MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

August 16, 2022

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 1:03pm by President Olin G. Parker. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Katherine Baudouin, Leila J. Eames, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Carlos Luis Zervigon 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 Parker.  

 

1.3 Rules for Public Comment

Board Counsel provided a high-level overview of the OPSB guidelines for public comment/participation at OPSB Board Meetings.

 

1.4 Adoption of the Agenda

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin to approve the agenda as presented

• Final resolution: Motion passes

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

   Mr. Marshall

• Nays: None

• Absent: Carlos Luis Zervigon

• Abstain: None

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

 

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the minutes of the July 26, 2022 Committee of the Whole and July 26, 2022 Board Retreat.

 

Motion by Mrs. Eames, second by Ms. Baudouin to adopt the minutes of the July 26, 2022, Committee of the Whole and July 26, 2022 Board Retreat (waiving the reading).

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

Mr. Marshall

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Carlos Luis Zervigon

·         Abstain: None

 

ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS

 

3.1 Schools Update

NOLA-PS staff provided its monthly Schools Update which included key updates on Back to School first day activities, including the Back-to-School Campaign: Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow; highlights provided on improving school attendance, including dissemination of best practices and strategies to improve school attendance, as well as the importance of fidelity to daily attendance tracking; Support for Schools and COVID-19 updates were also provided. Schools at Work presentation provided by Robert Russa Moton Charter School. Mrs. Eames welcomed Mr. John McCrary, CEO, Robert Russa Moton Charter School.

 

Board Comment:

·         A robust discussion ensued related to the updates presented, including clarity related to COVID -19 tracking and reporting; the use of community transmission rates to inform COVID-19 guidance; varied range, resources, and nature of school supports provided to schools; and clarity regarding the reporting of school attendance data to the district, as well as distinctions between chronic absenteeism and truancy. 

·         Boards members engaged in an exchange with Moton school leadership and commended their school improvement efforts. Mrs. Eames recognized Dr. Rosalyn Smith seated in the audience.

  

3.2 Accountability Updates

NOLA-PS staff provided an update on the district's portfolio and authorizing practices, which included key updates on Notices of Non-Compliance, Assessment Updates, Charter Request for Applications, Charter School Accountability Framework (CSAF), and contract extension for the Center for Resilience.

 

Board Comment:

·         A thorough discussion followed the updates presented, including targeted growth and achievement of mastery and the development of goals, metrics, and policies to achieve mastery, as well as the implications of poverty with respect to academic learning and educational outcomes.

·         A request was made for specific reporting of school sub-group data; percentage of students at each school who met growth targets for 2021-2022 school year; and reporting for the number of students bused to each school and number of students attending from within the neighborhood, along with inclusion of student academic performance data for comparison.

·         A discussion ensued regarding the Charter Request for Applications process and the possibility of seeking a waiver from the Louisiana Department of Education.   

·         President Parker commended the staff for its efforts related to the presentation of detailed data and the CSAF Engagement and flexibility in its timeline.  

 

Public Comment:

·         Chas L. Griffin, attorney at Adams & Reese, on behalf of the Forum Legal Collaborative, commented on item 3.2 Accountability Update – CSAF revisions and encouraged the board’s continued collaborative, transparent process with respect to revisions of the CSAF prior to implementation.

·         Sarah Vandergriff Kelly, Louisiana Association of Public Charter School, commented on item 3.2 Accountability Update and praised the district’s leadership regarding accountability during COVID-19 years, as well as noting provisions of the state’s accountability system.

  

3.3 Resolution 12-22 re: Participation in School Sports and Partnership with the New Orleans Recreational Development (NORD)

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 12-22 in recognition of the importance of participation in school sports and partnership with the New Orleans Recreational Development (NORD) Commission.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker

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

Mr. Marshall

·         Nays: None

 

Board Comment

·         Ms. Baudouin commented on the importance of facilitating a partnership between the schools and the park system to support and serve students in the district.

·         Mr. Parker commended the efforts of Board Member Baudouin, as well as the support of NORD Commission, CEO, Larry Barabino, Jr., in crafting the resolution. He further referenced a forthcoming Cooperative Endeavor Agreement template that schools may use when partnering with NORD Commission.

 

BUDGET AND FINANCE

 

4.1 Finance Update

NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Finance Update which included key updates on the June Financial Statement, FY 22 Audit Update, Sales Tax Trend, FY 23 Capital Budget, and Revenue Anticipation Note (RAN) Resolution.

 

Board Comment:

·         A discussion ensued related to the updates, including clarification related to the timely submission of the FY 22 audit, implications for school closures as regards an audit finding, as well as the overpayment to twenty-seven schools and communication with them, as well as the reconciliation process used by the Louisiana Department of Education.  

 

4.2 Request to Renew Contract for Therapeutic Setting for Mental and Behavioral Health Services with Center For Resilience

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves a one-year renewal of the contract with Center For Resilience for a Therapeutic Setting for Mental and Behavioral Health Services for the period of September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2023 at an amount of $1,300,000.00 and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Mrs. Eames

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

·         Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Mrs. Eames, Mr. Marshall

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Carlos Luis Zervigon

·         Abstain: None

 

Board Comment:

An exchange ensued confirming Harrah’s funding as the source of funding for the Center for Resilience. Ms. Baudouin applauded the Center’s efforts and their great work in mental heath services. 

 

4.3 Request to Approve Change Order Number 9 with Gibbs Construction for the Rosenwald Renovation Project

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves Change Order Number 9 in the amount of $81,342.00 with Gibbs Construction for the Rosenwald Renovation Project.

           

Motion by Mrs. Eames, second by Ms. Baudouin

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

 

4.4 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 22-FAC-0047 for Esperanza Charter School (Crossman) – Hurricane Ida Repairs

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid for the ITB 22-FAC-0047 | Esperanza Charter School (Crossman) – Hurricane Ida Repairs from Stallings Construction Co., Inc. in the amount of $445,700.00 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, seconded by Ms. Baudouin

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

·         Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Mrs. Eames, Mr. Marshall

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Carlos Luis Zervigon

·         Abstain: None

 

Board Comment:

President Parker conveyed his support for progress regarding repairs at Esperanza Charter School, indicating they had been without use of the school’s third floor for several months.

 

4.5 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 22-FAC-0041 for New Orleans Public Schools – Hurricane Ida Repairs (Uptown 1)

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid from the ITB 22-FAC-0041 | Uptown 1 – Hurricane Ida Repairs @ Robert McNair, James Johnson (Lycee Francais), and Live Oak Elementary from Eagle Eye Resources in the amount of $250,084.00 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

 

Motion by Mrs. Eames, second by Dr. Batiste

 

4.6 Request to Award RFP No. 22-0060 for Maintenance Services Recommended Action:  It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Maintenance Services from JEI Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $432,642.08 for a period of two (2) years with an option to renew three (3) additional one (1) year periods and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker

·         Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Mrs. Eames, Mr. Marshall

·         Nays: None

 

4.7 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 22-FAC-0042 for New Orleans Public Schools – Hurricane Ida Repairs (Uptown 2) Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the bid for ITB 22-FAC-0042 | New Orleans Public Schools – Hurricane Ida Repairs (Uptown 2) @ Avery Alexander, Eleanor McMain Secondary School, and Elijah Brimmer (HS) from Eagle Eye Resources in the amount of $706,123.00 and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

 

Motion by Mrs. Eames, second by Ms. Baudouin

 

Board Comment:

President Parker acknowledged the DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) participation of 100% for the projects referenced in items 4.7 and 4.6 and thanked Mr. Temple for his efforts in this regard.

 

4.8 Request to Award RFQ No. 22-0057 for Occupational Therapy Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accepts the qualification responses meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Occupational Therapy Services from AMN Allied Services, Ergo Tech, Orange Tree Staffing, Stepping Stones Group, and Tracey Boudoin in the amount not to exceed $400,000.00 for a period of one (1) year with an option to renew two (2) additional one (1) year periods and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.

 

Motion by Mrs. Eames, second by Mr. Parker

 

4.9 Resolution 15-22 Pink Tax Exemption

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution 15-22 to exempt diapers and feminine hygiene products from local sales and use taxes, lowering the costs for these essential hygiene products that are a part of daily life.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mrs. Eames

 

Public Comment:

Sarah Vandergriff Kelly, Louisiana Charter Schools Association, commented on item 4.9 and applauded the board for putting equity first.

 

Board Comment:

Board Members Eames and Baudouin thanked their colleagues for their support of Resolution 15-22; Ms. Baudouin acknowledged the support of schools to alleviate the effects of period poverty and recognized the leadership of other local and state public officials, as well as local partners supporting this effort. She further referenced that Scotland had implemented free period products throughout the country. Mr. Ashley acknowledged the efforts of Ms. Baudouin and legal staff for their assistance.

 

4.10 Request to Renew Contract with Second Harvest for Warehouse Storage and Delivery of USDA Commodity Goods

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the one-year renewal of the contract with Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana to provide Warehouse Storage and Delivery of USDA Commodity Goods for fiscal year 2023 at an amount not to exceed $175,000.00 and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the contract renewal for signature of the Board and contractor.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by President Parker

Final resolution: Motion passes

·         Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Mrs.  Eames, Mr. Marshall

·         Nays: None

 

PROPERTY

 

5.1 Capital and Facilities Update Presentation

NOLA-PS staff presented its monthly Capital Projects and Facility Updates which included key updates on NOLA-PS and RSD Capital Projects, FY 23 Capital Projects Overview, and Property Development Strategy Update.

 

Board Comment:

·         A discussion related to updates presented was held with clarification regarding a property swap between OPSB and a private entity; the capacity for use of swing space; as well as development of a community benefit framework.

·         Mrs. Eames acknowledged the efforts of district staff and Board Member Baudouin. President Parker noted the need for consideration and prioritization of persons with physical and developmental disabilities and their inclusion within the community benefit framework, especially regarding affordable and accessible housing.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Ms. Baudouin to move to executive session at 3:55pm.

·         Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Mrs.  Eames, Mr. Marshall

·         Nays: None

 

Reconvened from Executive Session at 5:30pm. The following board members were present: Olin G. Parker, Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, Katherine Baudouin, Leila J. Eames, and Nolan Marshall, Jr.; Carlos Luis Zervigon, absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

6.1 Discussion of attorney-client privileged matter, pursuant to La. R.S. 42:17(A)(10) and La. Code Evid. art. 506

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the course of action recommended by its legal counsel to protect the interests of the school system.

 

No action taken.

 

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

 

No action taken.

 

President Parker acknowledged this meeting as Dr. Batiste’s first meeting as a OPSB member and praised his educational accomplishments and service, as well as the insights he will bring to the board.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

7.1 Adjourn Meeting

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

 

·         Yeas: Mr. Parker, Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste, Ms. Baudouin, Mrs. Eames, Mr. Marshall

·         Nays: None

 

Meeting Adjourned at 5:31pm.