NOLA Public Schools (Orleans Parish School Board) public meetings in 2023
36 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board will vote on several consent agenda items, including a $52,377 contract amendment for auditorium design at Frederick A. Douglass High School, a $199,049 professional development contract for English learner services, a $270,000 gift card program for homeless students, a $95,400 governmental relations contract, and COVID-19 retention stipends. The meeting also includes a scholarship presentation from the American Association of Blacks in Energy and adoption of previous meeting minutes.
- Amendment No. 2 for design services at Frederick A. Douglass High School auditorium, $52,377
- Award of RFP 24-0039 for English learner instructional professional development, $199,049
- Award of RFP 24-0052 for gift card/voucher services for homeless student shoe apparel, up to $270,000 over three years
- Award of RFP 24-0038 for professional governmental relations services, $95,400
- COVID-19 retention stipends (no dollar amount specified)
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing first readings for 11 policy amendments ranging from school safety and audits to sick leave. The body is also considering contracts for school refurbishments and student apparel services.
- Proposed $52,377 amendment to NANO, LLC for design services for the Frederick A. Douglass High School auditorium refurbishment
- Proposed $270,000 contract (over three years) with Poree's Embroidery, LLC for shoe apparel gift cards for students experiencing homelessness
- First reading of Policy EBBC to implement the School Safety Act of 2023, including additional safety drills and a District Threat Assessment Team
- First reading of Policy EBCB regarding the retention and viewing of security video on school board property
- First reading of Policy DCBB to create an office to manage the systemwide needs program
SPECIAL BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board is reviewing the Superintendent's recommendations for the 2023-2024 charter extension and renewal process. The board will decide on the status of multiple charter schools based on OPSB Policy HB and comprehensive evaluations.
- Recommended extensions for Esperanza Charter School, Foundation Preparatory Academy, John F. Kennedy High School, and New Orleans Accelerated High School
- Recommended non-extension for Lafayette Academy
- Recommended renewals for 13 schools, including KIPP East, KIPP Leadership, and McDonogh 35 Senior High School
- Recommended non-renewal for Living School
- Note that Advocates for Innovative Schools rescinded intent to renew the charter for Robert Russa Moton Charter School
Public Hearing: Charter Request for Application
The Orleans Parish School Board is holding a public hearing to receive input on Type 1 charter applications. This process occurs before the Superintendent makes recommendations regarding the applications.
- Charter RFA presentation by Engaged Learning Academies of Louisiana
- Charter RFA presentation by ReNEW - Reinventing Education
Public Hearing: Comprehensive Evaluation
The Orleans Parish School Board is conducting a public hearing to review data and information from schools requesting contract renewals. This meeting allows the board, superintendent, and public to hear presentations regarding comprehensive evaluations.
- Comprehensive Evaluation presentation from Lafayette Academy Charter School for SY2023-2024 Extension Cycle
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board is meeting to approve several policy amendments and facility contracts. Key items include updates to charter school oversight and accessibility for persons with disabilities in board meetings.
- Contract for $519,589 to Mathes Brierre Architects for mechanical improvements at Gentilly Terrace School
- Contract for $440,000 to Cuzan Services for fire alarm replacement and building repairs at Sylvanie Williams Elementary School
- Grant of $25,000 from Special Olympics Louisiana for the Young Athletes Program and Dr. Rosalynne B. Dennis District Fitness Challenge
- Contract amendment of $119,288 with Dove Group, LLC for HVAC preventative maintenance services
- Policy amendments regarding charter school operating agreements, oversight, and remote participation for members and the public with disabilities
BOARD RETREAT
The board is meeting for a retreat at Loyola University New Orleans Campus. The session focuses on relationship building, core purpose, mission statements, and roles and responsibilities.
- Discussion of Board mission statement
- Review of roles and responsibilities
- Discussion of core purpose and norms
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board will discuss and vote on several policy amendments, including a first reading of a policy to allow all schools with eligibility criteria to maintain waitlists, affecting about 300 students. The board will also vote on second readings for amendments on charter school oversight, remote participation, and public comment rules. Additionally, the board will consider accepting a $25,000 grant from Special Olympics Louisiana and awarding contracts for building repairs and HVAC services.
- First reading of amendment to Policy HA to permit any school with eligibility criteria to maintain a waitlist, impacting approximately 300 students
- Second reading of amendment to Policy HB aligning charter school evaluation with the Accountability Framework approved in August 2023
- Acceptance of $25,000 grant from Special Olympics Louisiana for Young Athletes Program and District Fitness Challenge
- Request to award $440,000 contract to Cuzan Services for building envelope repairs and fire alarm replacement at Sylvanie Williams Elementary School
- Request to award $519,589 contract to Mathes Brierre Architects for mechanical improvements at Gentilly Terrace School
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board will vote on consent agenda items including three facility contracts totaling about $1.37 million and second readings of several policy amendments. The policies address school safety, attendance, and mental health absences, driven by new state laws.
- $614,000 contract to Arc Mechanical for chiller and fire alarm replacements at Frederick A. Douglass High School
- $454,800 contract to Arc Mechanical for mechanical replacements at Sarah T. Reed High School
- $299,900 contract to Arc Mechanical for boiler replacements at Live Oak School
- Second reading of policy amendments on school safety, carpool/bus line safety, attendance, and mental health excused absences
- Second reading of new policy on continuous learning plans
ORLEANS SCHOOL FACILITIES FOUNDATION MEETING
The Orleans School Facilities Foundation will meet to consider several action items. The board is scheduled to review the September 21, 2023, meeting minutes and two specific facility unwind resolutions.
- Resolution 03-23: Approval of the Tubman School Facility Unwind Written Consent
- Resolution 04-23: Approval of the John McDonogh School Facility Unwind Written Consent
- Adoption of the September 21, 2023, meeting minutes
Public Hearing: Comprehensive Evaluation
The Orleans Parish School Board is holding a public hearing to allow six charter schools undergoing comprehensive evaluation to present data supporting their contract renewal requests. The board will also receive public comment on the presentations. The schools seeking renewal are Esperanza Charter School, Robert Russa Moton Charter School, Living School, Lord Beaconsfield High School, Phillis Wheatley Community School, and KIPP East.
- Public hearing for charter school contract renewals for six schools
- Esperanza Charter School presentation for SY2023-2024 Extension Cycle
- Robert Russa Moton Charter School presentation for SY2023-2024 Renewal Cycle
- Living School presentation for SY2023-2024 Renewal Cycle
- Lord Beaconsfield High School, Phillis Wheatley Community School, and KIPP East presentations for SY2023-2024 Renewal Cycle
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole will discuss and vote on several items, including a resolution to issue up to $75 million in revenue anticipation notes for cash flow, and second readings of policy amendments on school safety, attendance, and remote participation. The board will also hear presentations on school updates, portfolio accountability, and the Portrait of a Graduate program, and consider first readings of policies affecting charter school oversight and enrollment waitlists.
- Resolution 20-23 authorizing up to $75,000,000 Revenue Anticipation Note for cash flow to charter schools
- Second reading of policy amendments on school safety (EBBB), carpool/bus line safety (EDCA), and student absences (JBD)
- Notice of intent to amend policy HA to allow schools with eligibility criteria to maintain waitlists, affecting ~300 students
- First reading of amendments to policies HAA and BD clarifying board member role in policy development
- Resolution 19-23 approving FY 2022-2023 Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for audit
ORLEANS SCHOOL FACILITIES FOUNDATION MEETING
The Orleans School Facilities Foundation is meeting to conduct business and review previous minutes. The board is specifically considering the adoption of a resolution regarding written consent for the Rose Mary Loving School.
- Resolution 02-23: Approval of the Rose Mary Loving School Written Consent
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Board is considering the adoption of the 2023-2024 Pupil Progression Plan and several facility-related contracts. Discussion items include roof replacement design services, software licensing for early childhood programs, and engineering consultant updates.
- Approval of the 2023-2024 OPSB Pupil Progression Plan
- $164,301.00 for roof replacement design services at Dominic Mai Thanh Luong School
- $176,000.00 for a two-year Avela Apply platform license agreement
- Amendment to the Engineering Consultant Services qualified list to add BFM Corporation and Gulf South Engineering & Testing, Inc.
- Presentation by Toyota of New Orleans regarding the Stay in School Program
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole will discuss and vote on the 2023-2024 Pupil Progression Plan, which includes updates to promotion standards and attendance recovery. The board will also hear presentations on school updates, portfolio accountability, and a graduate guidebook, and consider several policy amendments related to public participation, safety, and attendance.
- Approval of the OPSB 2023-2024 Pupil Progression Plan, affecting promotion and attendance policies
- Award of $164,301 contract to Verges Rome Architects for roof replacement design at Dominic Mai Thanh Luong School
- First reading of policy amendments on public participation, remote meetings, school safety, and student absences
- Notice of intent to amend charter school operating agreement and oversight policies
- Presentation on Aerify environmental intervention for improved learning environments
2023-2024 OPSB LEA Pupil Progression Plan Public Meeting
The Pupil Progression Plan Development Committee is asked to adopt the proposed 2023-2024 Pupil Progression Plan. This plan includes policies regarding student promotion in grades 3 and 4, support standards for grades K-3, and attendance recovery. The plan applies to OPSB and several specific schools including Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School and Élan Academy.
- Adoption of the 2023-2024 LEA Pupil Progression Plan draft
- Policy for Promotion of Students in Grade 3
- Policy for Promotion of Students in Grade 4
- Support Standards for Grades K-3
- Attendance Recovery policy for students
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board will vote on a consent agenda that includes approving $4.7 million in capital improvement grants for schools, a new student safety and well-being policy, and several technology and facility contracts. The board will also consider a truancy support agreement with the City of New Orleans and Communities in Schools.
- Approval of $4,695,430 in Capital Improvement Fund awards for school facility projects
- New Policy HH on Student Safety and Well-Being, covering panic alert systems, firearm storage, and dating violence education
- $218,500 contract for HVAC replacement at Gentilly Terrace School auditorium
- $183,159.60 for updated Student Information System integration with Salesforce
- $188,457.64 for a new family registration portal
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole will consider several action items, including a cooperative agreement with the City and Communities in Schools for truancy support, approval of a new student safety and well-being policy, and three technology contracts totaling over $732,000. The board will also receive presentations on school updates, portfolio and accountability, personnel changes, and a finance update.
- Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with City of New Orleans and Communities in Schools for truancy support personnel
- New Policy HH, Student Safety and Well-Being (second reading)
- Purchase of updated Student Information System integration from Carahsoft for $183,159.60
- Purchase of new Registration Portal from Carahsoft for $188,457.64
- Contract with Avela for Early Childhood Application Platform, $176,000 over two years
BOARD RETREAT
The board is meeting for a retreat to review strategic planning and portfolio updates. The agenda includes discussions on the NOLAPS Strategic Plan of Action and the SFPP Millage Renewal.
- NOLAPS Strategic Plan of Action Executive Summary
- Board Retreat Portfolio Plan Update
- CSAF Proposed Changes
- SFPP Millage Renewal
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Board is reviewing several items including architectural amendments for Elijah Brimmer, Jr. School and design services for the 9th Ward Stadium project. Other agenda items involve awarding repair bids for Albert Dent School and correcting contract amounts for grant management services.
- Amendment to Mark I. Baum Architect, LLC contract for Elijah Brimmer, Jr. School repairs up to $1,146,569.00
- Assignment of Professional Auditing Services contract from Postlethwaite & Netterville to EAG Gulf Coast LLC
- Award of Hurricane Ida Phase 2 repairs at Albert Dent School to Pivotal Engineering for $100,236.00
- Award of design services for 9th Ward Stadium to Williams Architects & Multistudio up to $580,654.00
- Correction of CSRS, Inc. contract amount for Hurricane Katrina Program Grants Management to $352,800.00
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board is reviewing several facility repair contracts and design services. The body is also receiving updates on school accountability, capital projects, and monthly financial reports.
- Proposed $580,654 contract to John C. Williams Architects, LLC for 9th Ward Stadium design
- Proposed $100,236 contract to Pivotal Engineering for Hurricane Ida Phase 2 repairs at Albert Dent School
- Proposed contract correction for CSRS, Inc. regarding Hurricane Katrina grants management to $352,800
- Proposed contract amendment for Mark L. Baum Architect for Elijah Brimmer, Jr. School repairs to $1,146,569
- Proposed assignment of auditing services contract from Postlethwaite & Netterville to EAG Gulf Coast LLC
Public Hearing: 2023 - 2024 Consolidated Budget
The Orleans Parish School Board is conducting a public hearing to receive input on the proposed 2023-2024 General Fund and Special Revenue funds budgets. The board may adopt these budgets during their regular meeting on June 8, 2023.
- Proposed total budget revenue of $578,567,721
- Proposed total budget expenditures of $576,946,285
- Proposed General Fund revenues of $38,112,715 and expenditures of $36,966,330
- Proposed Special Revenue fund revenues of $540,455,006 and expenditures of $539,979,955
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board is meeting to discuss the auction and sale of a surplus property on General Meyer Avenue. The board is also reviewing several contract approvals for auditing services, food distribution, and software enhancements.
- Proposed sale of surplus property at 4422 General Meyer Avenue
- Contract amendment with Postlethwaite and Netterville for auditing services: $179,000
- Contract with US Foods, Inc. for food products and distribution: $400,000
- Purchase of Salesforce system enhancements from Carahsoft: $80,086.50
- Purchase of Student Success Hub from Carahsoft: $277,614.13
ORLEANS SCHOOL FACILITIES FOUNDATION MEETING
The Orleans School Facilities Foundation is meeting to approve written consent regarding McMain High School and the Frederick Douglass Auditorium. The board will also vote to adopt meeting minutes from March and July 2022.
- Approval of written consent for McMain High School and Frederick Douglass Auditorium
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board is reviewing updates on school accountability, capital projects, and district finances. The body is deciding on the sale of a surplus property and several contracts for auditing, food services, and software enhancements.
- Proposed auction and sale of surplus property at 4422 General Meyer Avenue
- Contract renewal with Postlethwaite and Netterville for auditing services for $179,000
- Contract with US Foods, Inc. for food products and distribution services for $400,000
- Purchase of Salesforce system enhancements and a Student Success Hub from Carahsoft totaling $357,699.63
- Milk contracts for the Child Nutrition Program with East Side Jersey Dairy/Prairie Farms totaling $303,307.85
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board is reviewing a proposed budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, with adoption scheduled for June 8, 2023. The board is also considering several contract renewals and amendments to charter school oversight policies.
- Proposed 2023-2024 Budget for the General Fund and Special Revenue Fund
- Contract renewal with BreakFree Education for Travis Hill Schools services: $1,000,000.00
- Contract renewal with The Learning Collective for charter application review: $103,841.00
- Contract amendment with Cox Communications for E-Rate services: $51,600.00
- Proposed amendments to Policy HA (Chartering Authority) and Policy HB (Oversight and Evaluation of Charter Schools)
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing several items including a proposed LEA agreement for charter schools and updates on school enrollment. The board is also considering multiple contract renewals for application review services, juvenile education, and internet services.
- Proposed LEA Agreement for charter schools remaining in the district
- Renewal of contract with The Learning Collective for $103,841.00
- Second renewal of contract with BreakFree Education for $1,000,000.00
- First amendment to contract with Cox Communications for $51,600.00
- Amendment to Policy HA regarding School Board Chartering Authority
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board will consider granting third and fourth extensions to KIPP, FirstLine, and Crescent City Schools to open approved charters by the 2025-2026 school year. The board will also vote on awarding up to $4.8 million in contracts for Title I and Title II services for non-public schools. A presentation on gifted and talented education is scheduled.
- Third extension for KIPP New Orleans Schools to open three charters by 2025-2026
- Fourth extension for FirstLine Schools to open a K-8 charter by 2025-2026
- Second extension for Crescent City Schools to open a K-8 charter by 2025-2026
- Award of $4,785,624 contract for Title I services to Catapult Learning, Sylvan Learning Center, Learn-It Systems, and Believe to Achieve
- Award of $160,050 contract for Title II services to Learn-It Systems
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board is reviewing several items including deadline extensions for approved charters from KIPP New Orleans, FirstLine Schools, and Crescent City Schools. The board is also considering contract awards for Title I and Title II services for non-public schools.
- Extension of KIPP New Orleans Schools’ deadline to open three approved charters until the 2025-26 school year
- Extension of FirstLine Schools’ deadline to open a K-8 charter until the 2025-26 school year
- Extension of Crescent City Schools’ deadline to open a K-8 charter until the 2025-26 school year
- Award of Title I services for non-public schools not to exceed $4,785,624.00
- Award of Title II services for non-public schools not to exceed $160,050.00
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board is reviewing a $17 million proposal for the System Wide Needs Program. The meeting also includes discussions on new district optimization policies, pupil progression addendums, and several contract amendments.
- $17,000,000.00 proposal for Round Two of the System Wide Needs Program
- Amendment to Policy DCBD regarding the School Transformation Fund
- New Policy HG for District Optimization
- 2022-2023 Pupil Progression Plan Addendum
- $25,000.00 grant acceptance from Special Olympics Louisiana
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board will consider approving the superintendent's $17 million proposal for round two of the System Wide Needs Program. The board also will vote on several policy amendments, including a new District Optimization Policy, and accept a $25,000 Special Olympics grant. Other action items include adopting a pupil progression plan addendum and approving a contract amendment for produce deliveries.
- System Wide Needs Program round two proposal — $17,000,000
- Second reading of new Policy HG, District Optimization
- Second readings of amendments to charter school policies (HA, HAA, HAC, HB, HE) removing Act 91 references
- Acceptance of $25,000 grant from Special Olympics Louisiana
- Amendment No. 1 to contract with Capitol City Produce LLC for $25,000 (total not to exceed $195,000)
SPECIAL BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board is considering a resolution to urge the Governor of Louisiana to reject six Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program applications from Folger Coffee Company. The board will also enter an executive session regarding prospective litigation related to these applications.
- Resolution 08-23: Request to Governor to reject Folger Coffee Company ITEP Applications
- Executive session regarding prospective litigation involving Folger Coffee Company
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Board will review draft redistricting maps presented by FLO Analytics and approve several 2023 committee appointments. Other agenda items include a contract for school improvements and resolutions regarding charter school surrenders.
- Presentation of draft redistricting maps by FLO Analytics
- $342,862.00 contract for exterior and mechanical improvements at Joseph S. Clark School
- Approval of 2023 Board committee appointments
- Resolution to deny ITEP tax exemption application for Terviva Industries, LLC
- Acceptance of Arise Academy's voluntary surrender of Mildred Osborne Charter School
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board is reviewing a design contract for window and chiller replacements at Joseph S. Clark School. The body is also considering several policy amendments regarding charter school authority and district optimization, as well as a tax exemption denial for Terviva Industries, LLC.
- Proposed $342,862 contract with Meyers Engineers, Ltd. for exterior envelope and mechanical improvements at Joseph S. Clark School
- Resolution 04-23 to deny Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption application #20220049 for Terviva Industries, LLC
- First reading of New Policy HG regarding District Optimization
- First readings of amendments to policies DCBD, HA, HAA, HAC, HB, and HE
- Resolution 05-23 to nominate a board member to the Institute of Mental Hygiene Board of Directors
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board will vote on an amendment to Policy HA that expands required school bus transportation from 6th grade to 8th grade. The board will also consider several consent agenda items including construction change orders and contract awards. A presentation from New Schools for New Orleans on the talent pipeline is scheduled.
- Amendment to Policy HA expanding required school bus transportation to students in grade 8 or below
- Change Order #11 for Gibbs Construction on Rosenwald Renovation Project for $6,301.00
- Award of bid to Tasch, LLC for $260,000.00 for millwork repairs at Medard Nelson School
- Award of contract to Crocus, LLC for $204,080.00 for Data Bridge Enhancements Phase II
- Revolving Loan Fund Agreement for $153,722.80 for Ellis Marsalis fire alarm system replacement
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board is discussing updates to school accountability and charter policies. The body is deciding on a policy change to expand required bus transportation for charter operators and reviewing several facility and technology contracts.
- Proposed amendment to Policy HA to expand required school bus transportation to students in grade 8 or below
- Capital Projects Budget Amendment No. 1 for $150,000 using FEMA funds for Rosenwald renovation
- Change Order #11 for Gibbs Construction for the Rosenwald Renovation Project in the amount of $6,301
- Contract award to Tasch, LLC for $260,000 for millwork repairs at Medard Nelson School
- Contract award to Crocus, LLC for $204,080 for Data Bridge Enhancements Services Phase II