MINUTES OF THE
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY
NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
MAY 16, 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 5:36pm. The following board members were present: Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste, Nolan Marshall, Jr., and Olin G. Parker. Ethan Ashley and Carlos Luis Zervigon were 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 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 amend the agenda adding Action Item 5.3 The Leah Chase School Funding and Staffing Model Based on Enrollment Levels by Ms. Eames, seconded by Ms. Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
Motion to adopt the agenda as amended by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Parker
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 Adoption of the Minutes
Motion by Dr. Batiste, second by Mr. Marshall to adopt the minutes of the April 18, 2024 Board Business Meeting, April 30, 2024 Special Board Business Meeting, and the March 21, 2024 Board Business Meeting correcting the reference General Counsel Ashley Heilprin in 1.1 Call to Order – Roll Call to reflect Board Counsel and correcting the reference General Counsel in 1.3 Rules for Public Comment to reflect Board Counsel. (waiving the reading)
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA
3.1 Superintendent's Remarks
Dr. Willliams began her remarks with a Mental Minute: stress management. The May 2024 Years of Service Recognition featured Dennis Joseph, celebrating 20 years of employment with NOLA-Public Schools. Dr. Williams extended well wishes to the Class of 2024 graduates, highlighting the commencement exercises in which she had participated, and she acknowledged the following: Dr. Rosalynne B. Dennis Annual Fitness Challenge – Closing Ceremony; JOYful Educator Recap; Education Elevation on WBOK 1230 AM; Main Round Match Results; Brown v. Board of Education Symposium; the various Superintendent’s Advisory Councils; and the Community Survey.
The following monthly celebrations and causes were recognized by Dr. Williams: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, National Speech Language Hearing Month, Administrative Professionals Day (April 24th), Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Military Appreciation Month, National School Principal’s Day (May 1st), National School Nurse’s Day (May 8th), School Lunch Hero Day (May 3rd), School Nutrition Employee’s Week (May 4-8), and National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10).
The superintendent noted the NSNO Teacher Fest, as well as the Siting Decision for Algiers Charter and the 2024 Stay In School Program, hosted by Toyota of New Orleans Premier Automotive. The Leah Chase School Back to School Event was announced for Saturday, August 3rd.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Claire Smith offered public comments regarding teacher appreciation and noted the teacher recognition tool: Highlight, which she developed.
CONSENT AGENDA
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board move to approve Consent Agenda Items 4.1 through 4.20.
4.1 Acceptance of Grant Award from New School for New Orleans
4.2 Extension of Collegiate Academies' Deadline to Open Approved Charter
4.3 Request for Independent Local Education Agency (LEA) Status - ReNEW Robert Russa Moton: Lakefront
4.4 Donation from The Thurman Perry Foundation - Model P Dispenser
4.5 Third Amendment to Contract with Educators for Quality Alternatives for Restorative Practices Program for Middle School Students
4.6 First Amendment to Third-Party Contracts to Provide Title I Supplemental Educational Services for Eligible Students in Non-Public Schools
4.7 First Amendment to Third-Party Contract to Provide Title II Supplemental Educational Services for Eligible Students in Non-Public Schools
4.8 First Amendment to Third-Party Contracts to Provide Title IV Supplemental Educational Services for Eligible Students in Non-Public schools
4.9 Third Amendment to Contract with PFM Financial Advisors, LLC, for Financial (Municipal) Advisory Services
4.10 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 24-0073 Special Education Direct and Related Services
4.11 Third Amendment to Contract with Dove Group for HVAC and Maintenance Service
4.12 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 25-CN-0001 for Milk Products
4.13 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 25-CN-0003 for Paper Products for The Child Nutrition Program Fiscal Year 2025
4.14 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 25-CN-0004 for Fresh, Processed and Pre-Cut Produce
4.15 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No 24-FAC-0019 for Mechanical Improvements at Frances Gaudet School Site
4.16 Request to Award Invitation to Bid No. 24-FAC-0055 for Mechanical and HVAC Improvements at Ellis L. Marsalis Jr. School Site
4.17 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase of Family Engagement Services to Support LEA Schools from Scholastic, Inc.
4.18 Third Amendment to Contract with 4 A Era for Grounds Keeping Services
4.19 First Amendment to Contract with Resolute Industrial, LLC, Mobile Air & Power Rental for Cooling Tower Rental at Katherine Johnson site
4.20 First Amendment to Charter School Facilities Lease with Community Academies for the Leah Chase Facility
Motion by Ms. Eames, second by Ms. Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
ACTION ITEMS
5.1 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 24-0066 Student Transportation and Management Services
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the proposal meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions for Student Transportation and Management Services from First Student in the amount not to exceed $1,173,486.00 for a period of one (1) year with an option to renew two (2) additional one (1) year periods and authorize the General Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the contractor.
Motion by Mr. Parker, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
Clarification offered regarding provision of management services and management fee under the contract, ability to bill Medicaid, and availability of air-conditioned buses in response to inquiries from Mr. Parker and President Baudouin.
5.2 Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase from Calcasieu Mechanical Corporation for HVAC Equipment Installation Services at Katherine Johnson Site
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the purchase of HVAC Equipment Installation Services for the Katherine Johnson school site from Calcasieu Mechanical Corporation, who holds a Louisiana state-approved contract, for a total amount not to exceed $350,000.00.
Motion to amend Action Item 5.2 by Ms. Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker correcting the name of the vendor and dollar amount as follows
Request to Approve Louisiana State Contract Purchase from Trane US Inc. for HVAC Equipment Installation Services at Katherine Johnson Site
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the purchase of HVAC Equipment and Installation Services for the Katherine Johnson school site from Trane US Inc, who holds a Louisiana state-approved contract, for a total amount not to exceed $750,000.00.
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
A discussion ensued regarding the vendor selection and implications for the costs of permanent repairs at the Katherine Johnson school site in response to inquiries from Mr. Parker and Mr. Marshall.
Mr. Parker provided context for the repairs needed at the Katherine Johnson School site.
Motion to approve Action Item 5.2 as amended by Mr. Parker, second by Mr. Marshall
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
Action Item 5.3 The Leah Chase School Funding and Staffing Model Based on Enrollment Levels
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board direct the Superintendent to provide information to the Board during the regularly scheduled board updates prior to the June Committee meeting to address funding for the school based on enrollment at 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% of capacity and the projected staffing model, and further that the Superintendent or her designee report to the Board and be available for questions during the June Committee meeting on the projected staffing model and funding based on 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% enrollment.
Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
BOARD COMMENT:
Clarification provided on the intervals of reporting provided by the action item and implications for reporting related to costs.
-Dr. Batiste exercised a point of personal privilege providing remarks on the recent reporting by Channel 6 News regarding the opening of The Leah Chase School and clarified the board’s commitment to direct run the school.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Nolan Marshall, second by Mr. Parker to move to executive session at 6:21pm.
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 7:12pm. The following board members were present: Katherine Baudouin, Leila Jacobs Eames, Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste, Nolan Marshall, Jr., and Olin G. Parker. Ethan Ashley and Carlos Luis Zervigon were absent. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin were also present.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
6.1 Woodrow Wilson Construction, LLC f/k/a Woodrow Wilson Construction Co., Inc. v. Orleans Parish School Board, Orleans Parish Civil District Court No. 2017-3885; Construction Litigation
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve settlement of this matter as recommended by its legal counsel.
Motion by Vice President Eames, second by Dr. Batiste
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
6.2 Orleans Parish School Board v. Woodrow Wilson Construction, LLC, and Western Surety, CDC No. 2019-11852; Construction Litigation
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve settlement of this matter as recommended by its legal counsel.
Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
6.3 Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person - School Board Personnel
Discussion
ACTION ITEM
7.1 Superintendent's 2024-2025 Specific Performance Objectives and Evaluation Tools
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the Superintendent's 2024-2025 Specific Performance Objectives, 2024-2025 360 survey, and 2024-2025 qualitative leadership survey, and authorize the Board Counsel to prepare the related contract amendment.
Motion by Vice President Eames, second by President Baudouin
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
ADJOURNMENT
8.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Mr. Marshall, second by Mr. Parker to adjourn the meeting.
Final resolution: Motion passes
Yeas: Ms. Baudouin, Ms. Eames, Dr. Batiste, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Parker
Nays: None
Absent: Mr. Ashley, Mr. Zervigon
Abstain: None
Meeting Adjourned at 7:15pm.