Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

In-Person at ECS Home Office

Date and Time

Monday June 22, 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 | 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.

Directors Present

Andrew Ellenbogen (remote), Anthony Jowid (remote), Dr. Betsy Hamilton, Dr. Denise Berger (remote), Dr. Madhu Chatwani, Herb Sims, Kennedy Hilario (remote), LESD Representative, Mason Williams, Remco Waller (remote), Zena Fong

Directors Absent

None

Guests Present

Danielle Kelsick, Dave Trejo (remote), Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro (remote), Dr. Geneva Matthews (remote), Dr. Shalene Wright (remote), Jair Ventura (remote), Jane Wyche-Jonas, Jen Fenton, Jennifer Larsen (remote), Jeremiah David, Kimberly Harbin (remote), Lauren Pell (remote), Lucia Bañuelos, Remco Waller (remote), Robert Maxwell, Sarah Jamieson, Tracy Bondi (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Record attendance and guests

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

Anthony Jowid called a meeting of the board of directors of Environmental Charter Schools to order on Monday Jun 22, 2026 at 5:07 PM.

C.

Approve the agenda

Mason Williams made a motion to approve the agenda.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Remco Waller
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye

D.

Opener

II. Presentations from the Floor

A.

Presentations from the floor on non-agenda Items

B.

Presentations from the floor on agenda items

Lauren Pell gave public comment on the agenda item: 2026-27 budgets for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

III. Discussion Items / Updates

A.

ELA Program Roadmap

ELA Specialist Jane Wyche-Jonas presented the ELA Program Roadmap slides, providing an overview of the ELA Program at ECS for grades 6-12: 3-year plan with focus on reading, writing, and interventions.

B.

Vertex Education Financial Update and 2026-27 Budgets Presentation

Vertex Education consultant Anita Amoh presented the Financial Update slides in the board packet. The presentation covered the final budget forecast changes for the current 2025-26 school year with operating income comparison, forecast changes for each school, CapEx impact on operating income, cash flow and investments, financial covenants (debt service ratio and days cash on hand), and proposed 2026-27 school budgets, followed by a full discussion among the board members and ECS leadership.

C.

2026-27 Local Control and Accountability Plans Presentation for all ECS Schools

Director of Strategic Initiatives Jen Fenton presented the 2026-27 Local Control and Accountability Plans for all ECS schools. The presentation included the following sections: LCAP overview, ECS shared goals, highlights, CA Dashboard results including CAASPP, continuous improvements, Budget Overview for Parents, budgeted expenditures vs. actual expenses, and progress towards renewal.

IV. Public Hearing

A.

Public Hearing regarding the actions and expenditures proposed in each ECS schools' 2026-27 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP)

There were no public speakers present to provide public comment at this hearing.

V. Consent Items A-N

A.

Approve 5/18/2026 special board meeting minutes

Herb Sims made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Board of Directors' Meeting on 05-18-26.
Mason Williams seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Herb Sims
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Remco Waller
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye

B.

Approve 2026-27 Consolidated Application for each ECS school

Herb Sims made a motion to approve 2026-27 Consolidated Application for each ECS school.
Mason Williams seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Remco Waller
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye

C.

Approve contracts

D.

Approve Special Education Provider Master Contracts 2026-27

E.

Approve 2026-27 ECS Employee Handbook

F.

Approve revised 2026-27 ECHS-G Academic Calendar

G.

Approve revised 2025-26 Board & Committee Calendar

H.

Approve 2026-27 Board & Committee Calendar

I.

Elect officers of the ECS corporation

J.

Approve 3-year board term renewals (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029) for the following members

K.

Approve 2026-27 ECS Board Committees & Terms

L.

Accept resignation of board member Dr. Madhu Chatwani effective 6/30/2026

M.

Approve 2026-27 Education Protection Act Plan and Resolution

N.

Approve private donations over $1,000

VI. Action Items

A.

Approve 2026-27 Local Accountability and Control Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve 2026-27 Local Accountability and Control Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G.
Dr. Betsy Hamilton seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Remco Waller
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent

B.

Approve 2026-27 budgets for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

Zena Fong made a motion to approve 2026-27 budgets for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G.
Herb Sims seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Remco Waller
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye

C.

Approve 2026 California School Dashboard Local Indicators for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve 2026 California School Dashboard Local Indicators for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G.
Mason Williams seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Herb Sims
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Remco Waller
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye

VII. Upcoming Dates/Announcements

A.

Next ECS board meeting

B.

Next ECS committee meetings and events

C.

Appreciations

Superintendent Danielle Kelsick expressed appreciation for outgoing board member Dr. Madhu Chatwani, who will have completed 6 years of service on the ECS board upon her resignation effective date.

VIII. Transition to Closed Session

A.

Adjourn to closed session

Zena Fong made a motion to adjourn to closed session.
Herb Sims seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Remco Waller
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent

IX. Report out of Closed Session

A.

Report out

Board member Anthony Jowid reported out of closed session: specific to the Superintendent's Compensation, the board of directors approved by majority vote a Superintendent base salary of $250,000 for 2026-2027, effective July 1, 2026. This adjustment positions ECS for a midsize charter network operating in a very high cost of living market of peers most comparable in operating size and context. Based on the EdFuel 2025 National Charter Compensation and Benefits Study, this decision reflects the board's commitment to the same fair, competitive, and transparent compensation standard applied to teachers and school site staff this year, and is consistent with ECS historical practice of aligning superintendent pay to meet market benchmarks.

X. Action Item

A.

Approve Superintendent Compensation for 2026-27

Kennedy Hilario made a motion to approve Superintendent Compensation for 2026-27.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Mason Williams
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Remco Waller
Abstain
Zena Fong
Aye
LESD Representative
Abstain
Herb Sims
Aye

XI. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Herb Sims made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Remco Waller
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:37 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Jeremiah David