Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

In-Person at ECS Home Office

Date and Time

Monday July 27, 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

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.

Directors Present

Andrew Ellenbogen, Anthony Jowid (remote), Dr. Betsy Hamilton, Dr. Denise Berger, LESD Representative, Remco Waller, Zena Fong

Directors Absent

Herb Sims, Kennedy Hilario, Mason Williams

Guests Present

Albert Paredes (LESD Representative), Cesar Delgado, Cynthia Avila, Danielle Kelsick, Debra Washington (remote), Dr. Beth Bernstein (remote), Dr. Geneva Matthews (remote), Dr. Shalene Wright (remote), Jen Fenton, Jen Larsen (remote), Jeremiah Rosario David, Jeremiah Rosario David, Lucia Bañuelos, Sarah Jamieson, Sarahai Garibay, Tiffany McGinnis (remote), Tracy Bondi (remote), Zena Fong

I. Opening Items

A.

Record attendance and guests

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

Dr. Betsy Hamilton called a meeting of the board of directors of Environmental Charter Schools to order on Monday Jul 27, 2026 at 5:08 PM.

C.

Approve the agenda

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

D.

Opener

II. Action Item

A.

Elect officers of the ECS corporation

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

III. Presentations from the Floor

A.

Presentations from the floor on non-agenda Items

None.

B.

Presentations from the floor on agenda items

None.

IV. Discussion Items / Updates

A.

Superintendent Update

Superintendent Danielle Kelsick presented the Superintendent Update slides including the 2026-27 Instructional Priority: Stacking Good Days, the newly promoted Senior Manager of Finance Sarahai Garibay, the 2026-27 ECHS Gardena Enrollment Review presented by Community and Outreach Manager Cynthia Avila, and the Campus Modernization HVAC upgrade project and associated Opening Contingency Plan.

B.

Board Governance Proposal

Incoming Board President Dr. Denise Berger, incoming Vice President Anthony Jowid, and Superintendent Danielle Kelsick presented the Board Governance Proposal on leadership development, committee structure, meeting design, succession planning, and developing governance systems.

C.

ECS Compensation Adjustments Presentation

Superintendent Danielle Kelsick presented the ECS Compensation Adjustments Presentation and ECS Proposed Compensation Adjustments Board Memo with proposed Board Action to be taken in VII.A - ECS Compensation Adjustments.

V. EEU Comments to the Board

A.

EEU Comments to the Board

None.

VI. Consent Items A-K

A.

Approve 6/22/2026 board meeting minutes

Zena Fong made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 06-22-26.
Dr. Betsy Hamilton seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Remco Waller
Aye
Mason Williams
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye

B.

Approve 4/20/2026 board meeting minutes

Zena Fong made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 04-20-26.
Dr. Betsy Hamilton seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Mason Williams
Absent
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Remco Waller
Aye

C.

Approve contracts

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

D.

Approve revised 2026-27 ECHS-G Academic Calendar

Zena Fong made a motion to approve revised 2026-27 ECHS-G Academic Calendar.
Dr. Betsy Hamilton seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Mason Williams
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Herb Sims
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Remco Waller
Aye

E.

Approve revised 2026-27 Board Calendar

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

F.

Approve revised 2026-27 ECS Board Committees & Terms

Zena Fong made a motion to approve revised 2026-27 ECS Board Committees & Terms.
Dr. Betsy Hamilton seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Mason Williams
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Remco Waller
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye

G.

Approve LACOE Certification of Signatures 2026-27

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

H.

Approve Teachers on Special Assignment for 2026-27 School Year (Board Policy 32188)

Zena Fong made a motion to approve Teachers on Special Assignment for 2026-27 School Year (Board Policy 32188).
Dr. Betsy Hamilton seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Mason Williams
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Remco Waller
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Herb Sims
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye

I.

Approve sale or disposal of ECS e-waste (surplus technology equipment)

Zena Fong made a motion to approve sale or disposal of ECS e-waste (surplus technology equipment).
Dr. Betsy Hamilton seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Mason Williams
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Remco Waller
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye

J.

Approve revised ECS Board Committee Charters

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

K.

Approve ECS Board Member Commitments & Governance Expectations

Zena Fong made a motion to approve ECS Board Member Commitments & Governance Expectations.
Dr. Betsy Hamilton seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Mason Williams
Absent
Remco Waller
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Herb Sims
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye

VII. Action Items

A.

Approve ECS Compensation Adjustments

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

B.

Approve CL 500 Declaration of Need for ECHS-Lawndale, ECMS-Gardena, ECMS-Inglewood, ECHS-Gardena

Andrew Ellenbogen made a motion to approve CL 500 Declaration of Need for ECHS-Lawndale, ECMS-Gardena, ECMS-Inglewood, ECHS-Gardena.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
Mason Williams
Absent
Remco Waller
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye

VIII. 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.

IX. Transition to Closed Session

A.

Adjourn to closed session

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

X. Report out of Closed Session

A.

Report out

Coming out of closed session, Board Vice President Anthony Jowid stated there was no board action taken and nothing to report out.

XI. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Zena Fong made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Andrew Ellenbogen seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Herb Sims
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Mason Williams
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Remco Waller
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Jeremiah Rosario David