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Environmental Charter Schools

Board of Directors' Meeting

In-Person at ECS Home Office

Date and Time

Monday June 22, 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 | 1 N Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 | 179 Daylesford Blvd, Berwyn, PA 19312

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 Rosario 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   Anthony Jowid 1 m
   
 
  B. Call the Meeting to Order   Anthony Jowid 1 m
  C. Approve the agenda Vote Anthony Jowid 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. ELA Program Roadmap FYI Jane Wyche-Jonas 10 m
   
  • Overview of ELA Program at ECS grades 6-12: 3-year plan with focus on reading, writing, and interventions.
  
  B. Vertex Education Financial Update and 2026-27 Budgets Presentation Discuss Jair Ventura 25 m
   
 
  C. 2026-27 Local Control and Accountability Plans Presentation for all ECS Schools Discuss Jen Fenton & Danielle Kelsick 25 m
   
 
IV. Public Hearing 6:28 PM
  A. Public Hearing regarding the actions and expenditures proposed in each ECS schools' 2026-27 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) FYI Public 10 m
   
 
V. Consent Items A-N 6:38 PM
  A. Approve 5/18/2026 special board meeting minutes Approve Minutes Jeremiah Rosario David 3 m
   
 
     
  B. Approve 2026-27 Consolidated Application for each ECS school Vote Tracy Bondi
   
 
  C. Approve contracts Vote Jeremiah Rosario David
   
  1. ECS - Third Amendment to Lease, 2625 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Suite 100, Redondo Beach (Rexford Industrial - 2601 Manhattan Beach, LLC)
    1. Staff Analysis: Extends the Home Office lease term through November 30, 2029. Costs within the proposed budget. Includes 100% Base Rent credit for December 2026 and a three-year extension option.
  2. ECHS-Lawndale 9th Grade Outdoor Education Trip Agreement (Catalina Island Camps, Inc.)
    1. Staff Analysis: CELP outdoor education program at $346 per student and tiered chaperone rates. Estimated total of $43,077 within the proposed budget. Approval in arrears requested due to time being of the essence between board meetings.
  3. ECMS-Inglewood 8th Grade Outdoor Education Trip, AstroCamp Agreement (Guided Discoveries, Inc.)
    1. Staff Analysis: Three-day AstroCamp program at $370 per student and $185 per chaperone. Estimated total of $37,925 within the proposed budget. Approval in arrears requested due to time being of the essence between board meetings.
  4. ECS - Black Girls Green Futures (BGGF) Memorandum of Understanding, 2026 Program Cycle (Women's Earth Alliance / Earth Island Institute)
    1. Staff Analysis: Partnership MOU for ECS to run the second year of the BGGF program in-house from May through September 2026, serving 15 mentees, 6 mentors, and 4 community partners across all four sites with a focus on youth leadership, habitat creation, and biodiversity documentation. WEA provides $15,000.00 in one disbursement upon signing, including $4,000.00 for the Program Coordinator and $2,000.00 for the Program Director (paid as independent contractors).
  5. ECS - Revolution Foods Vended Meals Service Agreement Renewal, 2026-27 (Revolution Foods, PBC)
    1. Staff Analysis: Renewal of school lunch and breakfast vended meals for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Per-meal rates reflecting the April 2026 CPI for Food Away from Home, West Region. Approval in arrears requested due to time being of the essence between board meetings.
  6. ECMSI - Perimeter Fencing Installation (MDC Valencia Construction Corporation, Estimate #656)
    1. Staff Analysis: Installation of approximately 240 linear feet of new brick-and-iron perimeter fencing with columns and three gated entries at the Inglewood campus. ECS has been working to secure the perimeter of ECMSI's campus as a safety improvement. Worked with City to obtain variance approval for an 8ft high fence to match existing fencing. Total cost $45,785 (including labor and materials) within the proposed budget.
  7. ECS - NWEA MAP Growth Assessment Renewal, 2026-27 (NWEA)
    1. Staff Analysis: Renewal of MAP Growth K-12 assessment licenses for all ECS students plus Foundations Online. Total amount of $23,712.50 within the proposed budget.
  8. ECS - PowerSchool SIS Hosting, Maintenance, and Support Renewal, 2026-27 (PowerSchool Group LLC, Invoice INV491849)
    1. Staff Analysis: Annual SIS hosting, maintenance and support, and SSL certificate for the period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, covering all ECS students. Total amount of $23,278.41 within the proposed budget.
  9. ECMSI - Fire Alarm System Installation (Bosch Building Technologies, LLC / Climatec, Bidtracer #25-6628)
    1. Staff Analysis: Turnkey fire alarm system installation tying new devices into the existing fire alarm and voice evacuation system at the newly acquired ECMS-I expansion property. Total cost of $27,000 (including plans, permit fees, and prevailing wage) within the proposed budget.
  10. ECHSG - Imagine Learning EdgeEX with Edgenuity Site License Renewal, ECHS-Gardena (Imagine Learning LLC, Quote Q-226945)
    1. Annual site license renewal for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 at ECHS-Gardena. Total cost of $15,070 within the proposed budget.
  11. Term Extension to ECS - Jessyka Ramirez-Holden Independent Contractor Agreement for 2026-27
    1. Staff Analysis: Renews and extends the Independent Contractor Agreement dated July 25, 2025 for a new term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 to continue the Environmental Leadership Pathway (ELP) – College Prep Curriculum Redesign. Monthly retainer of $4,800.00 covering up to 60 hours per month, not to exceed $57,600.00 over the Extension Term. Contingent on continued grant funding.
  12. ECHS-Gardena 12th Grade Yosemite Outdoor Education Trip Agreement (NatureBridge)
    1. Staff Analysis: Three-night NatureBridge environmental science program at the Yosemite campus at $524.00 per participant. Estimated net total of $63,234 within the proposed 2026-27 budget.
       
  
  D. Approve Special Education Provider Master Contracts 2026-27 Vote Dr. Shalene Wright
   

Vetted by Dr. Shalene Wright, Director of SpEd and ELD

 

  1. Cross Country Education: ECHSL, ECMSG, ECMSI, ECHSG
  2. EdLogical: ECHSL, ECMSG, ECMSI, ECHSG
  3. LA Speech Pathology Services: ECHSL, ECMSG, ECMSI, ECHSG
  
  E. Approve 2026-27 ECS Employee Handbook Vote Sarah Jamieson & Jeremiah David
   

 

Summary of changes

 

This year's handbook was reviewed and redlined by employment counsel at Young, Minney & Corr (YMC). Key revisions:

 

  • As required by statute:
    • Added Adult/Student Interaction Policy (p. 14) per SB 848: policy governing staff-student conduct and interactions. Mandated reporting language under Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting (p. 22) was also updated for SB 848
    • Added emergency contact designation (p. 69) per SB 294: Employees may designate an emergency contact whom ECS will notify if the employee is arrested or detained at work
    • Added Know Your Rights workplace notice (Emergency Conditions, p. 69)
    • Added Immigrant Worker Protection Act language (p. 21) addressing immigration enforcement obligations at the worksite
    • Updated Paid Sick Leave (p. 42), Pregnancy Disability Leave (p. 46) and Family and Medical Leave / CFRA (p. 51) policies
    • Updated protected classes (p. 8) and added FEHA interactive process language (p. 10) to align the protected-class list and reasonable accommodation obligations with the Fair Employment and Housing Act alongside the ADA
  • Clarified: disqualifying-offense language under Criminal Background Checks (p. 22), additional prohibited conduct under Standards of Conduct (p. 33), a more descriptive list of payroll deductions (p. 27), and statutory limits on Leave for Reproductive Loss (up to 20 days per year, used within 3 months of the event) (p. 58)
  
  F. Approve revised 2026-27 ECHS-G Academic Calendar Vote Jeremiah Rosario David & Danielle Kelsick
   
  • Revised 2026-27 ECHS-G Academic Calendar
    • Changes to specific weekly bell schedules were developed by the ECHSG admin team and informed by a school staff survey administered earlier this year, resulting in total weekly minutes changes to:
      • Week of 8/31: -5 minutes
      • Week of 10/19: +40 minutes
      • Week of 11/9: -5 minutes
      • Week of 12/14: -160 minutes
      • Week of 2/8: -85 minutes
      • Week of 6/7: +45 minutes
    • The impact on annual instructional minutes is a net of -170 minutes
    • Updated annual total is 65,600, which is a surplus of +800 above the 64,800 statutory minimum
  
  G. Approve revised 2025-26 Board & Committee Calendar Vote Jeremiah Rosario David
   
 
  H. Approve 2026-27 Board & Committee Calendar Vote Jeremiah Rosario David & Danielle Kelsick
   
 
  I. Elect officers of the ECS corporation Vote Jeremiah Rosario David
   
  • President: Dr. Betsy Hamilton
  • Vice President: Zena Fong
  • Superintendent: Danielle Kelsick
  • Treasurer: Tracy Bondi
  • Secretary: Jeremiah David
  
  J. Approve 3-year board term renewals (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029) for the following members Vote Jeremiah Rosario David
   
  • Denise Berger
  • Zena Fong
  • Kennedy Hilario
  • Andrew Ellenbogen
  
  K. Approve 2026-27 ECS Board Committees & Terms Vote Jeremiah Rosario David
   
 
  L. Accept resignation of board member Dr. Madhu Chatwani effective 6/30/2026 Vote Jeremiah David
   
 
  M. Approve 2026-27 Education Protection Act Plan and Resolution Vote Tracy Bondi
   
 
  N. Approve private donations over $1,000 Vote Jen Fenton
   
 
VI. Action Items 6:41 PM
  A. Approve 2026-27 Local Accountability and Control Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G Vote Jen Fenton & Danielle Kelsick 3 m
   
  • Attached in Public Hearing IV.A above.
  
  B. Approve 2026-27 budgets for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G Vote Tracy Bondi & Danielle Kelsick 3 m
   
  • Attached in Discussion Items / Updates III.B above
  
  C. Approve 2026 California School Dashboard Local Indicators for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G Vote Robert Maxwell & Jeremiah David 3 m
   
 
VII. Upcoming Dates/Announcements 6:50 PM
  A. Next ECS board meeting FYI Danielle Kelsick 1 m
   
  • Monday, July 27, 2026 @ 5pm (upon board approval)
  
  B. Next ECS committee meetings and events FYI Danielle Kelsick 1 m
   
  • Audit Committee - January 20, 2027 @ 1:00pm
  • Finance Committee - June 18, 2027 @ 8:30am
  
  C. Appreciations Discuss All Attendees 1 m
VIII. Transition to Closed Session 6:53 PM
  A. Adjourn to closed session Vote Anthony Jowid 2 m
IX. Closed Session 6:55 PM
  A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9) Discuss 10 m
   

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

  
  B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (Government Code §54957.6) Discuss 50 m
   

Agency Designated Representative: Anthony Jowid

 

Unrepresented Employee: Superintendent

  
X. Report out of Closed Session 7:55 PM
  A. Report out FYI Anthony Jowid 1 m
XI. Action Item 7:56 PM
  A. Approve Superintendent Compensation for 2026-27 Vote Anthony Jowid 3 m
   
  • The Board will consider and take action on the Superintendent's compensation for 2026-27, including base salary and benefits, following the Board's annual performance evaluation conducted at the May 18, 2026 Special Board Meeting.
  • For reference: Executive Compensation Study FY26 for ECS
  
XII. Closing Items 7:59 PM
  A. Adjourn Meeting Vote Anthony Jowid 1 m