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Environmental Charter Schools

Board of Directors' Meeting

In-Person at ECS Home Office

Date and Time

Monday July 27, 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

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, 2029
Dr. Denise Berger, ................................3 years  June 30, 2029
Mr. Anthony Jowid.................................3 years June 30, 2028

Mr. Kennedy Hilario...............................3 years June 30, 2029

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

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

Mr. Andrew Ellenbogen..........................3 years June 30, 2029

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 Development & Communications

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 up to 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the Board meeting by turning in a Speaker Form (available at the check-in table in English and Spanish). Speaker Forms must be turned in by the time of the published start of the board meeting (e.g. 5:00 pm) in order to be added to the public comment section for that meeting.


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 two (2) minutes each to address the Board (non-English speakers utilizing translators will be given a maximum of four (4) minutes each). Please note that the Board allows a maximum of 16 minutes for this section, on a first-come, first-served basis.


Should a member of the public wish to speak on matters listed on the agenda, they may speak at the beginning of the specific agenda item. Speakers will be given a maximum of two (2) minutes each to address the Board (non-English speakers utilizing translators will be given a maximum of four (4) minutes each). Please note that the Board allows a maximum of 6 minutes to each agenda item on a first-come, first-served basis.


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. Action Item 5:08 PM
  A. Elect officers of the ECS corporation Vote Anthony Jowid 3 m
   

Revised:

 

  • President: Dr. Denise Berger
  • Vice President: Anthony Jowid

No change:

 

  • Superintendent: Danielle Kelsick
  • Treasurer: Tracy Bondi
  • Secretary: Jeremiah Rosario David
  
III. Presentations from the Floor 5:11 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 this section of the agenda.

 

Speakers will be given a maximum of two (2) minutes each to address the Board (non-English speakers utilizing translators will be given a maximum of four (4) minutes each). Please note that the Board allows a maximum of 16 minutes for this section, on a first-come, first-served basis.

  
  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 at the beginning of the specific agenda item.

 

Speakers will be given a maximum of two (2) minutes each to address the Board (non-English speakers utilizing translators will be given a maximum of four (4) minutes each). Please note that the Board allows a maximum of 6 minutes to each agenda item on a first-come, first-served basis.

  
IV. Discussion Items / Updates 5:31 PM
  A. Superintendent Update FYI Danielle Kelsick 15 m
   
  • Academic Priority Preview
  • Introduction of Senior Manager of Finance Sarahai Garibay
  • Update on ECHSG student enrollment for 2026-27
  
  B. Board Governance Proposal Discuss Dr. Denise Berger & Anthony Jowid 20 m
   
 
  C. ECS Compensation Adjustments Presentation FYI Danielle Kelsick 7 m
   
 
V. EEU Comments to the Board 6:13 PM
  A. EEU Comments to the Board FYI EEU 5 m
   

EEU will be given a maximum of five (5) minutes to address the Board.

  
VI. Consent Items A-K 6:18 PM
  A. Approve 6/22/2026 board meeting minutes Approve Minutes Jeremiah Rosario David 3 m
   
 
     
  B. Approve 4/20/2026 board meeting minutes Approve Minutes Jeremiah Rosario David
   
 
     
  C. Approve contracts Vote Jeremiah Rosario David
   
  1. ECMSI Woodcraft Rangers after-school program contract renewal 2026-27 
    1. Staff analysis: After-school contract renewal matching annually awarded ASES grant amount.
  2. ECS - VNS Janitorial Services 2026-27 Renewal Contracts
    1. Staff analysis: no increase from previous contracts. Janitorial costs are in line with 26/27 school budgets.
      1. ECHS-Lawndale
      2. ECMS-Gardena
      3. ECMS-Inglewood
      4. ECHS-Gardena
  3. ECHSL - VNS Maintenance 2025-26 Renewal Contract
    1. Staff analysis: no increase from previous contract. Maintenance contract renewal for daytime services provided in conjunction with janitorial services. Maintenance costs are in line with 26/27 school budgets.
  4. ECHS-Gardena 10th Grade Outdoor Education Trip, Camp Whittle (Santa Barbara Adventure Company)
    1. Staff Analysis: Three-day outdoor classroom program at Camp Whittle YMCA (Fawnskin) at $515.00 per participant (South Campus housing). Estimated total of $50,470 within the board approved budget.
  5. ECHS-Gardena 11th Grade Outdoor Education Trip, Camp Gilmore (Santa Barbara Adventure Company)
    1. Staff Analysis: Three-day outdoor classroom program at Camp Gilmore (Calabasas) at $529.00 per participant. Estimated total of $51,842 within the board approved budget.
  6. ECS - Danielle Marquez Environmental Education Program Consultant Agreement 2026-27
    1. Staff analysis: Environmental consultant contract substantially matching previous year contracts for the purpose of working on sustainable environmental projects.
  7. ECMSG - Boys & Girls Club of the Los Angeles Harbor After-School Program Renewal Agreement 2026-27
    1. Staff analysis: After-school contract renewal matching annually awarded ASES grant amount.
       
  
  D. Approve revised 2026-27 ECHS-G Academic Calendar Vote Lucia Bañuelos & Jeremiah Rosario David
   
  • Revised 2026-27 ECHS-G Academic Calendar
    • Following the June 22 board approval, the ECHSG admin team made a further revision to the adjusted Monday (Even Block) bell schedule used during six weeks of the school year, equalizing the three block periods at 100 minutes each, resulting in total weekly minutes changes to:
      • Week of 8/31: +5 minutes
      • Week of 11/9: +5 minutes
      • Week of 12/14: +5 minutes
      • Week of 2/8: +5 minutes
      • Week of 3/15: no change
      • Week of 5/10: no change
    • The impact on annual instructional minutes is a net of +20 minutes
    • Updated annual total is 65,620, which is a surplus of +820 above the 64,800 statutory minimum
    • As part of finalizing the schedules ahead of the school year, all ECHSG bell schedules were reviewed against Article 7.8.1 of the ECS-EEU Collective Bargaining Agreement and finalized to provide the full 35-minute duty-free lunch period on every schedule. Student dismissal on the All-Classes Monday and Tuesday 6/8 schedules moves from 2:10 PM to 2:15 PM, and afternoon staff PD and conference start times on the three minimum days (12/16, 2/12, 6/9) were set to preserve the 35-minute duty-free period. These adjustments have no instructional minutes impact.
  
  E. Approve revised 2026-27 Board Calendar Vote Jeremiah Rosario David
   
 
  F. Approve revised 2026-27 ECS Board Committees & Terms Vote Jeremiah Rosario David
   
 
  G. Approve LACOE Certification of Signatures 2026-27 Vote Jeremiah Rosario David
   
 
  H. Approve Teachers on Special Assignment for 2026-27 School Year (Board Policy 32188) Vote Sarah Jamieson
   
 
  I. Approve sale or disposal of ECS e-waste (surplus technology equipment) Vote Jeremiah David
   

The Board declares the equipment listed in ECS E-Waste Log 07-2026 as surplus property and approves its disposal as follows:

 

  • Donation or Disposal: Any listed item with a current fair market value at or under $100 at the time of disposal may be donated by the Director of Compliance & Operations to an eligible donee organization consistent with ECS Financial Policy Section J, or disposed of via secure e-waste destruction.
  • Employee Sale: Any listed item with a current fair market value between $101 and $400 at the time of disposal may be sold by the Director of Compliance & Operations directly to a current ECS employee at a price equal to the item's current fair market value minus $100, provided the purchasing employee had no role in declaring the item surplus or determining its value.
  
  J. Approve revised ECS Board Committee Charters Vote Dr. Denise Berger
   

Adopts updated charters for the Board's standing committees (Governance, Finance, and Labor & Compensation), defining each committee's purpose, scope, and reporting responsibilities to the full Board.

  
  K. Approve ECS Board Member Commitments & Governance Expectations Vote Dr. Denise Berger
   

Adopts the Board Member Commitments & Governance Expectations, establishing shared expectations for preparation and attendance, governing rather than managing, fiduciary and ethical duties, committee service, Brown Act compliance, and an annual signed acknowledgment by each Board member.

  
VII. Action Items 6:21 PM
  A. Approve ECS Compensation Adjustments Vote Tracy Bondi & Danielle Kelsick 3 m
   
  • Attached in Discussion Items / Updates IV.C above (Proposed Compensation Adjustments document).

The Board will consider approval of the compensation scale and structure adjustments presented under Discussion Item IV.C, effective July 1, 2026, authorizing the four classifications below with an aggregate 2026-27 estimated financial impact of $30,772.78:

 

  1. Principal Scales (revised): HS and MS scales re-anchored to a competitive Year 1 market rate.
  2. Office Coordinator Scale (revised): expanded from 5 to 10 steps and re-anchored at Year 1 with 2.5% annual step growth.
  3. Office Assistant Scale (revised): extended from 4 to 10 steps and re-anchored at Year 1.
  4. Home Office Levels (new): a new leveling framework scoring each role on scope, strategic impact, leadership, and expertise across 6 levels (Assistant through Director), with ranges anchored to LA Metro market data.

Market comparisons draw on the EdFuel 2025 National Charter School Compensation and Benefits Study.

  
  B. Approve CL 500 Declaration of Need for ECHS-Lawndale, ECMS-Gardena, ECMS-Inglewood, ECHS-Gardena Vote Sarah Jamieson 3 m
   
 
VIII. Upcoming Dates/Announcements 6:27 PM
  A. Next ECS board meeting FYI Danielle Kelsick 1 m
   
  • Monday, August 24, 2026 @ 5pm
  
  B. Next ECS committee meetings and events FYI Danielle Kelsick 1 m
  C. Appreciations Discuss All Attendees 1 m
IX. Transition to Closed Session 6:30 PM
  A. Adjourn to closed session Vote Anthony Jowid 2 m
X. Closed Session 6:32 PM
  A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1)) Discuss 20 m
   

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

 

Name of Case: JOHN DOE 7148 v. Environmental Charter Middle School. Case No. 25TRCV02819.

  
XI. Report out of Closed Session 6:52 PM
  A. Report out FYI Anthony Jowid 1 m
XII. Closing Items 6:53 PM
  A. Adjourn Meeting Vote Anthony Jowid 1 m