MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

december 12, 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 5:39pm. 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 meeting agenda as amended, with the following:

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second 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 November 12, 2024 Public Hearing - 2024 Charter Request for Application and November 14, 2024 Board Business Meeting as presented. (waiving the reading)  

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by President Baudouin

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

3.1 Superintendent's Remarks

Dr. Fulmore began her remarks by thanking the board for her appointment as interim superintendent and recognizing employee milestones for December 2024. She acknowledged Alice McDaniel, director of school support operations, as the Aim for Excellence Award recipient, and recognized Special Olympics Louisiana for its financial support and the use of proceeds for the Dr. Rosalynne B. Dennis District Fitness Challenge and Young Athletes Program.

 

Dr. Fulmore emphasized the district’s academic performance reflected by the 2024 School Performance Scores. She highlighted school visits and provided an overview of the Systemwide Needs Program (SWNP) – Round Two. She mentioned the 2025-2026 Main Round Enrollment period. The contributions of Ethan Ashley and Dr. Donaldo Batiste were recognized through a video montage. Lastly, Dr. Fulmore extended holiday well wishes.

 

A special presentation by President Baudouin to Dr. Batiste and Mr. Ashley followed remarks by Dr. Fulmore.

 

On behalf of the administration and senior leadership, Dr. Fulmore expressed gratitude to Dr. Batiste and Mr. Ashley for their service.

 

BOARD Comment:

 

Motion to amend the agenda offered by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon deleting the Executive Session Agenda Item 6.1 Discussion of attorney-client privileged matter, pursuant to La. R.S. 42:17(A)(10) and La. Code Evid. art. 506

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board move to approve Consent Agenda Items 4.1 and 4.3 through 4.28 as presented in globo.

 

4.1 Amendment to OPSB Policy ABCB, Qualifications for School Board Members

 

4.3 Amendment to OPSB Policy BBBC, School Board Member Continuing Education

 

4.4 Amendment to OPSB Policy BCBB, Notification of School Board Meetings

 

4.5 Amendment to OPSB Policy BCBJ - Broadcasting and Taping of School Board Meetings

 

4.6 Amendment to OPSB Policy CBD, Employment of Superintendent (Amendment)

 

4.7 Amendment to OPSB Policy FEA, Architectural and Engineering Services

 

4.8 Amendment to OPSB Policy GAK, Personnel Records

 

4.9 Amendment to OPSB Policy GBA, Contracts and Compensation

 

4.10 Amendment to OPSB Policy GBRIB, Sick Leave

 

4.11 Amendment to OPSB Policy GBRIBB, Sick Leave Bank

 

4.12 Amendment to OPSB Policy IDDF, Education of Students with Exceptionalities

 

4.13 Amendment to OPSB Policy JGC, Student Health Services

 

4.14 Amendment to OPSB Policy JGCB, Immunizations

 

4.15 Amendment to OPSB Policy JGCD, Administration of Medicine

 

4.16 Amendment to OPSB Policy JGCFA, Behavioral Health Services for Students

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

4.26 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.

 

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

 

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

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

5.1 Charter RFA Recommendations

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the Superintendent's recommendation concerning the following charter applicant: 1. Hope Community School (denial recommended)

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by Ms. Baudouin  

 

5.2 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. Parker, second by Mr. Ashley

 

5.3 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. (waiving the reading)

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Ashley

 

5.4 Resolution 17-24 re: Amended and Restated Attorney Fee Agreement with Aaron & Gianna, PLC

Recommended Action: It is recommended the Orleans Parish School Board adopt Resolution No. 17-24 authorizing its General Counsel to seek Louisiana Attorney General approval to enter into a hybrid fee agreement with the law firm of Aaron & Gianna, PLC, relative to the matter entitled Orleans Parish School Board v. The City of New Orleans, et al., CDC No. 2019-05174, and approve the attached Amended and Restated Attorney Fee Agreement. (waiving the reading)

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Vice President Eames

 

5.5 Resolution 18-24 re: Special Counsel Aaron & Gianna, PLC

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt Resolution 18-24 authorizing the continued appointment of Aaron & Gianna, PLC, as Special Counsel. (waiving the reading)

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by Mr. Parker

 

5.6 Resolution 19-24 re: Special Counsel Fishman Haygood L.L.P.

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt Resolution 19-24 authorizing the continued appointment of Fishman Haygood L.L.P., as Special Counsel. (waiving the reading)

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by President Baudouin

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

5.7 Resolution 20-24 re: Special Counsel Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah & Perkins, L.L.P.

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt Resolution 20-24 authorizing the continued appointment of Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah & Perkins, L.L.P. (waiving the reading)

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by President Baudouin

 

5.8 Closing Schools Priority for Noble Minds Institute for Whole Child Learning and International High School of New Orleans

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board waive the closing school priority language set forth in Policy HE that only includes grades K-11 students without a guarantee due to a closure of an OPSB charter or direct-run school to allow applicants that reside in Orleans Parish at Noble Minds Institute of Whole Child Learning and International High School of New Orleans to receive closing school priority in the Main Round selections for the 2025-2026 School Year.

 

Rationale: The administration is seeking to have the restriction of closing school priority only being applicable to OPSB charter or direct-run schools as outlined in Orleans Parish School Board Policy HE. Noble Minds and International High School are both Type 2, BESE-approved charters that operate in Orleans Parish. The majority of their students are Orleans Parish residents. The priority shall not apply for admission to Kindergarten and 9th grade.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Ashley

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

4.2 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 President Baudouin

 

Motion to amend by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Ashley adding language to Key Components of the Onboarding Plan A. Training on Core Responsibilities, following Robert’s Rules of Order, to include Louisiana Open Meetings Law and Louisiana Public Records Law

 

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Ashley to correct a grammatical error under Key Components of the Onboarding Plan B. Core Learning Experiences 1. “strategic priorities of the district” and a typographical error in Ongoing Development to reflect “areas of interest.”

 

 

Vote on the motion as amended:

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

7.1 Adjourn Meeting

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

 

 

Meeting Adjourned at 7:09pm.