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Environmental Charter Schools

Board of Directors' Meeting

In-Person at ECS Home Office

Date and Time

Thursday June 22, 2023 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: 1100 Shasta Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126 | Building 14, Jamaica, NY 11430

ECS Board Members                              Term   and    End Date    
Mr. Anthony Jowid, President..................3 years June 30, 2025

Dr. Betsy Hamilton, Vice President.........3 years June 30, 2025
Dr. Denise Berger, Secretary....................3 years  June 30, 2023
Ms. Zena Fong............................................3 years June 30, 2023
Ms. Jenina Ramirez....................................3 years June 30, 2024
Dr. Madhu Chatwani..................................3 years June 30, 2023
Mr. Kennedy Hilario....................................3 years June 30, 2023

Mr. Herb Sims.............................................3 years June 30, 2025

Mr. Mason Williams....................................3 years June 30, 2025
Lawndale Elementary School District Representative, Rotating Position      

ECS Staff   
Ms. Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Superintendent
Ms. Danielle Kelsick, Deputy Superintendent of Instruction
Ms. Alison Diaz, Director of Growth and Sustainability (Facilities)

Ms. Tracy Bondi, Director of Finance

Mr. Jeremiah David, Director of Compliance and Operations

Ms. Sarah Jamieson, Director of Human Resources

Mr. Michael Martucci, Director of Student Services

Ms. Jen Fenton, Director of Health and Safety
Ms. Lucia Bañuelos, Principal at ECHS-Lawndale
Dr. Geneva Matthews, Principal at ECMS-Inglewood
Mr. Dave Trejo, Principal at ECMS-Gardena
Dr. Cindy Guardado, Principal at ECHS-Gardena  

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
   
 
II. Presentations from the Floor 5:03 PM
  A. Presentations from the floor on non-agenda Items FYI
   
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
   
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 5:03 PM
  A. Opener Discuss Farnaz Golshani-Flechner 5 m
  B. 22/23 EdTec Financial Update and 23/24 Budgets Presentation Discuss Dorothy Lee & Jair Ventura 15 m
   

 

  
  C. Edgility Compensation Analysis and Next Steps Discuss Tracy Bondi & Farnaz Golshani-Flechner 15 m
   
 
  D. 2023-24 Local Control and Accountability Plans Presentation for all ECS Schools Discuss Jen Fenton & Farnaz Golshani-Flechner 20 m
   
 
IV. Public Hearing 5:58 PM
  A. Public Comment Hearing regarding the actions and expenditures proposed in each ECS schools' 2023-24 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) FYI Jen Fenton & Farnaz Golshani-Flechner 10 m
   
 
V. Consent Items A-P 6:08 PM
  A. Approve 3/16/2023 board meeting minutes Approve Minutes Jeremiah David 3 m
   
 
     
  B. Approve 5/12/2023 special board meeting minutes Approve Minutes Jeremiah David
   
 
     
  C. Approve 3-year board term renewals (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026) for the listed board members Vote Farnaz Golshani-Flechner
   

Board Members

 

  • Dr. Denise Berger (Board Secretary)
  • Zena Fong
  • Dr. Madhu Chatwani
  • Kennedy Hilario
  
  D. Approve 2023-2024 ECS Board Committees & Terms Vote Jeremiah David
   
 
  E. Approve 2023-2024 ECS Board & Committee Calendar Vote Farnaz Golshani-Flechner
   
 
  F. Approve ECHS-Gardena Title I Schoolwide Program Plan 2023 Vote Jeremiah David
   
 
  G. Approve revised ECS Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) Plan Vote Jen Fenton & Jeremiah David
   
 
  H. Approve 6/16/2023 Finance Committee meeting minutes Vote Jeremiah David
   
 
  I. Approve private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee Vote Farnaz Golshani-Flechner
   
 
  J. Approve check registers and credit card statements as recommended by Finance Committee 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 current ECS Financial Policies.

 

  
  K. Approve contracts Vote Jeremiah David
   

As recommended by Finance Committee

 

  1. ECS - College Bound 4 Kids Summer Programming Proposal - Summer 2023
    1. Staff analysis: contract cost as outlined in ELOP Spending Plan 2023-2024 in Consent Items V.F. Approval in arrears proposed due to time being of the essence between board meetings.
  2. ECS - Edgility Consulting Compensation Study Contract 2022-2023
    1. Staff analysis: contract for grant-funded 3rd party compensation study as presented in Discussion Items / Updates Item III.C. Approval in arrears proposed due to time being of the essence between board meetings.
  3. ECS - NWEA MAP Contract Renewal 2023-2024
    1. Staff analysis: educational testing software contract renewal increase of ~8% from previous year to account for inflationary pressures.
  4. ECS - Comp Therapy SPED Service Provider Contract 2023-2024
    1. Staff analysis: SPED service provider renewal contract vetted by Director of Student Services Michael Martucci. 
  5. ECS - VNS Janitorial Services Contracts 2023-2024
    1. Staff analysis: janitorial costs are in line with 23/24 school budgets.
      1. ECHS-Lawndale
      2. ECMS-Gardena
      3. ECMS-Inglewood
      4. ECHS-Gardena
  6. ECHS-L VNS Maintenance Contract
    1. Staff analysis: Maintenance contract renewal for daytime services provided in conjunction with janitorial services--no increase from previous contract.
  7. ECHSL - Auxiliary Office Lease Renewal
    1. Staff analysis: 3-year lease renewal for ECHS-L Auxiliary Office. New appraisal site visit has been conducted and the appraiser verified that the new lease costs are commensurate with current market rents so there should be no significant change to SB 740 reimbursement rate received.
      1. Detail: 3-year lease renewal offer at $57,240/year ($1.80/sqft) with 5% annual rent increases (previously 3% increases). This is a 22% increase from the current lease cost of $3,901.52/month ($1.47/sqft).
  8. ECHSL - Facility Deferred Maintenance and Repairs Proposal
    1. Staff analysis: facilities deferred maintenance and repairs. Capital expenditure within school facilities budget and consistent with multi-year capital improvements plan at ECHS-Lawndale.
  9. ECHSL - CIC 9th Grade Outdoor Education Trip Contract - Fall 2023
    1. Staff analysis: contract cost within school outdoor education budget.
  10. ECHSL - NAL Outdoor Education Trip Contracts - Fall 2023
    1. Staff analysis: contract costs within school outdoor education budget.
      1. 10th Grade and 11th Grade
  11. ECHSG - CIC 9th Grade Outdoor Education Trip Contract - Fall 2023
    1. Staff analysis: contract cost within school outdoor education budget.
  12. ECHSG - NAL 10th Grade Outdoor Education Trip Contract - Fall 2023
    1. Staff analysis: contract cost within school outdoor education budget.
  13. ECHSG - Boojum 11th Grade Outdoor Education Trip - Fall 2023
    1. Staff analysis: contract cost within school outdoor education budget.
  14. ECMSI - Fulcrum Student Teambuilding Field Trip Contract - Spring 2023
    1. Staff analysis: contract cost for ECMS-I staff professional development in team-building. Approval in arrears proposed due to time being of the essence between board meetings.
  
  L. Approve 2023-2024 Education Protection Act Plan and Resolution as recommended by Finance Committee Vote Tracy Bondi
   

2023-2024 Education Protection Act

 

  
  M. Approve Arts, Music and Instructional Materials Block Grant Expenditure Plan as recommended by Finance Committee Vote Tracy Bondi
   

Arts, Music and Instructional Materials Block Grant Expenditure Plans

 

  
  N. Approve amended term for ECHS-Gardena / MBB & Gardena lease as recommended by Finance Committee Vote Tracy Bondi
   
  • Amended lease (proposed change only to page 6)
    • Page 6 - amend term end date from 6/30/2082 to 6/30/2059
  
  O. Approve 23/24 Finance Committee Goals as recommended by Finance Committee Vote Tracy Bondi
   

Proposed 23/24 Finance Committee Goals

 

  • Engage board in a critical assessment of the budget as it relates to organizational priorities and goals
  • Hold a yearly ECS financial training course for ECS Staff and/or New Board members
  • Ensure school budgets and cash flows are transparent, supportable, and sustainable
  • Support ECHSG's financial objectives in the facilities development and school startup process
  
  P. Approve revised ECS Financial Policies - Capitalization & Depreciation policy as recommended by Finance Committee Vote Tracy Bondi
   
 
VI. Action Items 6:11 PM
  A. Approve 2023-24 Local Accountability and Control Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G Vote Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Jen Fenton, and Jeremiah David 2 m
   
  • Attached in Public Hearing IV.A above.
  
  B. Approve 23/24 budgets for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G as recommended by Finance Committee Vote Tracy Bondi & Farnaz Golshani-Flechner 2 m
   
  • Attached in Discussion Items / Updates III.B above
  
  C. Approve 2023 California School Dashboard Local Indicators for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G Vote Jeremiah David 2 m
   
 
  D. Approve 2023-2024 Academic Calendars for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G Vote Danielle Kelsick 2 m
   

Summary

 

  • All 4 campuses will meet or exceed the CDE's minimum requirement of 175 instructional days in 2023-24.
    • ECHS-G, ECMS-G, and ECMS-I will have a total of 175 instructional days in 2023-24.
    • ECHS-L will have 176 instructional days in 2023-24.
  • Both high schools will exceed the CDE's minimum requirement of 64,800 instructional minutes in 2023-24.
    • ECHS-L will have 65,173 instructional minutes in 2023-24, exceeding the CDE's minimum requirement by 373 minutes.
    • ECHS-G will have 66,325 instructional minutes in 2023-24, exceeding the CDE's minimum requirement by 1,525 minutes.
  • Both middle schools will exceed the CDE's minimum requirement of 54,000 instructional minutes in 2023-24.
    • ECMS-G will have 62,775 instructional minutes in 2023-24, exceeding the CDE's minimum requirement by 8,775 minutes.
    • ECMS-I will have 63,246 instructional minutes in 2023-24, exceeding the CDE's minimum requirement by 9,246 minutes.

 

2023-2024 Academic Calendars

 

  
VII. Upcoming Dates/Announcements 6:19 PM
  A. Next ECS Board Meeting FYI Farnaz Golshani-Flechner 1 m
   
  • August 3, 2023 at 5pm (in-person board meeting)
  
  B. Next ECS Committee Meetings FYI Farnaz Golshani-Flechner 1 m
   
  • Finance Committee - September 15, 2023 at 8:30am
  • Facilities Committee - September 27, 2023 at 4:30pm
  • Governance Committee - October 10, 2023 at 10:30am
  • Audit Committee - December 6, 2023 at 1:00pm
  
  C. Appreciations Discuss All Attendees 2 m
VIII. Transition to Closed Session 6:23 PM
  A. Adjourn to Closed Session Vote Anthony Jowid 1 m
IX. Closed Session 6:24 PM
  A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Discuss Farnaz Golshani-Flechner 20 m
   

Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: 1

  
X. Report Out of Closed Session 6:44 PM
  A. Report Out FYI Anthony Jowid 1 m
XI. Closing Items 6:45 PM
  A. Adjourn Meeting Vote Anthony Jowid 1 m