MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

APRIL 16, 2024

 

1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call

The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 1:05pm by President Katherine Baudouin. The following board members were present: Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste, Olin G. Parker, Nolan Marshall, Jr. and Carlos Luis Zervigon. Ethan Ashley was absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.

 

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 provided.  

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Eames

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley

·         Abstain: None

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by Dr. Batiste to adopt the minutes of the March 19, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting as presented. (waiving the reading)

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley

·         Abstain: None

 

The following Points of Personal Privilege were exercised:

 

·         Dr. Donaldo Batiste read into the record a proclamation presented to Mrs. Mary Theresa Woods Lewis, honoring her 92nd  birthday, recognizing her contribution of 45 years to the rich history of New Orleans Public Schools, as well as acknowledging her as the oldest living member of the McDonogh #42 Elementary School faculty and staff.

 

·         Mr. Zervigon acknowledged the passing of Mr. Darriel King and reflected on his service throughout the community. Sentiments echoed by Mr. Marshall as well.  

 

·         President Baudouin acknowledged the passing of Ms. Amy Bartlett, a former educator of Lafayette, LA.  

 

ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHARTERS

 

3.1 Schools Update

Ms. Eames welcomed Sylvia Arceneaux-Ellison, operations manager, Friends of King Schools, for the Schools at Work presentation.   

 

- Spanish Interpretation services were acknowledged.

 

Dr. Kelli Jordan, chief school support and improvement officer, provided an update on Local Education Agency (LEA) coordination.   

 

Board Comment:

·         Vice President Eames and Dr. Batiste acknowledged Ms. Miriam Lemle, staff member with the Friends of King Schools, for a distinguished career in education.

·         Clarification provided regarding career and technical education efforts, as well as engagement with the New Orleans Career Center, in response to inquires from Dr. Wiliams and Dr. Batiste.

 

3.2 Portfolio and Accountability Updates

Rafael Simmons, chief portfolio innovation and accountability officer,

provided updates as follows: Level 2 Notices of Noncompliance, Five-Year Portfolio Plan, and School Quality Profiles.

 

Board Comment:

·         A discussion ensued providing clarity with regard to representation of school choice; the use of the portfolio plan; and ensuring a data verification process.

 

- Vietnamese Interpretation services were acknowledged.

 

3.3  The Leah Chase School Update

Dr. Fateama Fulmore, deputy superintendent, presented a  Leah Chase School Update.

 

PUBLIC Comment:

·         Alicia Plummer offered public comment on this item.

·         Edward Parker provided public comment on this item.

·         Leon Shabazz offered public comment on this item.

 

Board Comment:

·         Dr. Batiste and Vice President Eames acknowledged the superintendent’s authority and autonomy with respect to hiring and selection of school staff.

·         Mr. Zervigon expressed disapproval of public comments offered and acknowledged the work of Dr. Williams and the administrative staff with respect to the opening of The Leah Chase School.

 

3.4 Approval of FY2024-2025 Local Educational Agency (LEA) Agreement Template

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposed FY 2024-2025 Local Education Agency (LEA) Agreement template for charter schools remaining in the School Board's LEA and establishes a deadline of the June 30, 2024, for charter operators to execute said agreement.

 

Motion by Carlos Zervigon, second by President Baudouin

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley

·         Abstain: None

 

3.5 2024-2025 Central Office and Academic Calendars

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the 2024-2025 Central Office Calendar and 2024-2025 Academic Calendar.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by President Baudouin

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: Mr. Parker

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley

·         Abstain: None

 

PROPERTY

 

4.1 Entergy New Orleans Electric Bus Presentation

Adam Webb, products and sales, business operations, with Entergy New Orleans, and Aspen Nero, environmental planner/Clean Fuel Partnership coordinator, with New Orleans Regional Planning Commission, provided an electronic school bus overview and available funding.

 

Board Comment:

 

4.2 Capital Projects and Facilities Update Presentation

Don LeDuff, chief operations officer, provided the following updates:

EPA Electric School Bus Grant, Capital Projects Updates, and LDH COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance Program.

 

4.3 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of New Orleans re: Willie Hall Playground

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the CEA with the City of New Orleans, for a period of 94 years, in which the Orleans Parish School Board provides the City use of the former Willie Hall Playground, as well as green space adjacent to the 35 College Preparatory High School located at located at 4000 Cadillac Street, for stormwater mitigation in exchange for the recreational improvements to be constructed by the City for school and community use.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon

 

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley

·         Abstain: None

 

PUBLIC Comment:

·         Wanda Romain offered public comments in support of this item.

Amendment to the Motion offered by Mr. Parker, second by Ms. Baudouin correcting language “for a period of 99 years” to reflect  “for a period of 94 years”.

 

Board Comment:

·         President Baudouin acknowledged Mr. Parker’s efforts in support this item, as well as efforts of legal counsel in this regard.

·         Mr. Parker provided context for the specifics of the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement and use of Willie Hall Playground, including improvements.

·         Clarification provided regarding the negotiation process related to the annual schedule of use between the parties in response to an inquiry from Mr. Marshall.

 

4.4 Live Oak School Facility Renaming Recommendation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Superintendent's recommendation to rename the Live Oak facility, located at 3128 Constance Street, New Orleans, to "Mary Keller Zervigon".

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Ms. Baudouin

 

-       Mr. Zervigon exercised a Point of Personal Privilege in order to recuse himself from proceedings on this item.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

4.5 James Skelly Wright Facility Name Correction

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the facility naming correction from "James Skelly Wright" to "J. Skelly Wright".

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Ms. Baudouin

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

BUDGET AND FINANCE

 

5.1 Monthly Finance Report

Stuart Gay, chief financial officer, provided the following updates: February  2024 Financial Statements – General Fund, FY23 Audit Findings, FY 25 Budget Process, and Revenue Projections and Net DLFA.

 

Board Comment:

 

5.2 Fifth Amendment to Contract with EAG Gulf South LLC for Professional Auditing Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Fifth Amendment to the contract with EAG Gulf Coast LLC for Professional Auditing Services, renewing the contract for one (1) additional audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 and authorize the General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signatures.          

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by President Baudouin

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

·         Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste

·         Abstain: None

 

5.3 Increase in Direct Diversion of USDA Commodities for the 2023-2024 School Year for the Child Nutrition Program

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the additional purchase of USDA Direct Diversion Products for the Child Nutrition Program from ES Foods in the amount of $911.60.

 

Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Vice President Eames

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

·         Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley, Dr. Batiste

·         Abstain: None

 

5.4 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 23-0057 Custodial and Janitorial Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Custodial and Janitorial Services from Washington Building Services in the amount of $449,326.35 for a period of one (1) year with an option to renew three (3) additional one (1) year periods and authorizes General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley

·         Abstain: None

 

Board Comment:

·         Clarification provided regarding the vendor selection process and acknowledgement that this is a new vendor.

 

5.5 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 24-0056 Medicaid Billing Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Medicaid Billing Services from the Health and Education Alliance of Louisiana (HEAL) in the amount of $50,000.00 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 Mr. Zervigon, second by Ms. Baudouin

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley

·         Abstain: None

 

Board Comment:

·         Mr. Parker expressed gratitude for the continued support of partners working to expand Medicaid billing options, noting NSNO, Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools, as well as the city council, in particular Councilman Giarrusso.

 

5.6 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase for Chromebooks, Charging Carts, Juno Connect System, and Smart Boards for The Leah Chase School

Recommended Action:

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the purchase of Chromebooks, Charging Carts, Juno Connect System, and Smart Boards from Bluum, who holds a Louisiana state-approved contract. The total amount of this purchase is not to exceed $243,020.00.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Zervigon

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley

·         Abstain: None

 

5.7 First Amendment to State of Louisiana Contract Purchase for Updated SIS Integration Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the First Amendment in the amount of $49,589.36 with the State of Louisiana for SIS Integration services and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the contract amendment for signatures of the Board President and Contractor.

 

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by President Baudouin

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley

·         Abstain: None

 

5.8 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase for Kitchen Equipment at The Leah Chase School

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the purchase of Kitchen Equipment from TriMark, who holds a Louisiana state-approved contract. The total amount of this purchase is $204,411.80; however, a 20% contingency fee in the amount of $40,882.36 will be added to the not to exceed amount to cover supply cost increases, market fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and delivery and freight changes. Any increase in cost due to the above referenced circumstances will require prior approval from OPSB. The total not to exceed amount for this contract is $245,294.16.

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Dr. Batiste

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley

·         Abstain: None

 

5.9 Direct Diversion of USDA Commodities for the 2024-2025 School Year for the Child Nutrition Program

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board authorizes the Direct Diversion of USDA Donated Products from the approved vendors awarded by the St. Charles Parish School Board in the amount of $298,377.40 for the 2024-2025 school year.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by President Baudouin

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley

·         Abstain: None

 

5.10 Revision to NOLA Public Schools Salary Schedule

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the revised salary schedule and authorize the Superintendent to adjust salaries up to 6% without board approval.

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon

 

Board Comment:

·         A robust discussion ensued regarding the competitiveness of current district salaries; comparisons to neighboring districts; necessity for starting pay at a higher level; implications for salaries in future years on the part of the district; salary, step, and lane considerations; and the staff to whom the 6% salary adjustment would apply.

 

Mr. Parker offered a motion to defer this item until Thursday’s Board Business Meeting; he then rescinded the motion to amend.

 

Mr. Parker offered a substitute motion to amend the action item, second by Vice President Eames: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the revised salary schedule and authorize the superintendent to adjust salaries up to 6% for school-based employees without board approval.

 

Board Comment:

·         A discussion ensued providing a historical context for changes and reductions in the district’s salary schedules; implications for the budget; departments affected by the salary adjustment; identification within the budget for personnel and spending for direct-run schools; need for a compensation study, possibility of additional direct-run schools, and academic personnel needed at the school level and/or within central administration.

 

Mr. Parker withdrew his motion and offered a subsequent motion:

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the revised salary schedule, second by Ms. Eames.

 

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley

·         Abstain: None

 

Board Comment:

 

·         A discussion ensued regarding the need for a total budget for positions needed for the direct run school; budget implication for next year; and identification of the specific positions for which the 6% salary adjustment would apply.

 

5.11 Amendment to Action Previously Adopted re: Approval of Second Amendment to Contract with Dove Group, LLC for HVAC Preventative Maintenance Services

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board amends its previous action of March 21, 2024, approving the "Second Amendment to the Contract with Dove Group, LLC for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning services renewing the contract for one year" to "renewing the contract for one year revising the total contract amount to not to exceed $180,811.39, which includes the renewal cost of $95,488, reflecting the removal of the General Meyer site from the scope of work, and adds corrective maintenance services for Mahalia Jackson and Timbers in the amount of $85,323.39; and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the Second Amendment for signatures of the Board President and the Contractor.

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Vice President Eames

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley

·         Abstain: None

 

 LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE

 

6.1 Legislative Update Presentation

Julieanne Lund, director of community & governmental affairs provided a legislative update, including an overview of House Bill 121, House Bill 122, and House Bill 608.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

·         A discussion ensued regarding the following: House Bill 121, House Bill 122, and House Bill 608.

·         President Baudouin commented on the board’s previous action relative to similar legislation.

Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Vice President Eames:

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board oppose HB 121, HB 122, and HB 608 and any similar bills, if applicable, in accordance with OPSB Resolution 05-22, adopted on March 24, 2022, and that the precepts of said Resolution be added to the OPSB’s Legislative Priorities.

 

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon

·         Abstain: None

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Mr. Parker to move to executive session at 5:09pm.

 

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Zervigon

·         Abstain: None

 

Reconvened from Executive Session at 6:14pm. The following board members were present: Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste, and Nolan Marshall, Jr. Ethan Ashley, Olin G. Parker, and Carlos Luis Zervigon were absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

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

 

Motion to amend the agenda to add Action Item 6.2 Revisions to the Legislative Agenda to the Legal/Legislative Committee by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Marshall

 

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon

·         Abstain: None

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Dr. Batiste:

Action Item 6.2 Revisions to the Legislative Agenda:

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board oppose HB 121, HB 122, and HB 608 and any similar bills, if applicable, in accordance with OPSB Resolution 05-22, adopted on March 24, 2022, and that the precepts of said Resolution be added to the OPSB’s Legislative Priorities.

 

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon

·         Abstain: None

 

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

 

8.1 Superintendent's 2024-2025 Specific Performance Objectives

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approves the Superintendent's 2024-2025 Specific Performance Objectives and authorizes the General Counsel to prepare the related contract amendment.

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Marshall to defer Action Item 8.1 to the May Committee of the Whole:

 

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon

·         Abstain: None

ADJOURNMENT

 

9.1 Adjourn Meeting

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

·         Final resolution: Motion passes

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

·         Nays: None

·         Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon

·         Abstain: None

 

Meeting Adjourned at 6:17pm.