NOLA Public Schools (Orleans Parish School Board) public meetings in 2024
34 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
SPECIAL BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board will consider approving a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of New Orleans to resolve a lawsuit. The board may also adopt the agenda and hear public comment.
- Approval of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the City of New Orleans to resolve the lawsuit Orleans Parish School Board v. City of New Orleans et al, CDC No. 2019-5174
- Adoption of the meeting agenda
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board will consider adopting amendments to multiple board policies to comply with 2024 Louisiana legislative acts. Changes include requiring school board members to have a high school diploma, adding special education to required training, and revising open meetings and superintendent evaluation rules. The board will also vote on minutes from its November meetings and hear the superintendent's report.
- Amendment requiring school board members to hold a high school diploma or equivalent (Act 204)
- Amendment requiring at least 15% of superintendent evaluation be based on 3rd-grade literacy and math growth (Act 193)
- Amendment requiring live broadcast of all public meetings and committee meetings (Act 539)
- Amendment making home addresses and personal contact info of public employees confidential (Act 495)
- Amendment updating notification rules for school board meetings under revised Open Meetings Law (Act 617)
SPECIAL BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board will vote on the superintendent's recommendations to renew charters for 13 schools, including a partial renewal for Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School for Sci Tech (K-8 renewed, 9-12 not renewed). The board will also consider an emergency suspension of the operating agreement for Delores Taylor Arthur School for Young Men due to financial sustainability concerns, and a waiver to give its students closing school priority for the 2025-26 school year.
- Vote on charter renewals for 13 schools, including Bricolage Academy, Einstein Charter at Sherwood Forest, and Elan Academy
- Emergency suspension of operating agreement for Delores Taylor Arthur School for Young Men
- Waiver of closing school priority restriction for students at Delores Taylor Arthur School for Young Men
- Presentation by CEO of Delores Taylor Arthur School for Young Men on plan to continue operations
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board will hear presentations and vote on a resolution supporting the New Orleans Health Department's effort to restrict flavored nicotine product sales to vape/smoke shops only, removing them from corner stores and gas stations. The board will also consider second-reading approvals for multiple policy amendments, including new qualifications for board members and updates to open meetings and superintendent evaluation policies. A first reading of an amendment to the Systemwide Needs Program procurement policy will be discussed.
- Resolution 16-24 restricting access to flavored nicotine products (vote)
- First reading of amendment to Policy DCBB, Systemwide Needs Program procurement rules
- Second reading: amendment to Policy ABCB requiring school board members to have a high school diploma
- Second reading: amendment to Policy BCBJ requiring live broadcast of all board and committee meetings
- Second reading: amendment to Policy CBD requiring superintendent evaluations include 15% literacy and 15% math growth metrics
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board will vote on consent agenda items including $750,000 in therapeutic programming grants for students transitioning from the closed Center for Resilience, a contract for structural repairs at Warren Easton High School ($167,457.48), and a contract for window and fire alarm replacement at Frances Gaudet School ($643,000). The board will also consider an amendment to Policy HH on student safety and well-being to align with recently repealed state statutes.
- Therapeutic Programming Grants: ReNEW ($525,000), Crescent City Schools ($150,000), Hynes ($75,000) for up to 10 students at $75,000 per student
- Structural Repairs at Warren Easton High School: contract with Colmex Construction, LLC for $167,457.48
- Window Replacement & Fire Alarm Replacement at Frances Gaudet School: contract with Tuna Construction, LLC for $643,000
- Amendment to OPSB Policy HH, Student Safety and Well-Being, to delete provisions based on repealed state statutes (Act 686 of 2024)
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board will consider adopting the 2025 board meeting calendar and hear first readings of multiple policy amendments. These amendments address new state laws on school board member qualifications, meeting notifications, broadcasting requirements, superintendent evaluations, and employee compensation and leave. The board will also receive updates on schools, portfolio and accountability, and the Portrait of a Graduate program.
- Adoption of the 2025 Board Meeting Calendar
- First reading: Amendment to Policy ABCB requiring school board members to have a high school diploma or equivalent
- First reading: Amendment to Policy BCBJ requiring live broadcast of all public meetings in parishes with 25,000+ population
- First reading: Amendment to Policy CBD requiring superintendent evaluations to include student literacy and math growth
- First reading: Amendment to Policy GBA on employee salary schedules and additional compensation for extra duties
Public Hearing: Charter Request for Application
The Orleans Parish School Board is holding a public hearing to receive input on charter school applications before the superintendent makes recommendations. One applicant, Hope Community School, will present its Type 1 charter application for the Fall 2024 cycle. The public may comment after each presentation, with speakers limited to two minutes.
- Hope Community School charter application presentation (Fall 2024 RFA cycle)
- Public comment period after each applicant presentation
- Board will hear input before superintendent's charter recommendations
Public Hearing: Comprehensive Evaluation
The Orleans Parish School Board holds a public hearing to review comprehensive evaluations for charter school renewal requests. Board staff will present data comparing schools, and the public may comment on renewal presentations. No decisions are scheduled; the hearing is informational and procedural.
- Public hearing on SY2024-25 charter renewal evaluations
- Presentation from Dr. Martin Luther King Charter School for Sci Tech
- Public comment period with 2-minute speaking limits and registration rules
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board will vote on the 2024-2025 Pupil Progression Plan, which sets policies for student advancement. The board will also consider approving $2,000 stipends for certificated staff and $1,000 for support staff, as well as differentiated compensation stipends for teachers in critical shortage areas, high-need schools, and leadership positions. Additionally, the board will accept donations to The Leah Chase School, including 720 books from St. Mary's Dominican High School, a $5,000 uniform closet donation from Saints player Alontae Taylor, and 110 books from the Ella Fitzgerald Foundation.
- Approval of the 2024-2025 Pupil Progression Plan, which includes a uniform grading policy and applies to six schools
- Certificated staff stipends of $2,000 and support staff stipends of $1,000 from the 2024 legislative appropriation
- Differentiated compensation stipends for teacher recruitment and retention in critical shortage areas and high-need schools
- Acceptance of a $5,000 donation from Saints player Alontae Taylor for a uniform closet at The Leah Chase School
- Acceptance of 720 books from St. Mary's Dominican High School and 110 books from the Ella Fitzgerald Foundation for The Leah Chase School
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board’s Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss and vote on the 2024-2025 Pupil Progression Plan, which outlines promotion and grading policies for district schools. The board will also hear updates on property projects, policy amendments, and school accountability measures.
- Vote on 2024-2025 Pupil Progression Plan for Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary, Élan Academy, and other OPSB schools
- Presentation on 9th Ward Stadium Feasibility Study
- First reading of proposed amendments to OPSB Policy HH (Student Safety and Well-Being)
- Notice of intent to amend Policy BBBB (New Member Orientation)
- Adoption of minutes from September 17, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting
2024-2025 OPSB LEA Pupil Progression Plan Public Meeting
The Orleans Parish School Board is holding a public meeting to present and gather feedback on the 2024-2025 LEA Pupil Progression Plan, which includes a new Uniform Grading Policy. The plan applies to six schools under the OPSB LEA. The meeting includes public comment.
- Presentation of the 2024-2025 LEA Pupil Progression Plan draft
- Addition of a Uniform Grading Policy for standardized grading
- Public comment period for parents, teachers, and community members
- Plan covers six schools: Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary, Élan Academy, Benjamin Franklin Elementary, Travis Hill School, Delores Taylor Arthur School for Young Men, and Leah Chase School
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board will consider several policy updates and a recommendation to deny a Type 2 charter application from Engaged Learning Academies. The board will also hear presentations on a Cox Communications digital divide initiative and a Toyota attendance incentive program.
- Recommendation to deny Engaged Learning Academies' Type 2 charter application to BESE
- Amendments to policies EB, GAMA, IDCH, IDE, and IDFA to comply with new state laws on marijuana prohibition and home-study student participation in extracurriculars
- Presentation from Cox Communications on bridging the digital divide
- Toyota of New Orleans Stay in School Program presentation for seniors with perfect attendance
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board will consider a recommendation to deny Engaged Learning Academies' Type 2 charter application to BESE, and vote on second-reading amendments to multiple policies to comply with new state laws, including bans on marijuana on school property and new rules for home-study students and truancy. The board will also hear presentations on school support and accountability, and consider a resolution encouraging high school voter registration.
- Recommendation to deny Engaged Learning Academies' Type 2 charter application to BESE
- Second reading of policy amendments banning marijuana on school property (Act 352)
- Second reading of policy amendments allowing home-study students in extracurriculars (Act 715)
- Second reading of truancy policy amendment adding parental responsibilities (Act 386)
- Resolution 11-24 encouraging high school voter registration and education
BOARD RETREAT
This is a board retreat, not a regular business meeting. The board will receive information on new state accountability standards and discuss board member roles and responsibilities. No votes on specific policies or contracts are scheduled.
- Discussion of new state accountability standards and their impact on NOLA-PS
- Review of board member roles, oversight, and self-evaluation best practices
- Rules for public comment outlined (2-minute limit, comment cards required)
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board will consider two consent-agenda items: a $163,963 contract with Carahsoft Technology Corp. for enhancements to the NOLA school application system, and a $75,000 one-year renewal of Tracey Boudoin's occupational therapy services contract. The meeting also includes adoption of prior minutes, superintendent remarks, and public comment rules.
- $163,963.33 contract with Carahsoft Technology Corp. for NOLA Application Enhancements (SOW 9)
- $75,000.00 second amendment to contract with Tracey Boudoin for Occupational Therapy Services (renewal through Sept 2025)
- Adoption of minutes from July 25, 2024 Board Business Meeting
- Superintendent's remarks and board report presentation
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board will consider adopting Resolution 10-24 to support the design and launch of an Educational Service Agency (ESA) to centralize special education services. The board will also hear updates on enrollment and portfolio accountability, and discuss several policy amendments to comply with new state laws, including prohibitions on marijuana use on school property and allowing home-study students to participate in extracurricular activities.
- Resolution 10-24 to support creating an Educational Service Agency for special education
- Enrollment update for the district and The Leah Chase School
- First reading of policy amendments to ban marijuana on school property (Act 352)
- First reading of policy amendments to allow home-study students in extracurriculars (Act 715)
- Notice of intent to amend charter school operating agreement (Policy HA) regarding financial audits
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board will consider repealing its mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for staff, now that the public health emergency has expired. The board will also vote on several other policy amendments, including removing pre-employment drug testing, expanding sick leave donation rules, and allowing associate-degree holders enrolled in teacher prep programs to serve as teachers. The meeting includes public comment, adoption of prior minutes, and the superintendent's report.
- Repeal of OPSB Policy GAMFD, Mandatory COVID Vaccinations
- Amendment to Policy GAMD removing pre-employment drug testing requirement
- Amendment to Policy GBBA allowing associate-degree holders in teacher prep programs to serve as teachers of record
- Amendment to Policy GBRIBB expanding sick leave donation eligibility and aligning with FMLA
- Amendment to Policy GBRIF increasing bereavement leave use period from 5 to 30 calendar days
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board's Committee of the Whole will consider 12 policy amendments on second reading, including repealing the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for employees and removing pre-employment drug testing requirements. The board will also hear updates on school attendance, McKinney-Vento supports, and portfolio accountability. A $3,000 donation from the Kiwanis Club of Big Easy for student uniforms at The Leah Chase School will be recognized.
- Second reading vote to repeal mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for staff
- Second reading vote to remove pre-employment drug testing requirement
- Second reading vote to allow hiring of associate-degree holders enrolled in teacher prep programs
- Second reading vote to expand sick leave bank to allow donations to specific employees
- Recognition of $3,000 Kiwanis Club donation for uniforms at The Leah Chase School
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Board is reviewing several consent agenda items including facility repairs and contract approvals. Key discussions involve infrastructure improvements at Frederick Douglass, Laurel, and Ronald McNair schools, as well as a community solar system lease.
- $965,000 for Hurricane Ida roof repairs at Frederick Douglass School
- $472,900 for mechanical improvements at Ronald McNair School
- $383,792.67 for building envelope repairs at Laurel Elementary School
- $399,477.14 contract for food products and distribution from US Foods, Inc.
- Lease of community solar systems for $32,000 per year at G.W. Carver High and Abramson Sci Academy
Public Hearing: 2024 - 2025 Consolidated Budget
The board is conducting a public hearing to receive input before adopting the 2024-2025 budgets for the General Fund and Special Revenue funds. The proposed total budget consists of $610,530,197 in revenue and $610,517,068 in expenditures.
- Proposed General Fund: $42,430,692 revenue and $42,417,563 expenditures
- Proposed Special Revenue fund: $568,099,506 revenue and $568,099,506 expenditures
- Total proposed consolidated budget: $610,530,197 revenue and $610,517,068 expenditures
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board is reviewing a five-year portfolio plan for schools from FY 2024 through FY 2028. The body is also considering a lease for community solar systems and several updates to personnel and distance learning policies.
- Proposed $32,000 annual lease with General Coast Enterprises, LLC for solar systems at G.W. Carver High School and Abramson Sci Academy
- Approval of the Five-Year Portfolio Plan (FY 2024-2028)
- Proposed repeal of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy (GAMFD)
- Proposed removal of pre-employment drug testing requirement (GAMD)
- Status update on the closure of Lafayette Academy, Living School, and Robert Russa Moton Charter School
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board is meeting to review a consent agenda featuring several contract amendments and charter school requests. The board will discuss funding for supplemental educational services and restorative practices for middle school students.
- First amendment to Title I contracts for non-public schools totaling $7,941,049.00
- Third amendment to Educators for Quality Alternatives contract for middle school restorative practices not to exceed $950,000.00
- Acceptance of a $100,000.00 grant from New School for New Orleans for a data dashboard staff position
- Proposed extension for Collegiate Academies to open a 9-12 grade charter by the 2026-2027 school year
- Request for ReNEW Robert Russa Moton: Lakefront to operate as its own Local Education Agency effective July 1, 2024
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole will hear presentations on career-connected learning, school system needs, portfolio updates, enrollment timelines, and the student code of conduct. Action items include accepting a $100,000 grant for a data dashboard, extending a charter deadline, approving independent LEA status for a school, accepting a donation, and awarding a $1.17 million student transportation contract to First Student.
- Vote on $1,173,486 student transportation contract with First Student for one year with two renewal options
- Accept $100,000 grant from New School for New Orleans for a data dashboard staff position
- Extend Collegiate Academies' deadline to open a 9-12 charter to the 2026-2027 school year
- Approve ReNEW Robert Russa Moton: Lakefront as its own Local Education Agency (LEA) effective July 1, 2024
- Accept donation of a Model P menstrual product dispenser valued at $341 from The Thurman Perry Foundation
ORLEANS SCHOOL FACILITIES FOUNDATION MEETING
The Orleans School Facilities Foundation is meeting to adopt previous meeting minutes and consider a resolution regarding the Rose Mary Loving School. The body will also provide guidelines for public comment.
- Resolution 01-24: Approval of Written Consent of the Board of Directors for Rose Mary Loving School
- Adoption of minutes from the October 17, 2023 meeting
SPECIAL BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board is meeting to approve the curriculum, furniture, and academic calendar for the new direct-run Leah Chase School. The board will also consider paraprofessional salary changes and a land lease agreement.
- Purchase of K-5 curriculum for The Leah Chase School not to exceed $500,000
- Purchase of furniture and equipment for The Leah Chase School not to exceed $600,000
- 36-month lease of Section Sixteen land to Unknown Pass Hunting Club, LLC for $31,100 per year
- Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State of Louisiana for a $150,000 appropriation
- Revised salary schedules for paraprofessionals to account for an increase to 212 workdays
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Board is reviewing several consent agenda items including a contract amendment for the Willie Hall Playground and a proposal to rename the Live Oak facility. Other business includes approving a professional auditing contract extension and a new custodial services contract.
- Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with City of New Orleans for Willie Hall Playground
- Renaming of Live Oak facility at 3128 Constance Street to Mary Keller Zervigon
- Correction of James Skelly Wright facility name to J. Skelly Wright
- $190,000.00 contract amendment for EAG Gulf South LLC professional auditing services
- $449,326.35 contract for Washington Building Services custodial and janitorial services
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board's Committee of the Whole will discuss and vote on several items, including a 99-year cooperative endeavor agreement with the City of New Orleans for stormwater mitigation at the former Willie Hall Playground, approval of the FY2024-2025 LEA agreement template for charter schools, and a facility renaming. The board will also hear presentations on electric school buses, capital projects, and school updates.
- 99-year Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with City of New Orleans for Willie Hall Playground at 4000 Cadillac Street for stormwater mitigation
- Approval of FY2024-2025 Local Educational Agency (LEA) Agreement template for charter schools
- Renaming of Live Oak facility at 3128 Constance Street to 'Mary Keller Zervigon'
- Fifth Amendment to contract with EAG Gulf South LLC for auditing services, $190,000
- Request to award custodial and janitorial services contract, $449,326.35
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board is reviewing several facility improvement loans and service contracts. The board will also consider an amendment to the Systemwide Needs Program policy to comply with Louisiana state law.
- Loan of $583,784.80 for roof repairs at Dr. Charles Richard Drew Elementary School
- Loan of $236,680.60 for roof replacement at Lawrence D. Crocker School
- Contract amendment of $113,666.70 for emergency chiller rental at Ronald McNair School
- Contract of $110,592.00 with Cox Communication for E-RATE internet and filtering services
- Contract of $137,320.00 with Capital City Produce, LLC for fresh fruits and vegetables
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board is reviewing several facility improvement loans and contracts. The body is also considering an amendment to the Systemwide Needs Program policy to align with state law.
- Proposed $583,784.80 loan for roof repairs at Dr. Charles Richard Drew Elementary School
- Proposed $236,680.60 loan for roof replacement at Lawrence D. Crocker School
- Proposed $113,666.70 contract amendment for emergency chiller rental at Ronald McNair School
- Proposed $110,592.00 contract with Cox Communication for E-RATE internet and filtering services
- Proposed $137,320.00 bid for fresh fruits and vegetables from Capital City Produce, LLC
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board is meeting to discuss school chartering authority and approve several contract amendments. The body will consider a policy change to allow any school with eligibility criteria to maintain a waitlist to improve transparency for parents.
- Proposed amendment to OPSB Policy HA to permit schools with eligibility criteria to maintain waitlists
- Contract award of $247,429.00 to Colmex Construction, LLC for renovations at Leah Chase building
- Contract amendments totaling $2,745,713.74 for Title I services via Catapult Learning, Sylvan Learning, and Believe to Achieve
- Fifth Amendment of $25,000.00 to Hubbard & Tennyson, LLC for speech therapy services
- First Amendment of $6,000.00 to CSRS for Hurricane Katrina program grants management services
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board will discuss and vote on creating a new school, The Leah Chase School, at 2727 S. Carrollton Avenue for the 2024-2025 school year, and on suspending enrollment policy to guarantee seats for students from closing Lafayette Academy. The board will also consider a $32.9 million budget amendment and policy changes on chartering authority and systemwide needs funding.
- Action to authorize creation of The Leah Chase School (pre-K–8, starting K–5 in 2024-2025) at 2727 S. Carrollton Avenue
- Request to suspend OPSB Policy HE to give closing Lafayette Academy students guaranteed enrollment at Leah Chase School and bypass common enrollment
- Resolution 06-24: $32,945,302 General Fund Budget Amendment No. 2 for FY24, including $3.8 million for Leah Chase startup costs
- Second reading of amendment to Policy HA to allow all schools with eligibility criteria to maintain waitlists
- Second reading of amendment to Policy DCBB (Systemwide Needs Program) to comply with Louisiana Act 55
PUBLIC HEARING: MILLAGE ROLL FORWARD
The Orleans Parish School Board is holding a public hearing regarding the 2024 millage roll forward. This follows a quadrennial reassessment where taxable assessed value in Orleans Parish increased by 13.78%. The presentation will address how these changes affect state funding and local revenue.
- Public hearing on the Calendar Year 2024 Millage Roll Forward
- Discussion of a $5,405,566,970 total taxable assessed value in Orleans Parish
- Estimated $8.1M decrease in state allocation due to increased property values
- Potential $29.7M increase in gross revenues from a full millage roll forward
- Estimated $21.5M net revenue increase after the reduction in MFP
BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Orleans Parish School Board will vote on renewing and increasing contracts for special education evaluation services by $516,000, along with a consent agenda of policy updates. The board will also hear the superintendent's report and adopt previous meeting minutes.
- Second amendments to contracts with Educational Diagnostic Services & Consulting of Louisiana, Young Cypress Psychology, and Speducation for special education evaluation services, increasing total cost by $516,000
- Amendment to Policy EBBC, Emergency/Crisis Management, to comply with the 2023 School Safety Act requiring additional safety drills and threat assessment teams
- Amendment to Policy EBCB, Video Monitoring of School Board Property, to align with new public records exemptions for surveillance video
- Amendment to Policy FJ, Orleans Parish School Facility Preservation Program, expanding eligibility for capital improvement grants to all school facilities
- Amendment to Policy BCBK, Executive Sessions, to allow discussions on cybersecurity and financial security procedures
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Orleans Parish School Board Committee of the Whole will discuss and vote on second amendments to contracts with three special education evaluation providers, totaling up to $516,000 for a third year. The board will also hear presentations on school updates, portfolio and accountability, and the superintendent's plan for direct-run schools. Additionally, the board will vote on second readings of nine policy amendments, including updates to executive sessions, the annual operating budget, audits, emergency/crisis management, public health emergency, video monitoring, transportation, facility preservation, and sick leave.
- Second amendments to contracts with Educational Diagnostic Services & Consulting of Louisiana, Young Cypress Psychology, and Speducation for Special Education Evaluation Services, increasing total contract cost by up to $516,000 funded by ESSER 3
- Second reading of amendment to Policy EBBC, Emergency/Crisis Management, incorporating the School Safety Act of 2023 requiring additional safety drills and a District Threat Assessment Team
- Second reading of amendment to Policy EBCB, Video Monitoring of School Board Property, updating policy to comply with Act 301 of 2023 regarding surveillance video retention and access
- Finance update reporting November total revenue of $11,016,118 exceeded budget by $9,153,121 due to investments and indirect costs
- Superintendent's report on readiness to direct-run schools