1) year periods and authorize General Counsel to prepare contracts for signatures of the Board President and the Contractors.

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin

 

5.10 Request to Approve Second Amendment to Contract with Learn-It Systems for 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 Second Amendment to the contract with Learn-It Systems for Title II supplemental educational services for eligible students in non-public schools for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, increasing the contract to $378,324.04, 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 Dr. Batiste

 

5.11 Request to Approve First Amendment to Contract with New Orleans Multicultural Institute of Counseling (NOMIC) for Mental Health Providers for EL Students

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the First Amendment to the contract with New Orleans Multicultural Institute of Counseling (NOMIC) to provide Mental Health Providers For Students Who Are English Learners, increasing the total contract by $103,600.00, and authorize General Counsel to prepare an Amendment for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Dr. Batiste

 

5.12 Request to Approve Second Amendment to Contract with New Orleans Multicultural Institute of Counseling (NOMIC) for Mental Health Providers for EL Students

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the second amendment to renew the contract with New Orleans Multicultural Institute of Counseling (NOMIC) for one year to continue providing Mental Health Providers for Students Who Are English Learners services in the amount of $315,000.00, subject to Board approval, and authorize General Counsel to prepare an Amendment for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin

 

5.13 Request to Award ITB 24-FAC-0078 for Roof Replacement at Avery Alexander School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the bid from Roof Technologies, LLC in the amount of $483,394.00 Base bid for ITB2 24-FAC-0078 Roof Replacement at Avery Alexander School; and authorize General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by President Baudouin

 

5.14 Request to Award RFP 24-0081 for University Pipeline Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for University Pipeline Services from Loyola University in the amount of $280,000.00 and Xavier University in the amount of $160,000.00 for a period of two (2) years with an option to renew one (1) additional one (1) year period and authorize General Counsel to prepare contracts for signatures of the Board President and the Contractors.

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by Mr. Zervigon

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

5.15 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 25-CN-0006 for Warehouse Storage and Delivery of USDA Commodity Goods

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposal for Warehouse Storage and Delivery of USDA Commodity Goods from Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana, in the amount of "$300,000.00" for three (3) years, with an option to extend for two (2) additional one (1) year periods, and to authorize General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by President Baudouin

 

5.16 Request to Approve Technology Purchases via State of Louisiana Contract and Interlocal Purchasing Cooperative System (TIPS)

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the purchase of technology (Computers, iPads, Smart Boards, Printers, etc. and Curriculum and Assessment Platforms) for the 2023–2024 school year for fifty-two (52) Orleans Parish non-public schools in the amount of $180,000.00 through Louisiana State approved contract vendors and The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) cooperative contract vendors.

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by Mr. Zervigon

 

5.17 Request to Approve Third Amendment to Third-Party Contracts to Provide Title IV Services for Non-Public Schools

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the second 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 $1,039,513.91, Cusanza Enterprises II, LLC d/b/a Sylvan Learning Center to $283,778.29, and Learn-It Systems, LLC $390,883.88 and authorize the General Counsel to prepare the contract amendments for signatures of the Board President and the consultants.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by President Baudouin  

 

5.18 Request to Approve Second Amendments to Third-Party Contracts to Provide Title I Services for Non-Public Schools

Recommended Action; It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the second amendment to the contracts for Title I educational services for eligible students in non-public schools for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, increasing the contracts with Catapult Learning, LLC to $4,112,756.35, Cusanza Enterprises II, LLC d/b/a Sylvan Learning Center to $5,084,763.89, Learn-It Systems, LLC to $488,013.23, and Believe to Achieve to $2,898,801.30, and authorize the General Counsel to prepare the contract amendments for signature of the Board President and the consultants.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by President Baudouin

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

5.19 Resolution 12-24 Levying Constitutional and other Dedicated Millages 2025

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt Resolution 12-24 setting forth and designating Constitutional Mills and Other Dedicated Mills on all property subject to taxation in the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana for the year 2025.

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Ashley

 

5.20 Amendment to Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with Collegiate Academies

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the amendment to the CEA with Collegiate Academies to clarify the method for calculating any payments due from the Orleans Parish School Board to Collegiate.

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin

 

PROPERTY

 

6.1 Capital Projects and Facilities Update Presentation

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

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

 

7.1 NOLA-PS Personnel Update

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Fateama Fulmore provided an update on NOLA-PS hiring, personnel changes, and employment separations.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

-Vice Present Eames exercised a point of personal privilege to inquire about holding meetings on the Eastbank.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

8.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Parker to adjourn the meeting.

 

Meeting Adjourned at 3:30pm.