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Environmental Charter Schools

Board of Directors' Meeting

In-Person at ECS Home Office

Date and Time

Monday April 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM PDT

Location

In-person location: ECS Home Office - 2625 Manhattan Beach Blvd #100, Redondo Beach, CA 90278

 

Two-way teleconference locations: ECMS-Gardena (812 W. 165th Place, Gardena, CA 90247) |
ECMS-Inglewood (3600 W Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303) | ECHS-Lawndale (16315 Grevillea Ave.
Lawndale, CA 90260) | ECHS-Gardena (2818 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90249) | 1100 Shasta Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126 | 13885 Dogleg Lane, Broomfield, CO 80023 | 601 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

ECS Board Members                              Term   and    End Date    
Dr. Betsy Hamilton, President...............3 years June 30, 2028

Ms. Zena Fong, Vice President.............3 years June 30, 2026
Dr. Denise Berger, ................................3 years  June 30, 2026
Mr. Anthony Jowid.................................3 years June 30, 2028

Dr. Madhu Chatwani..............................3 years June 30, 2026
Mr. Kennedy Hilario...............................3 years June 30, 2026

Mr. Herb Sims........................................3 years June 30, 2028

Mr. Mason Williams................................3 years June 30, 2028

Mr. Andrew Ellenbogen..........................3 years June 30, 2026

Mr. Remco Waller...................................3 years June 30, 2028
Lawndale Elementary School District Representative, Rotating Position  

ECS Staff   
Ms. Danielle Kelsick, Superintendent

Ms. Lucia Bañuelos, Deputy Superintendent of Schools

Ms. Tracy Bondi, Director of Finance

Mr. Jeremiah David, Director of Compliance & Operations

Ms. Sarah Jamieson, Director of Human Resources

Ms. Jen Fenton, Director of Strategic Initiatives

Dr. Shalene Wright, Director of SpEd & English Language Development

Mr. Cesar Delgado, Director of Student Wellness

Dr. Geneva Matthews, Principal at ECMS-Inglewood

Mr. Dave Trejo, Principal at ECMS-Gardena 

Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro, Principal at ECHS-Gardena 
Ms. Jennifer Larsen, Principal at ECHS-Lawndale


Mission:

Reimagine public education in low-income communities of color to prepare conscious, critical thinkers who are equipped to graduate from college and create a more equitable and sustainable world.

Values:

JUSTICE - We examine bias, racism, and prejudice. We deliver culturally-responsive curricula. We succeed when students’ race and class cease to predict their level of achievement.

COMMUNITY - We care. We collaborate. We respect the rights and voices of our stakeholders.

CURIOSITY - We question. We explore. We innovate.

SUSTAINABILITY - We think globally and act locally. We adapt. We encourage systems thinking to create a sustainable future.

LEADERSHIP - We listen. We think critically. We advocate. We shift public discourse. We are our own superheroes.

THE ORDER OF BUSINESS MAY BE CHANGED WITHOUT NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the order of consideration of matters on this agenda may be changed without prior notice.

PUBLIC SPEAKERS AT BOARD MEETINGS
Notice is hereby given that consistent with the requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act, special presentations not mentioned in the agenda may be made at this meeting.  However, any such presentation will be for information only. The public should be aware that the Board is unable by law to deliberate or take action on items raised during the Presentations from the Floor section.

Environmental Charter Schools recognizes that it benefits greatly from public input and perspective. Individuals are invited to address the Board on any topic or subject matter that falls within the Environmental Charter School's purview. Speakers may sign up in person immediately prior to the beginning of the Board meeting by turning in a Speaker Form (available at the check-in table in English and Spanish).

Should a member of the public wish to speak on matters not listed on the agenda, they may speak during the Presentations from the Floor section of the agenda. Speakers will be given a maximum of three (3) minutes each to address the Board (non-English speakers utilizing translators will be given a maximum of six (6) minutes each). Please note that the Board allows a maximum of 10 minutes to each subject as determined by the Board's presiding officer.

Should a member of the public wish to speak on matters listed on the agenda, they may speak during the Presentations from the Floor section of the agenda. Speakers will be given a maximum of five (5) minutes each to address the Board (non-English speakers utilizing translators will be given a maximum of ten (10) minutes each).

The public should be aware that the Board is unable by law to deliberate or take action on items raised during the Presentations from the Floor section.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION WILL BE PROVIDED FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY
Pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, any individual with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to attend or participate in this meeting of the Governing Board may request assistance by contacting ECS at (310) 214-3408, option 5.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information concerning this agenda or for materials relating to this meeting, please contact ECS at (310) 214-3408, option 5. Previous board meeting minutes may be viewed on the Board On Track public portal website at https://app2.boardontrack.com/public/3tHo3u/home.

Agenda

Section Number Topic Number Details Purpose Presenter Time
I. Opening Items 5:00 PM
 
Opening Items
 
  A. Record attendance and guests   Dr. Betsy Hamilton 1 m
   
 
  B. Call the Meeting to Order   Dr. Betsy Hamilton 1 m
  C. Approve the agenda Vote Dr. Betsy Hamilton 1 m
   

Note any agenda items to be tabled or reordered.

 

  
  D. Opener Discuss Danielle Kelsick 5 m
II. Presentations from the Floor 5:08 PM
  A. Presentations from the floor on non-agenda Items FYI 10 m
   

Should a member of the public wish to speak on matters not listed on the agenda, they may speak during the Presentations from the Floor section of the agenda. Speakers will be given a maximum of three (3) minutes each to address the Board (non-English speakers utilizing translators will be given a maximum of six (6) minutes each).

  
  B. Presentations from the floor on agenda items FYI 10 m
   

Should a member of the public wish to speak on matters listed on the agenda, they may speak during the Presentations from the Floor section of the agenda. Speakers will be given a maximum of five (5) minutes each to address the Board (non-English speakers utilizing translators will be given a maximum of ten (10) minutes each).

  
III. Discussion Items / Updates 5:28 PM
  A. Superintendent update FYI Danielle Kelsick 5 m
  B. Informational Item - Public Disclosure of Tentative Collective Bargaining Agreement with Environmental Educators United (EEU), CTA/NEA, Pursuant to Government Code § 3547.5 FYI Danielle Kelsick 5 m
   

Public summary of the major provisions of the tentative collective bargaining agreement between Environmental Charter Schools and Environmental Educators United (EEU), CTA/NEA, including the agreement term, compensation provisions, benefits provisions, workload and work year provisions, employment-status and layoff provisions, grievance and discipline provisions, and the estimated fiscal impact for the current and subsequent fiscal years.

 

No action will be taken in open session on this item.

 

  
IV. Consent Items A-F 5:38 PM
  A. Approve 2/23/2026 board meeting minutes Approve Minutes Jeremiah David 3 m
   
 
     
  B. Approve check registers and credit card statements Vote Tracy Bondi / Sarahai Garibay
   

ECS management certification: ECS management attests to having reviewed and approved the individual line items on the attached check registers and credit card statements in accordance with ECS Financial Policies.

 

  
  C. Approve contracts Vote Jeremiah David
   

A. Ramp financial management software renewal contract


Staff Analysis: Financial management software renewal covering AP automation, expense management, and corporate card controls. $33,200/yr; 175 user seats. 12-month term.

 

B. Tableau data visualization software renewal contract
 

Staff Analysis: Cloud-based data visualization and reporting software renewal. $18,952.50 for viewer and creator licenses. Term: May 2026–June 2027.

 

C. Charter School Tech network infrastructure upgrade contract - E-Rate Category 2 Contract
 

Background: E-Rate is a federal program that annually provides major discounts to schools to pay for tech network upgrades, network maintenance, and broadband internet services.

 

Staff Analysis: E-Rate funded Category 2 network infrastructure upgrade: new routers, switches, wireless access points, and UPS equipment installed at all schoolsites. ~$143,155. ECS's E-Rate funding discount is 85%; ECS's out of pocket costs are 15% of the contract amount listed above.

 

D. Charter School Tech network maintenance/support contract - E-Rate Category 2 Contract
 

Staff Analysis: E-Rate funded managed internal broadband services. 24/7 network monitoring and on-site support for eligible equipment at four ECS campuses. $750/campus/month. ECS's E-Rate funding discount is 85%; ECS's out of pocket costs are 15% of the contract amount listed above.

 

E. VideoFresh Video Production Agreement
 

Staff Analysis: Three-day video production package covering all four campuses. Deliverables: Environmental Leadership Pathway video, middle school promotional video, ECS overview video, and short-form edits. $22,497 (or $19,798 with prepayment discount).

 

F. KC Fabiero Independent Contractor Agreement #2 2025-26
 

Staff Analysis: ECHS-G SPED consulting services through June 26, 2026.

 

G. Los Angeles Community College District - CCAP Partnership Agreement with ECHS-Gardena
 

Staff Analysis: AB 288 dual enrollment partnership: LACCD faculty teach college courses at ECHS-Gardena campus. Up to 60 students/year; 8–10 FTES projected per year.

 

H. Ricoh Copiers Renewal Agreement
 

Staff Analysis: Early renewal of ECS's large copier fleet across four campuses, replacing discontinued models with current-generation copiers. Procured via OMNIA Partners cooperative contract and internal RFQ process. Ricoh absorbs remaining lease balance (~$28,500) and handles all removal, delivery, and installation at no cost to ECS. 60-month term; $6,864.82/month.

 

I. ECHSL - Santa Barbara Adventure Company - 10th Grade Outdoor Education Trip Contract


Staff Analysis: Two-day, one-night outdoor education trip for ECHS-Lawndale 10th grade. $439/student; $45,217 total.

 

J. ECHSL - Santa Barbara Adventure Company - 11th Grade Outdoor Education Trip Contract
 

Staff Analysis: Two-day, one-night outdoor education trip for ECHS-Lawndale 11th grade. $429/student; $44,187 total.

 

K. ECMSI - Pali Institute - 6th Grade Outdoor Education Trip
 

Staff Analysis: Three-day, two-night outdoor education trip for ECMS-Inglewood 6th grade. $390/student; $40,110 total.

 

L. ECMSI - Camp Woodcraft (Woodcraft Rangers) - 7th Grade Outdoor Education Trip Contract
 

Staff Analysis: Three-day, two-night outdoor education trip for ECMS-Inglewood 7th grade. $360/student; $38,250 total.

 

M. ECMSG - Camp Woodcraft (Woodcraft Rangers) - 7th Grade Outdoor Education Trip Contract
 

Staff Analysis: Three-day, two-night outdoor education trip for ECMS-Gardena 7th grade. $360/student; $36,360 total.

 

N. ECMSG - Pali Institute - 6th Grade Outdoor Education Trip Contract

 

Staff Analysis: Three-day, two-night outdoor education trip for ECMS-Gardena 6th grade. 2-night trip, $450/student; $40,725 total.

 

O. ECMSG - AstroCamp - 8th Grade Outdoor Education Trip Contract

 

Staff Analysis: Three-day, two-night outdoor education trip for ECMS-Gardena 8th grade. $370/student; ~$36,570 total.

 

P. ECHSG - CELP - 9th Grade Outdoor Education Trip Contract

 

Staff Analysis: Three-day, two-night outdoor education trip for ECHS-Gardena 9th grade. $346/student; ~$43,077 total (incl. boat transportation; based on 120 est. students).

  
  D. Approve revised 2025-26 ECMS-I Academic Calendar Vote Jeremiah David
   
 
  E. Approve updated ECS Student and Family Privacy Rights Policy Vote Jeremiah David
   

Updated to conform with AB 49, AB 419, AB 495, and SB 98 (effective 2025-26) and the California AG's December 2025 Model Policies for TK–12 Schools. Supersedes the policy adopted May 31, 2018.

 

  
  F. Approve updated Title IX, Harassment, Intimidation, Discrimination and Bullying and UCP policies Vote Jeremiah David
   

Recommended by ECS legal counsel to align updated policies, creating distinct and non-overlapping complaint pathways

 

  
V. Action Items 5:41 PM
  A. Approve 2026-27 ECS Academic Calendars Vote Lucia Bañuelos & Danielle Kelsick 3 m
   

 

Summary

 

  • All 4 campuses will meet or exceed the CDE's minimum requirement of 175 instructional days in 2026-27.
    • ECMS-G, ECMS-I, and ECHS-G will have 175 instructional days each in 2026-27.
    • ECHS-L will have 176 instructional days in 2026-27.
  • Both high schools will exceed the CDE's minimum requirement of 64,800 instructional minutes in 2025-26.
    • ECHS-L will have 65,173 instructional minutes in 2026-27, exceeding the CDE's minimum requirement by 373 minutes.
    • ECHS-G will have 65,770 instructional minutes in 2026-27, exceeding the CDE's minimum requirement by 970 minutes.
  • Both middle schools will exceed the CDE's minimum requirement of 54,000 instructional minutes in 2026-27.
    • ECMS-G will have 62,335 instructional minutes in 2026-27, exceeding the CDE's minimum requirement by 8,335 minutes.
    • ECMS-I will have 62,918 instructional minutes in 2026-27, exceeding the CDE's minimum requirement by 8,918 minutes
  
  B. Approve updated ECS Salary Schedules (Paraeducator & AP) Effective July 1, 2026 Vote Danielle Kelsick, Tracy Bondi, & Sarah Jamieson 3 m
   

Paraeducator Changes

 

  • Description of changes
    • $2 increase to the scale
    • Remove column for BII + HS and BII + BA and replace with differential for BII training and lead para
    • BII Differential: $2/hr
    • Lead Para Differential: $4/hr
    • Keep HS and BA columns only
    • Off-scale increases align with CBA: 1% - could revisit in future years
    • Adjust new scale to go up year 10 
  • Rationale for changes
    • ECS Paraeducator compensation is significantly below median on 2025 Compensation Study for participating LA charter schools. By increasing the entire scale by $2, ECS Paraeducator compensation is now above the median for participating LA charter schools in the study. This is an equity correction based on an external gap revealed by the compensation study.
    • We extended the scale from 7 years to 10 years to honor experienced paras and ensure that all ECS paras will experience the pay increase next year.
    • For future years, the plan for off-scale increases is to align with the CBA which provides a 1% increase for off-scale unit members.
    • We also replaced BII + HS and BII + BA columns with pay differentials for BIIs and Lead Paras to align compensation for these roles with evolving student needs, work assignments, and market best practices.

 

Assistant Principal Changes

 

  • Description of changes
    • We eliminated the separate pay scale for Middle School APs.
    • All Assistant Principals will be paid on the same scale (formerly ECHS AP scale).
  • Rationale for changes
    • ECS AP compensation is below median on 2025 Compensation Study for participating LA charter schools. By eliminating the MS AP scale, our median now matches for participating LA charter schools in the study. This is an equity correction based on external and internal gaps revealed by the compensation study.
    • Historically, we maintained two separate scales because the High School AP role involved greater program complexity and larger student populations. However, as our Middle School programs have evolved and leadership supports have expanded, the scope and responsibilities of these roles are now aligned.
  
  C. Approve Environmental Science Pre-Apprenticeship Program and CAPS Partnership Agreement Vote Alison Diaz 3 m
   

Authorize ECS leadership to execute the Pre-Apprenticeship Request for Approval (DAS 351PA) and the Pre-Apprenticeship Linkage Agreement with CAPS, establishing a state-recognized Environmental Science Pre-Apprenticeship within the Environmental Leadership Pathway.

 

All 9th-grade students complete pre-apprenticeship coursework through Environmental Science (108 hours over 10 months); up to 30 students per year to advance to semster long internship; up to 5 students per year may advance to the CAPS registered Sustainability Specialist Apprenticeship by 11th grade. Three-year DAS registration term. Approval contingent upon final DAS registration of the CAPS Apprenticeship Program (anticipated May 20, 2026).

 

  
  D. Approve Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation Vote Jeremiah David 3 m
   
 
VI. Upcoming Dates/Announcements 5:53 PM
  A. Next ECS board meeting FYI Danielle Kelsick 1 m
   
  • Monday, June 22, 2026 @ 5pm
  
  B. Next ECS committee meetings and events FYI Danielle Kelsick 1 m
   
 
  C. Appreciations Discuss All Attendees 1 m
VII. Transition to Closed Session 5:56 PM
  A. Adjourn to closed session Vote Dr. Betsy Hamilton 2 m
VIII. Closed Session 5:58 PM
  A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9) Discuss 30 m
   

Name of Case: Environmental Educators United, CTA/NEA v. Environmental Charter Schools. Case No. LA-CE-6934-E.

 

Name of Case: Environmental Educators United, CTA/NEA v. Environmental Charter Schools. Case No. LA-CE-7156-E.

  
  B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code §54957.6) Discuss 30 m
   

Agency Designated Representative: Robert Escalante

 

Employee Organization: Environmental Educators United

 

Matter: Collective Bargaining Agreement under consideration for ratification

  
IX. Report out of Closed Session 6:58 PM
  A. Report out FYI Dr. Betsy Hamilton 1 m
X. Transition to Closed Session 6:59 PM
  A. Adjourn to closed session Vote Dr. Betsy Hamilton 2 m
XI. Closed Session 7:01 PM
  A. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (Government Code § 54957) Discuss 30 m
   

Title: Superintendent

  
XII. Report out of Closed Session 7:31 PM
  A. Report out FYI Dr. Betsy Hamilton 1 m
XIII. Action Item 7:32 PM
  A. Approve Superintendent Compensation for 2026-27 Vote Dr. Betsy Hamilton 1 m
   
 
XIV. Closing Items 7:33 PM
  A. Adjourn Meeting Vote Dr. Betsy Hamilton 1 m