MINUTES OF THE

ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

2401 WESTBEND PARKWAY

NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

NOVEMBER 14, 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 5:35pm. 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. Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams was also present; Board Counsel Ashley Heilprin was absent.

 

-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 additions:

 Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Dr. Batiste

-President Baudouin exercised a point of personal privilege to recognize Dr. Williams and her accomplishments during her tenure as superintendent with NOLA-PS, as well as the improved academic outcomes and other successes across the district. The following board members also commented: Mr. Parker, Mr. Zervigon, Mr. Marshall, and Vice President Eames.

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES

 

2.1 Adoption of the Minutes

It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the minutes of the October 24, 2024 Board Business Meeting and October 28, 2024 Public Hearing: Comprehensive Evaluation as presented. (waiving the reading)  

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA

 

3.1 Superintendent's Remarks

Dr. Willliams began her remarks recognizing her sister seated in the audience; she also acknowledged National Gratitude Month, including its significance during the Mental Minute; recognized Ms. Rosie Jackson, executive director of Child Nutrition, with the Aim for Excellence Award for November; Years of Service Recognition, celebrating staff milestones; and highlighted the 2025 District Administration National Awards of Distinction.

 

The following monthly celebration and awareness months were noted: Veterans Day, National Education Month, National Parent & Family Engagement Month, Diabetes Awareness Month/World Diabetes Day, American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, National Homeless Youth Awareness Month – Sleepout, mentioned the efforts of Ayesha Buckner, homeless and parental involvement specialist, with the district. 

 

Dr. Williams expressed gratitude to Sheriff Susan Hutson, along with the drug search dog and reserve deputies, who visited  local schools. She highlighted the following: Halloween at Central Office and Mahalia Jackson; recognition of the 64th Anniversary of Desegregation; Voices of Future Leaders Voter Rally; Super Schools Meals Initiative, addressing food insecurity; and JOYful Educator October Connection.

 

The superintendent emphasized the opening of the 2025-2026 Main Round Enrollment, as well as extended well wishes for Thanksgiving.  Dr. Williams also acknowledged school threats recently reported and efforts to ensure safety within schools.  

 

BOARD Comment:

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board move to approve Consent Agenda Items 4.1 through 4.8 as presented in globo.

 

4.1 Amendment to OPSB Policy HH, Student Safety and Well-Being

 

4.2 Request to Award Systemwide Needs Programs Therapeutic Programming Grants (CFR Transition Students)

 

4.3 Request to Award ITB 24-FAC-0018 Structural Repairs @ Warren Easton High School

 

4.4 Request to Award ITB 24-FAC-0013 Window Replacement & Fire Alarm Replacement @ Frances Gaudet School

 

4.5 Request to Approve Amendment No. 2 to Contract with Lachin Architects, APC for Design Services for Metal Roof Replacement & Mechanical Improvements at Katherine Johnson School (ITB23-FAC-0015)

 

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

 

4.7 Request to Award Request for Proposal No. 25-0011 Early Childhood Enrollment Information Campaign Services

 

4.8 Request to Approve Amendment No. 4 to Contract with Dove Group for HVAC Preventive Maintenance Service

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Vice President Eames

 

ACTION ITEMS

 

5.1 2025 Board Meeting Calendar

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board adopt the proposed board meeting calendar for the 2025 calendar year with the following dates selected: January 14th, committee of the whole, board business January 16th; July 22nd, committee of the whole, July 24th, board business meeting, and for December: December 9th for the committee meeting and December 11th for the board business meeting:

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon

 

Board Comment:

 

President Baudouin offered the following amendment, second by Vice President Eames  

 

January 14th, committee of the whole, board business January 16th; July 22nd, committee of the whole, July 24th, board business meeting, and December 16th for the committee meeting and December 18th for the board business meeting:

 

 

Final resolution on the motion as amended:

 

5.2 Donation of facility additions from Firstline Schools Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board accept the donation of the Langston Hughes Academy Elementary Addition Building. The addition includes a two classroom building with canopy and outdoor play surface. The building addition is valued at $1,500,000.00.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Parker

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

5.3 District Level Funding Allocation Projections

Recommended Action: Direct the superintendent to create a plan that directs $5 million in surplus funds from Fiscal Year 2024 upon completion of the audit on June 30, 2024 to offset any gaps in school payments in the 2024-25 school year and further to develop the steps necessary to authorize the use of up to $15 million in funds from our fund balance for schools to use this school year subject to availability of funds.

 

Board Counsel read the substitute motion from Tuesday’s committee of the whole as offered by Mr. Marshall, which was deferred:

Direct the superintendent to work with the financial advisory group to come back to the December committee meeting and present options for how to work with schools to alleviate this problem.

 

Mr. Marshall withdrew the substitute motion; Board Counsel read the motion offered for this item on Tuesday, as follows:

 

Direct the superintendent to: (1) create a plan that directs $5 million in

anticipated surplus funds from Fiscal Year 2024, following completion of the FY2024, audit, to offset any gaps in school payments in the 2024-25 school year, for schools who have suffered a material financial impact as a result of the Spring 2024 financial forecasting, and that such material impact has negatively impacted the school's staffing and ability to maintain services for students; (2) further to develop the steps necessary to authorize the use of up to $15 million from the OPSB fund balance for schools to use this school year subject to availability of funds; and (3) investigate and pursue other sources of funds to help resolve the problem and further fill the potential shortfall.

 

Mr. Ashley offered a substitute motion as follows:

 

Direct the Superintendent to:

1.    Collaborate with an external financial consultant and the District's financial advisory group to prepare a short-term plan to address the impacts of the Spring 2024 financial forecasting. The short-term plan should include an equitable framework for providing financial assistance to schools who demonstrate a material financial hardship arising out of their reliance on the Spring 2024 financial forecasting. The short-term plan should also include all funding sources presently available for use to aid in closing funding gaps.

2.    Submit the short-term plan for Board approval at the December Board Business Meeting.

3.    Ensure that financial assistance (whether in the form of a grant or loan) can be made available in a timely manner, following Board approval.

4.    Encourage all schools to compile pertinent financial records, budgets, forecasts, and other data which may be pertinent to applications for financial assistance from the District.

5.    Collaborate with the external financial consultant and financial advisory group to develop a long-term plan to ensure a reliable funding process.

 

Motion by Mr. Ashley, second by Mr. Parker

 

PUBLIC COMMENT: The following members of the public provided comment on this agenda item:

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

5.4 Appointment of Interim Superintendent

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board appoint Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Fateama Fulmore, as its Interim Superintendent, effective December 1, 2024, and authorize its Board Counsel to prepare a contract for signatures of the Board President and the appointee.

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by Dr. Batiste

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

BOARD COMMENT:

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

Motion by Vice President Eames, second by Mr. Ashley to move to executive session at 6.50pm.

 

 

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

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

6.1 Rodney Borden v. Defendant 1 and Defendant 2, CDC No. 2024-05300; Personal Injury Litigation – Settlement Recommendation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the settlement recommendation in this matter.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by President Baudouin

 

6.2 Kimberly Griffin v. Defendant 1 and Defendant 2, CDC No. 2024-05346; Personal Injury Litigation– Settlement Recommendation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the settlement recommendation in this matter.

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by President Baudouin

 

6.3 Anthony Myles v. Defendant 1 and Defendant 2, CDC No. 2024-05344; Personal Injury Litigation – Settlement Recommendation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the settlement recommendation in this matter.

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Parker

 

6.4 Sonjid Cook v. Defendant 1 and Defendant 2, CDC No. 2024-05358; Personal Injury Litigation – Settlement Recommendation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the settlement recommendation in this matter.

 

Motion by Mr. Parker, second by President Baudouin

 

6.5 Orleans Parish School Board v. The City of New Orleans, et al., CDC No. 2019-05174; Settlement Recommendation

Recommended Action: It is recommended that the Orleans Parish School Board approve the settlement of this matter as recommended by its legal counsel.

 

Motion by Mr. Zervigon, second by Mr. Parker

 

ACTION ITEM

 

Resolution 15-24 re: Attorney Fee Agreement with Aaron & Gianna, PLC

Recommended Action: It is recommended the Orleans Parish School Board adopts Resolution No. 15-24 authorizing its General Counsel to seek Louisiana Attorney General approval to enter into a contingency 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 approves the attached Attorney Fee Agreement.

 

Motion by President Baudouin, second by Mr. Zervigon (waiving the reading)

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

7.1 Adjourn Meeting

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

 

Meeting Adjourned at 8:20pm.