Karen Alexander

The meeting included several procedural opening items, multiple presentations such as Campus of the Month, School of the Month, Partner of the Month, Athletic Recognition, POSSE Scholars, and CTE presentations, alongside Superintendent's Announcements. Key actions involved Second Readings to authorize the Board President to act as a representative for the ITEP Committee, conduct a Regular Board Meeting on the Eastbank in 2026, renew a contract with Grant & Barrow, APLC, acknowledge salary charts for teachers with high evaluations, and amend a bridge design contract for the Bunche Washington school. The extensive Consent Agenda covered numerous items including a Limited Tax Bond 2023 Construction Fund Budget Amendment, acceptance or rejection of bids and proposals for various school projects (e.g., St. Pierre Academy, Fisher Middle-High School, Bess Harvey Stadium), project acceptances, a change order for Matas Elementary School, settlement of a workers compensation claim, contract transfers, approval of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Jefferson Parish for academic support funds at Emmett Gilbert School of Excellence, and amendments to agreements with Sylvan Learning Center and Catapult Learning, LLC. Items addressed under Committee Reports included approving the engagement of EisnerAmper LLP for financial audits for three fiscal years, preliminary approval for issuing Sales Tax Refunding School Bonds, and various change orders and contract approvals for construction projects at New Washington School and New St. Ville School, including funding adjustments related to Hurricane Ida damage repairs at Fisher Middle-High School and Riverdale High School, and program management services with CSRS, LLC.

The Special Session Board Meeting addressed several action items. Key discussions included the selection of a State Contracted Furniture Vendor for the Ralphe J. Bunche - George S. Washington School project, and the approval of an Architect and Engineer Selection List (RFQ 3396) for Districtwide Architectural and Engineering Design Services. A Change Order (No. 4) for the Bonella A. St. Ville School project was approved as a consent item. In New Business, the Board sought a 24-hour waiver concerning Act 89 to clarify the definition of an 'athletic field' regarding political signs on school property, and a motion was passed to request the Board Attorney seek clarification from the Attorney General. Additionally, a first reading moved to amend the bridge design contract for the Bunche Washington school to include necessary public meetings for project completion.

The public hearing addressed the proposed consolidation of Isaac Joseph and Stella Worley at the Stella Worley site, which is intended to be a PK-8 school. Ms. Suzanne Nugent presented the proposed consolidation and associated attendance zone changes.

The meeting included recognition of the Campus, School, and Partner of the Month, Milken Award Winner, Louisiana Blue Ribbon School, Arts Recognitions, and Athletic Recognitions. There was a presentation on academic performance. The board discussed and took action on several second readings, including nominations for President and Vice President, summer camp meals, certificates of recognition, FEMA claims, and amendments to School Board Policy CBG Evaluation of the Superintendent. The board also discussed the vacant property at the old Haynes Academy site. The consent agenda included items such as the 2026 Board Meeting Schedule, bid acceptances, approval of FMX Work Order Software Subscription, tabulation and recommendation for Construction Program Management Services for Fisher High School, project acceptance, SPED Strategies, LLC contract, consolidation of schools, budget increase and change order, student expulsion review cases, and authorization to complete the acquisition of certain immovable property.

The meeting included presentations recognizing the Campus, School, and Partner of the Month. The board discussed and approved minutes from the previous meeting. Second readings were conducted on several authored items, addressing topics such as summer camp meals, certificates of recognition, FEMA claims, meeting schedules, superintendent evaluation, and the purchase of electric school buses. The consent agenda included contracts, bid acceptances, budget approvals, project scopes, change orders, project acceptances, bid rejections, attendance zone revisions, settlement of a tort claim and workers compensation claims, resolution regarding manufacturing machinery and equipment exemption, and settlement of a legal case. The board convened an executive session to discuss a legal case.