MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

OCTOBER 19, 2023

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Business Meeting was called to order at 5:24pm by Board President Olin G. Parker. The following board members were present:Olin G. Parker, Carlos Luis Zervigon, Katherine Baudouin, and Leila Jacobs Eames. Ethan Ashley, Dr. Donaldo Batiste, and Nolan Marshall, Jr., were absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams was also present. President Parker noted Ms. Heilprin’s arrival indicating an early meeting start time. Dr. Batiste arrived at 5:49pm.

 

-Interpretation services were acknowledged.

 

1.2 Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Parker.

 

-There was a moment of silence observed for the recent loss of NOLA-PS student life.

 

1.3 Rules for Public Comment

President Parker 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.  

 

Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Ms. Baudouin

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Eames to adopt the minutes of the September 21, 2023 Board Business Meeting as presented. (waiving the reading)

 

-Motion to modify the agenda removing Item 4.1 from the Consent Agenda to follow Action Item 5.2 

 

Motion by President Parker, second by Vice President Zervigon

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

3.1 Superintendent's Remarks

Dr. Williams provided the following updates: Years of Service for NOLA-PS staff celebrating milestones in employment and thank you for passage of the School Facilities Renewal Millage. She acknowledged October celebrations and causes for awareness: Breast Cancer Awareness Month; National Principals Month; National Bullying Prevention Month; Domestic Violence Awareness. School celebrations: Warren Easton celebrating 110 years, 35 College Prep celebrating 106 years, as well as recognized National Merit Semi-Finalists from The Willow School and Ben Franklin. She highlighted Voices of Future Leaders, a newly instituted podcast and townhall series to amplify student voice, and the JOYful Educator September Connection.

 

Dr. Williams introduced Asia Muhaimin, Warren Easton band director, for a music arts presentation.

 

This month’s Mental Minute included positive affirmations. Lastly, Dr. Williams announced the upcoming Noche Familiar Latina, Jueves, 9 de

Noviembre, 6-8pm, at Mahalia Jackson.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·         A discussion ensued, including: board members’ acknowledgment of the importance of music education;  identification of musicians for whom school facilities were renamed; specific needs of educators teaching in the arts; NOLA-PS role in facilitating support and/or coordination of resources, professional development, etc. in this regard.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board move to approve Consent Agenda Items 4.2 through 4.19 as presented in globo.

 

4.2 SECOND READING: New OPSB Policy EDCA, Carpool and Bus Line Safety

 

4.3 SECOND READING: New OPSB Policy IDCJ, Continuous Learning

 

4.4 SECOND READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy JB, Attendance

 

4.5 SECOND READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy JBD, Student Absences and Excuses

 

4.6 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. ITB 23-FAC-0029 for Chiller & Fire Alarm Replacements at Frederick A. Douglass High School

 

4.7 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. ITB No. 23-FAC-0034 Mechanical Replacements and Improvements at Sarah T. Reed High School

 

4.8 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. ITB 24-FAC-0026 for Boiler Replacements and Improvements at Live Oak School

 

4.9 Request to Approve Contract with Linfield, Hunter & Junius, Inc. for Design Services at Live Oak School

 

4.10 Request to Approve Fourth Amendment to Speech Therapy Services Contract with Hubbard & Tennyson, LLC

 

4.11 Request to Approve Change Order Number One (CO-01) with Gibbs Construction for Building Repairs from Moisture Infiltration at Elijah Brimmer Jr. School

 

4.12 Request to Approve the Purchase of a 3D Virtual Dissection Table and Equipment from Anatomage Company for the New Orleans Science and Math High School

 

4.13 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase of Equipment for New Orleans Science and Math High School

 

4.14 Request to Approve SOW 3, Amendment No. 2 to Contract with Carahsoft for Integration and Improvement Services for Enrollment Portal

 

4.15 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase for Signature Success Plan from Carahsoft Technology Corporation

 

4.16 Request to Approve Amendment No. 3 to Contract with Concordia Architects for Design Services for Auditorium Refurbishments at Eleanor McMain School

 

4.17 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 24-CN-0003 for Fresh, Processed and Pre-Cut Produce

 

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

 

4.19 Request to Approve First Amendment to Contracts with Third Party Contractors for Title IV Services to Non-Public Schools

 

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

5.1 Resolution 19-23 re: FY 2022-2023 Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the OPSB approve Resolution 19-23 approving the FY 2022-2023 Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire as part of the State Legislative Auditor’s requirement for completion of audits, authorizing the Board President to execute any and all relevant documents, and authorizing the administration to submit the Questionnaire as required by the Legislative Auditor.

 

 

5.2 Resolution 20-23 Authorizing the Issuance of Revenue Anticipation Note, Series 2023

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the resolution authorizing the issuance of Revenue Anticipation Note, Series 2023, of the Orleans Parish School Board, State of Louisiana in a principal amount not to exceed $75,000,000.

 

 

4.1 SECOND READING: Amendment to OPSB Policy EBBB, School and Student Safety

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the amendment to Policy EBBB, School and Student Safety.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

-President Parker exercised a point of personal privilege to acknowledge his mother’s birthday.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

6.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin to adjourn the meeting.

 

Meeting Adjourned at 6:13pm.