MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

December 10, 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 1:01pm. 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. Interim Superintendent Dr. Fateama Fulmore 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 board meeting agenda as amended by Mr. Zervigon, second by Vice President Eames

The agenda was amended to reflect the following order of items within the Committee of the Whole:

 

3.1 New Orleans Health Department Presentation on Restricting Access to Flavored Nicotine Products

3.2 Resolution 16-24 Restricting Access to Flavored Nicotine Products

3.3 La Voz de la Comunidad Presentation

 

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion to adopt the minutes of the November 12, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting as presented by Mr. Parker, second by President Baudouin. (waiving the reading).

 

 

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

 

3.1 New Orleans Health Department Presentation on Restricting Access to Flavored Nicotine Products

New Orleans Health Department Presentation on Restricting Access to Flavored Nicotine Products by Jeanie Donovan, Deputy Director

Population Health & Disease Prevention, and Daisy Ellis, Chronic Disease Policy Analyst.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

 3.2 Resolution 16-24 Restricting Access to Flavored Nicotine Products

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt Resolution 16-24 Restricting Access to Flavored Nicotine Products.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Parker

 

 

3.2 La Voz de la Comunidad Presentation

Presentation from Jacqueline Hass, Community Liaison, and David Alvarez, LA Voz Director, regarding La Voz de la Comunidad.

 

ACCOUNTABILITY

 

4.1 Schools Update

Dr. Kelli Jordan, chief of school support and improvement, provided the following update: ThriveKids Update; Dr. Candace Robertson provided an update on the System Wide Needs Program (SWNP).

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

4.2 Data, Accountability, and Portfolio Updates

Rafael Simmons, chief portfolio innovation and accountability officer, provided the following updates: Notices of Noncompliance, Portfolio Updates: School Transitions and Charter RFA Process Update, and Data Dashboard.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

4.3 Chief Academic Report

Shelita M. Jones, chief academic officer, highlighted the Portrait of a Graduate Student for the month of December and Portrait of a Graduate Pep Talk at Benjamin Franklin High School in November.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

POLICY

 

First Reads were held for the following:

5.1 First reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy DCBB, Systemwide Needs Program

 

5.2 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy ABCB, Qualifications for School Board Members

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy ABCB, Qualifications for School Board Members.

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by Mr. Ashley

 

5.3 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy BBBB, New Member Orientation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy BBBB, New Member Orientation.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Vice President Eames

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

5.4 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy BBBC, School Board Member Continuing Education

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy BBBC, School Board Member Continuing Education.

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by Mr. Parker

 

5.5 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy BCBB, Notification of School Board Meetings

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy BCBB, Notification of School Board Meetings.

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin

 

5.6 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy BCBJ - Broadcasting and Taping of School Board Meetings

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy BCBJ - Broadcasting and Taping of School Board Meetings.

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Vice President Eames

 

5.7 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy CBD, Employment of Superintendent (Amendment)

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy CBD, Employment of Superintendent (Amendment).

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Ashley

 

5.8 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy FEA, Architectural and Engineering Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy FEA, Architectural and Engineering Services.

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker

 

5.9 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy GAK, Personnel Records

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

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by President Baudouin

 

5.10 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy GBA, Contracts and Compensation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy GBA, Contracts and Compensation.

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by President Baudouin

 Final resolution: Motion passes

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

5.11 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy GBRIB, Sick Leave

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

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Vice President Eames

 

5.12 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy GBRIBB, Sick Leave Bank

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy GBRIBB, Sick Leave Bank.

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Ashley

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

5.13 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy IDDF, Education of Students with Exceptionalities

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy IDDF, Education of Students with Exceptionalities.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by President Baudouin

 

5.14 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy JGC, Student Health Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy JGC, Student Health Services.

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin

 

5.15 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy JGCB, Immunizations

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

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Ashley

 

5.16 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy JGCD, Administration of Medicine

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy JGCD, Administration of Medicine.

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker

 

5.17 Second Reading: Amendment to OPSB Policy JGCFA, Behavioral Health Services for Students

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposed amendment to OPSB Policy JGCFA, Behavioral Health Services for Students.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Parker

 

 

BUDGET AND FINANCE

 

6.1 Monthly Finance Report

Nyesha Veal, chief financial officer, provided the following updates: October 2024 Financial Statements, FY2024 Audit Update, Financial Advisory Updates, Short-tern Financial Plan, and Announcements.

 

BOARD COMMENT:   

 

6.2 Acceptance of Grant Proceeds from Special Olympics Louisiana (SOLA)

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the Grant Award in the amount of $25,000.00 from Special Olympics Louisiana in support of the Fourth Annual NOLA-PS Special Olympics Fitness Challenge and the Young Athletes Program.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Vice President Eames 

 

6.3 Request to Award Q25-FAC-01 for Rated Door Installation at Frederick Douglass High School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the quotation from Tasch LLC in the amount of $225,400.00 for the Rated Door Installation at Frederick Douglass High School and authorize the Counsel to prepare a contract for the signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon  

 

6.4 Request to Approve First Renewal of Contract with PowerSchool for Licenses and Subscription Fees for LEA Schools

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the first renewal of the contract with PowerSchool for Licenses and Subscription Fees for LEA Schools in an amount not to exceed $35,161.71 for the period of August 17,2024 through August 16, 2025.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon 

 

6.5 Addendum to Third-Party Contracts to Provide Title IV Supplemental Educational Services for Eligible Students in Non-Public Schools

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the addendum to the contracts for Title IV educational services for eligible students in non-public schools acknowledging the First Amendment to the referenced contracts; and authorize the General Counsel to prepare the Addendum for signatures of the Board President and Contractor.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Ashley

 

6.6 Request to Award RFP No. 25-0010 for Professional Auditing Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Professional Auditing Services from EisnerAmper, LLP in an amount not to exceed $180,000.00 annually for a period of three (3) years with an option to renew for two (2) 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. Zervigon, second by Mr. Ashley

 

6.7 Request to Renew the Contract with Tyler Technologies, Inc. for ERP and Time and Attendance Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the renewal of the contract with Tyler Technologies, Inc. for the annual ERP Services in the amount of $187,252.80 and the Time and Attendance Module in the amount of $39,084.00 for a total not to exceed $226,336.80 for the period of July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon

 

6.8 Request to Award ITB 24-FAC-0077 Chiller Replacement at Dwight Eisenhower Elementary School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the bid for Chiller Replacement at Dwight Eisenhower Elementary School from ARC Mechanical Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $200,600.00, which includes the base bid of $182,000.00 and an alternate of $18,600.00 and authorize the General Counsel to prepare a contract for the signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Zervigon

 

6.9 Request to Award ITB 24-FAC-0070: Building Improvements at Hynes Charter School

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the Base Bid in the amount of $343,000.00 and Alternate 1 in the amount of $69,000.00 from Industrial & Mechanical Contractors, Inc. for Building Improvements at Hynes Charter School for a total amount of $412,000.00 and authorize the General Counsel to prepare a contract for the signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by Mr. Zervigon

 

6.10 Request to Award First Amendment to Contracts for Speech Therapy Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the First Amendments to the contracts for speech therapy services with Hubbard and Tennyson in the total amount of $300,000.00, with Orange Tree Staffing in the amount of $30,000.00, and with Stepping Stones Group in the amount of $180,000.00, for a total cost not to exceed $ 510,000.00 for a period of one (1) year; and authorize the General Counsel to prepare the contract amendments for signatures of the Board President and the contractors.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Ashley

 

6.11 Request to Approve the Second Amendment to Contract with Circular Consulting, LLC for Professional Municipal Governmental Relations Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the Second Amendment to the contract with Circular Consulting, LLC for Professional Municipal Governmental Services in the amount not to exceed $55,000.00 for one (1) year; and authorize the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Vice President Eames

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

PROPERTY

 

7.1 Capital and Facilities Update Presentation

Don LeDuff, chief operations officer, provided the following updates: December Capital Projects and Facility Updates: District Optimization: Property Divestment.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

7.2 Request to Suspend OPSB Policy DFL: Sale of Buildings and Land, and Surplus James Johnson, L.E. Rabouin,"Old" Paul Habans, Vorice Jackson Waters Annex, Barbara C. Jordan, OPSB #32, and Jean Gordon.

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board (1) suspend the procedural requirement for a current appraisal of the property prior to a property being recommended for declaration as surplus from OPSB Policy DFL, and (2) add James Johnson, L.E. Rabouin, "Old" Paul Habans, Vorice Jackson Waters Annex, Barbara C. Jordan, OPSB #32, and Jean Gordon to the School Board's list of surplus property as these properties have been deemed unnecessary for school use as part of the Property Disposition Strategy adopted by the OPSB in May 2023.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by President Baudouin

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

 7.3 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority re: Israel M. Augustine & Valena C. Jones

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the CEA with the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, for a period of 1 year, to facilitate the redevelopment of Israel M. Augustine & Valena C. Jones in accordance with the NOLA Public Schools Surplus Property Strategy.

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Ashley

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

7.4 Donation by Dr. Kenneth J. Ducote of Original Photographic Collection of Selected NOLA-PS School Buildings

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the donation of a Collection of Original Source Photographs and Newspapers Representing a Stratified Sample of NOLA-PS School Buildings 1852-1995 from Dr. Kenneth J. Ducote.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Vice President Eames

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE

 

8.1 Legislative Update Presentation

Julieanne Lund, director of community & governmental affairs, provided a legislative update.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

 

9.1 Personnel Report

Yelticia Dukes, executive director of human resources, provided a personnel update, reflecting new hires, separations, and personnel changes.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

10.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by Mr. Parker to adjourn the meeting.

 

Meeting Adjourned at 3:44pm.