MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

September 19, 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 5:30pm. The following board members were present: Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste, Olin G. Parker, and Carlos Luis Zervigon. Ethan Ashley 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 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 meeting agenda as provided by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Parker.

• Final resolution: Motion passes

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

• Nays: None

• Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall

• Abstain: None

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the minutes of the August 15, 2024 Board Business Meeting and August 22, 2024 Board Retreat (waiving the reading)  

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Vice President Eames

• Final resolution: Motion passes

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

• Nays: None

• Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Marshall

• Abstain: None

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

3.1 Superintendent's Remarks

Dr. Willliams began her remarks with a Mental Minute, recommending journaling, followed by Years of Service Recognition, celebrating employment milestones for NOLA-PS staff.

The following observances or awareness months were highlighted: Attendance Awareness Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Hunger Action Month, Suicide Presentation Month, and Library Card Sign-Up Month. Dr. Williams noted the following: The Leah Chase School – Back to School Night, Voices of Future Leaders, Education Elevation broadcast, NOLA-PS Wellness Team participation in the Saints 5K, as well as her participation on the panel: Leading Education Technology Innovations: Current Challenges and Solutions.

Dr. Williams noted the State of the District Address, held earlier in the day and featured on the district’s YouTube Channel; announced Renewal Process Community Meetings; and  mentioned the Charter School Board Governance Workshop Series, in collaboration with the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF), as well as the forthcoming Charter School Board Happy Hour, hosted by GNOF. She further announced upcoming Voter Registration events, including the Voices of Future Leaders Voter Rally: Your Voice, Your Vote! scheduled for Friday, October 25^th.  Dr. Williams mentioned today’s press conference pertaining to Voter Registration and Early Voting Events for High School Students that was coordinated by Algiers Charter School Association.

3.2 Toyota of New Orleans Stay in School Program - Seniors with Perfect Attendance Presentation

Dr. Williams acknowledged Godfrey Peters, general manager, with Toyota of New Orleans, for remarks on the Stay in School Program for seniors with perfect attendance.

BOARD COMMENT:

• Vice President Eames and President Baudouin mentioned additional privileges for library cardholders, including Zoo and Aquarium admission, as well as New Orleans RTA Youth Opportunity Pass, making available free transit passes for youth.   

PRESENTATIONS

4.1 Presentation from COX Communications - Connected Learning: A World Within Reach

Vice President Eames welcomed Sunni LeBeouf, New Orleans Market Vice President, Cox Communications, for a presentation on bridging the digital divide and the impact of connected learning.

BOARD COMMENT:

• Vice President Eames applauded the efforts of Cox Communications and acknowledged Mr. Parker’s attendance at the Lake Forest Charter presentation, as well as school leadership and staff.

• Mr. Parker noted the presentation by Cox at Lake Forest Charter, including the books donated to students.

• Clarification provided that E-Rate is not the funding source for Cox efforts in conjunction with Malcolm Mitchell in response to an inquiry from President Baudouin.

• Mr. Ashely acknowledged Vincente Boreros, seated in the audience, for his efforts in support of schools, and recognized Ms. LeBeouf.  

-Mr. Ashley exercised a point of personal privilege to extend well wishes and acknowledge the departure of Stuart Gay, chief financial officer, as well as praise his leadership and professionalism during his tenure.  

CONSENT AGENDA

• 5.1 Superintendent recommendation re: Type 2 Charter Application Submitted by Engaged Learning Academies to BESE
• 5.2 Amendment to OPSB Policy EB, Buildings and Grounds Management
• 5.3 Amendment to OPSB Policy GAMA, Employee Tobacco Use
• 5.4 Amendment to OPSB Policy IDCH, Home Study Program
• 5.5 Amendment to OPSB Policy IDE, Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities
• 5.6 Amendment to OPSB Policy IDFA, Interscholastic Athletics
• 5.7 Amendment to OPSB Policy JBE, Truancy
• 5.8 Amendment to OPSB Policy JCDAA, Student Tobacco Use
• 5.9 Amendment to OPSB Policy JCDAE, Electronic Telecommunication Devices
• 5.10 Amendment to OPSB Policy JD, Discipline
• 5.11 Amendment to OPSB Policy JDD, Suspension
• 5.12 Amendment to OPSB Policy JDE, Expulsion
• 5.13 Amendment to OPSB Policy JGCE, Child Abuse
• 5.14 New OPSB Policy JGCF, Behavioral Health Support for Students
• 5.15 School Supply Donation to The Leah Chase School from New Orleans & Company
• 5.16 School Supply Donation to The Leah Chase School from Junior Achievement
• 5.17 School Supply Donation to The Leah Chase School from the Mystical Order of the Phoenix
• 5.18 Request to Award ITB 24-FAC-0006 for Roof Replacement at Dominic Mai Thanh Luong School
• 5.19 Request to Award ITB 24-FAC-0010 for Roof Replacement at Sylvanie Williams School
• 5.20 Request to Approve Change Order Number 1 for the Emergency Chiller Rental at Dwight Eisenhower School
• 5.21 Request to Approve Second Amendment to Contract with Learn-It Systems for Title II Supplemental Educational Services for Eligible Students in Non-Public Schools
• 5.22 Request to Approve First Amendment to Contract with New Orleans Multicultural Institute of Counseling (NOMIC) for Mental Health Providers for EL Students
• 5.23 Request to Approve Second Amendment to Contract with New Orleans Multicultural Institute of Counseling (NOMIC) for Mental Health Providers for EL Students
• 5.24 Request to Award ITB 24-FAC-0078 for Roof Replacement at Avery Alexander School
• 5.25 Request to Award RFP 24-0081 for University Pipeline Services
• 5.26 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 25-CN-0006 for Warehouse Storage and Delivery of USDA Commodity Goods
• 5.27 Request to Approve Technology Purchases via State of Louisiana Contract and Interlocal Purchasing Cooperative System (TIPS)
• 5.28 Request to Approve Third Amendment to Third-Party Contracts to Provide Title IV Services for Non-Public Schools
• 5.29 Request to Approve Second Amendments to Third-Party Contracts to Provide Title I Services for Non-Public Schools
• 5.30 Amendment to Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with Collegiate Academies

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board move to approve Consent Agenda Items 5.1 through 5.30 as presented in globo.

Motion 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

ACTION ITEMS

6.1 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 President Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon

• Final resolution: Motion passes

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

• Nays: None

• Absent: None

• Abstain: Mr. Parker

6.2 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 Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Ashley (waiving the reading)

• Final resolution: Motion passes

• Results of Roll Call Vote:

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

• Nays: None

• Absent: None

• Abstain: None

PUBLIC COMMENT:

• Shawon Bernard, representing The Lower 9^th Ward Voters Coalition,  expressed support for this item.

• Adele London, representing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. New Orleans Alumnae Chapter, expressed support for this item.

BOARD COMMENT:

• Mr. Parker acknowledged and expressed gratitude for those seated in the audience representing organizations supporting voter registration efforts and reflected on his experience voting with students.

• Mr. Ashley commended the efforts of groups engaged in voter registration for youth, as well as former OPSB member John Brown, and reflected on the significance of youth voter participation and the historical context of voting.

• President Baudouin expressed the board’s continued commitment in support of high school voter registration, including possible enhanced efforts after Mr. Ashley’s departure from the board.  

• Vice President Eames expressed gratitude to Ms. London and Ms. Bernard for their work and acknowledged the importance of social action.

• Mr. Marshall recognized Walter Goodwin for his role in supporting voter registration efforts for youth.

6.3 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 Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker (waiving the reading)

• Final resolution: Motion passes

• Results of Roll Call Vote:

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

• Nays: None

• Absent: None

• Abstain: None

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, seconded by Mr. Ashley to move to executive session at 6:29pm.

• 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

Reconvened from Executive Session at 8:47pm. The following board members were present: Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste, Nolan Marshall, Jr., and Carlos Luis Zervigon. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams was also present. Olin G. Parker and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were  absent during roll call.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

7.1 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person - School Board Personnel

Discussion.

ADJOURNMENT

8.1 Adjourn Meeting

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

• 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

Meeting Adjourned at 8:49pm.