Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
Board of Directors' Meeting
Date and Time
Monday January 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Location
In-person location: ECMS-Inglewood, 3600 W Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303
Two-way teleconference locations: 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, 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.
Directors Present
Andrew Ellenbogen (remote), Anthony Jowid (remote), Dr. Betsy Hamilton, Dr. Denise Berger (remote), Dr. Madhu Chatwani, Herb Sims (remote), Mason Williams, Remco Waller, Zena Fong
Directors Absent
Kennedy Hilario, LESD Representative
Directors who arrived after the meeting opened
Mason Williams
Directors who left before the meeting adjourned
Dr. Madhu Chatwani, Herb Sims
Guests Present
Andrea Foggy Paxton, Andres De Dios, Angel Maldonado, Austin Wester, Azanni Pruitt, Ben West, Brandie Davis, Buncha Laohapanich, Carmen B O'Connor, Cesar Delgado, Charity Rock, Danielle Kelsick, Danny Cristales, Dave Trejo, David Jonas, Dr. Geneva Matthews, Edward Lopez, Emily Truong, Fabian Ponciano, Han Morales, Holden Sonnenberg, Isabell Banuelos, Jasmin Arjon, Jen Fenton, Jennica Tibbetts, Jeremiah David, Jessica Diaz, Joe Batt, Karina Gallegos, Kayla McCarley, Kimberly Hurtado, Kristen Donahue, Lauren Pell, Lilly Chase, Lisa Salgado, Lua Flores (student), Lucia Bañuelos, Maria Ramirez, Nicholas Darden, Nisha Sandhu, Philippe Schreckenberger, Sabrina Acosta, Sarah Burger, Sarah Jamieson, Stephanie Paez, Tashanda Giles-Jones, Vanessa Saucedo, Veronica B Castillo
I. Opening Items
A.
Record attendance and guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve the agenda
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Absent
|
| Herb Sims |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
D.
Opener
II. Presentations from the Floor
A.
Presentations from the floor on agenda items
The following speakers gave public comments on the ECMS-I renewal charter petition agenda item:
- Philippe Schreckenberger
- Lua Flores
- Andrea Foggy-Paxton
- Jasmine Arjon
- Maria Ramirez
B.
Presentations from the floor on non-agenda Items
The following speakers gave public comments on non-agenda items:
- Lauren Pell
- Sabrina Acosta
- David Jonas
- Stephanie Paez
- Charity Rock
- Holden Sonnenberg
- Nick Darden
- Brandie Davis
- Andres De Dios
- Tashanda Giles-Jones
III. Discussion Items / Updates
A.
Superintendent update
Superintendent Danielle Kelsick presented the Superintendent Update slides regarding two notable achievements recently awarded: 1) ECMS-Inglewood was officially recognized as a high-performing category charter school by the CDE and 2) ECHS-Lawndale and ECHS-Gardena each received $500k in restricted grant funding for their Environmental Leadership Pathway programs.
B.
ECMS-Inglewood renewal charter petition study session
The board and ECS staff engaged in a study session on the ECMS-Inglewood renewal charter petition using the board meeting slides and petition excerpt handouts.
C.
Publication of Fact-Finding Recommendations
The ECS board and staff read the fact-finding recommendation report published before ECS's Winter Break (after its release by the neutral party on 12/9/2025). The board resolved to discuss this report in closed session.
IV. Consent Items A-F
A.
Approve 12/1/2025 board meeting minutes
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Herb Sims |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
B.
Approve 1/8/2026 Audit Committee meeting minutes
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Herb Sims |
Absent
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Aye
|
C.
Approve contracts
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Herb Sims |
Absent
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
| Mason Williams |
Aye
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
D.
Approve School Accountability Report Cards of School Year 2024-25 for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Herb Sims |
Absent
|
| Mason Williams |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
E.
Approve Student Behavioral Health Referral Policy (based on CDE model policy)
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Herb Sims |
Absent
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
F.
Approve updated ECS Salary Schedules to align with CA Minimum Wages Effective January 1, 2026
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Herb Sims |
Absent
|
| Mason Williams |
Aye
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
V. Action Items
A.
Approve submission of ECMS-Inglewood charter petition renewal package to Los Angeles County Office of Education
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Herb Sims |
Absent
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
| Mason Williams |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
B.
Accept FY25 Annual Independent Audit Report (draft) as recommended by Audit Committee
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Herb Sims |
Absent
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
VI. Upcoming Dates/Announcements
A.
Next ECS board meeting
B.
Next ECS committee meetings
C.
Appreciations
Appreciations were shared among ECS leadership and board members.
VII. Transition to Closed Session
A.
Adjourn to closed session
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Herb Sims |
Absent
|
VIII. Closed Session
A.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION (Government Code § 54956.9)
B.
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Government Code §54957.6)
IX. Report out of Closed Session
A.
Report out
Coming out of closed session, Board President Dr. Betsy Hamilton stated there was nothing to report out.
X. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Mason Williams |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Herb Sims |
Absent
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
The board, staff and guests engaged in a brief opener in small groups for the purpose of getting to know each other.