Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
Board of Directors' Meeting
Date and Time
Monday April 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM
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.
Directors Present
Andrew Ellenbogen (remote), Dr. Betsy Hamilton, Dr. Denise Berger, Dr. Madhu Chatwani, Herb Sims, Kennedy Hilario, LESD Representative, Remco Waller, Zena Fong
Directors Absent
Anthony Jowid, Mason Williams
Directors who arrived after the meeting opened
Kennedy Hilario
Directors who left before the meeting adjourned
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Guests Present
Ben West, Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro (remote), Brandie Davis, Buncha Laohapanich, Carmen O'Connor, Cesar Delgado, Charity Rock, Danielle Kelsick, Danny Cristales (remote), Dave Trejo (remote), David Jonas, Dr. Howard Ho (LESD board representative), Dr. Shalene Wright, Isabell Bañuelos, Jen Fenton, Jennifer Larsen (remote), Jeremiah David, Kayla McCarley, Kristen Donahue, Lauren Pell, Lucia Bañuelos, Robert Escalante, Sarah Burger, Sarah Jamieson, Tracy Bondi (remote), Tulsi Patel
I. Opening Items
A.
Record attendance and guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve the agenda
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Herb Sims |
Aye
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Absent
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
D.
Opener
II. Presentations from the Floor
A.
Presentations from the floor on non-agenda Items
The following speakers gave public comments on non-agenda items: Kayla McCarley, Kristen Donahue, Charity Rock, Brandie Davis
B.
Presentations from the floor on agenda items
The following speakers gave public comments on agenda items: David Jonas, Lauren Pell, Buncha Laohapanich, Carmen O’Connor
III. Discussion Items / Updates
A.
Superintendent update
Superintendent Danielle Kelsick presented the Superintendent Update slides including recent notable achievements:
- ECHS-L recognized as a 2026 California Distinguished School
- ECS honored as a Catalyst Champion by Green Schools National Network
Other updates included ECS Best Practice Sharing, Climate Survey Results (students and staff), and a review of Attendance Data.
B.
Informational Item - Public Disclosure of Tentative Collective Bargaining Agreement with Environmental Educators United (EEU), CTA/NEA, Pursuant to Government Code § 3547.5
Board President Dr. Betsy Hamilton stated this is an informational item only for the agenda. The board will discuss this in full in closed session. No board action will be taken at this time.
IV. Consent Items A-F
A.
Approve 2/23/2026 board meeting minutes
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Herb Sims |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
B.
Approve check registers and credit card statements
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Herb Sims |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Absent
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
C.
Approve contracts
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Absent
|
| Herb Sims |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
D.
Approve revised 2025-26 ECMS-I Academic Calendar
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Herb Sims |
Aye
|
E.
Approve updated ECS Student and Family Privacy Rights Policy
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Absent
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Herb Sims |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
F.
Approve updated Title IX, Harassment, Intimidation, Discrimination and Bullying and UCP policies
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Absent
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Herb Sims |
Aye
|
V. Action Items
A.
Approve 2026-27 ECS Academic Calendars
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Absent
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Herb Sims |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
B.
Approve updated ECS Salary Schedules (Paraeducator & AP) Effective July 1, 2026
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Herb Sims |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Absent
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
C.
Approve Environmental Science Pre-Apprenticeship Program and CAPS Partnership Agreement
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Herb Sims |
Aye
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
D.
Approve Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Herb Sims |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Absent
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
VI. Upcoming Dates/Announcements
A.
Next ECS board meeting
B.
Next ECS committee meetings and events
C.
Appreciations
Appreciations were shared among the ECS board and staff in attendance.
VII. Transition to Closed Session
A.
Adjourn to closed session
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Mason Williams |
Absent
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Herb Sims |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
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
Board President Betsy Hamilton reported out of closed session on Item A, Conference with Legal Counsel, and Item B, Conference with Labor Negotiators:
The Board met in closed session with legal counsel regarding Environmental Educators United, CTA/NEA v. Environmental Charter Schools, Case No. LA-CE-6934-E and Case No. LA-CE-7156-E. No reportable action was taken.
The Board met in closed session regarding the Collective Bargaining Agreement with Environmental Educators United. The Board voted to ratify the Collective Bargaining Agreement as presented: 8 yes, 0 abstained, 0 no (correction from oral statement of 7 yeses).
X. Transition to Closed Session
A.
Adjourn to closed session
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Herb Sims |
Aye
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Absent
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
XI. Report out of Closed Session
A.
Report out
Reporting out of closed session on Item A, Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Board President Betsy Hamilton stated there was nothing to report out.
XII. Action Item
A.
Approve Superintendent Compensation for 2026-27
Tabled.
XIII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
| Herb Sims |
Aye
|
| Mason Williams |
Absent
|
| Remco Waller |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
The board, staff and guests engaged in a brief opener in small groups for the purpose of getting to know each other.