Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Monday January 30, 2017 at 5:00 PM
Location
16315 Grevillea Ave. Lawndale, CA 90260 - Library
Board Members Term and End Date
Mr. Ken Deemer, President.................................3 years June 30, 2019
Ms. Denise Berger, Vice President.....................3 years June 30, 2017
Bruce Greenspon, Treasurer..............................1 year June 30, 2017
Ms. Farnaz Golshani–Flechner, Secretary......... 3 years June 30, 2018
Mr. William Robertson.........................................3 years June 30, 2017
Mr. Jorge Arroyo................................................1 years June 30, 2017
Ms. Amy Johnson...............................................3 years June 30, 2017
Ms. Jenni Owen.................................................3 year June 30, 2017
Staff
Ms. Alison Diaz, Executive Director & Founder
Ms. Kami Cotler, Director of Strategic Initiative
Ms. Tracy Bondi, Director of Finance and Operations
Ms. Danielle Kelsick, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Mr. Robert Gloria, Principal at ECMS - Gardena
Ms. Beth Bernstein, Principal at ECMS - Inglewood
Ms. KC Villoria, Principal at ECHS
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.
REASONABLE LIMITATIONS MAY BE PLACED ON PUBLIC TESTIMONY
The Governing Board’s presiding officer reserves the right to impose reasonable time limits on public testimony to ensure that the agenda is completed.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS MAY BE MADE
Notice is hereby given that consistent with the requirements of the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, special presentations not mentioned in the agenda may be made at this meeting. However, any such presentation will be for information only.
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 812 West 165th Place, Gardena, CA 90247; telephone (310) 214-3400; fax (310) 214-3410.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information concerning this agenda or for materials relating to this meeting, please contact ECS at 812 West 165th Place, Gardena, CA 90247; telephone (310) 214-3400; fax (310) 214-3410.
Mr. Ken Deemer, President.................................3 years June 30, 2019
Ms. Denise Berger, Vice President.....................3 years June 30, 2017
Bruce Greenspon, Treasurer..............................1 year June 30, 2017
Ms. Farnaz Golshani–Flechner, Secretary......... 3 years June 30, 2018
Mr. William Robertson.........................................3 years June 30, 2017
Mr. Jorge Arroyo................................................1 years June 30, 2017
Ms. Amy Johnson...............................................3 years June 30, 2017
Ms. Jenni Owen.................................................3 year June 30, 2017
Staff
Ms. Alison Diaz, Executive Director & Founder
Ms. Kami Cotler, Director of Strategic Initiative
Ms. Tracy Bondi, Director of Finance and Operations
Ms. Danielle Kelsick, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Mr. Robert Gloria, Principal at ECMS - Gardena
Ms. Beth Bernstein, Principal at ECMS - Inglewood
Ms. KC Villoria, Principal at ECHS
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.
REASONABLE LIMITATIONS MAY BE PLACED ON PUBLIC TESTIMONY
The Governing Board’s presiding officer reserves the right to impose reasonable time limits on public testimony to ensure that the agenda is completed.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS MAY BE MADE
Notice is hereby given that consistent with the requirements of the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, special presentations not mentioned in the agenda may be made at this meeting. However, any such presentation will be for information only.
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 812 West 165th Place, Gardena, CA 90247; telephone (310) 214-3400; fax (310) 214-3410.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information concerning this agenda or for materials relating to this meeting, please contact ECS at 812 West 165th Place, Gardena, CA 90247; telephone (310) 214-3400; fax (310) 214-3410.
Directors Present
Alison Diaz, Amy Johnson (remote), Anthony Jowid, Bruce Greenspon, Dr. Denise Berger, Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Jenni Owen (remote), Ken Deemer, LESD Representative, William Robertson
Directors Absent
None
Directors who arrived after the meeting opened
Dr. Denise Berger
Guests Present
Adam Miller, Betty LaMarr, Cesar Zaragoza, Dani Hughes, Danielle Kelsick, Dante Morrison, Dorothy Lee, Julie Vo, Kami Cotler, Lindsey Jurca, Marcela Pak, Summer Vilkins, Tracy Bondi
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
Ken Deemer called a meeting of the board of directors of Environmental Charter Schools to order on Monday Jan 30, 2017 at 5:02 PM.
C.
Approve Regular ECS Board Meeting Minutes on November 14, 2016
LESD Representative made a motion to approve minutes from the Board Meeting on 11-14-16 Board Meeting on 11-14-16.
Bruce Greenspon seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| William Robertson |
Aye
|
| Alison Diaz |
Aye
|
| Amy Johnson |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
II. Review and Approval of Agenda
A.
Motion to approve the agenda
Bruce Greenspon made a motion to approve the agenda with the change to delete the SPSA (item 2 in the consent agenda).
William Robertson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| William Robertson |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Alison Diaz |
Aye
|
| Amy Johnson |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
III. Presentations From the Floor
A.
PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
No presentations.
B.
PRESENTATIONS ON AGENDA ITEMS
No presentations.
IV. Public Hearing
A.
ECHS College Readiness Grant
Mr. Robertson moved to open the Public Hearing, Ms. Golshani-Flechner seconded the motion.
All present voted in favor.
KC Villoria presented the College Readiness Block Grant in the public hearing. The plan is that it will be used to pay for AP test fees for FRL fees, SAT prep classes, and the Alumni Coordinator at the school.
Mr. Greenspon noted that he would like more info on how our students fair once in college. He would like to know college graduation rates of our high school grads.
Ms. Golshani-Flechner moved to close the Public Hearing, Mr. Robertson seconded the motion.
All present voted in favor.
All present voted in favor.
KC Villoria presented the College Readiness Block Grant in the public hearing. The plan is that it will be used to pay for AP test fees for FRL fees, SAT prep classes, and the Alumni Coordinator at the school.
Mr. Greenspon noted that he would like more info on how our students fair once in college. He would like to know college graduation rates of our high school grads.
Ms. Golshani-Flechner moved to close the Public Hearing, Mr. Robertson seconded the motion.
All present voted in favor.
Dr. Denise Berger arrived.
V. Reports
A.
Executive Director's Update:
Ms. Diaz presented the Executive Director's report. She asked the Board to complete their annual Form 700. Ms. Pak asked that they be completed in the next three weeks - she will double check on the due date to LACOE. Two must be signed - one for Lawndale and one for LACOE. The Board would like Ms. Pak to send their prior year's form for reference.
VI. Committee Reports
A.
Finance Committee Report Highlights
Ms. Lee shared that the Governor's proposal for next year's budget is a slightly lower funding rate than initially expected, though we will have to see what happens with the May revise. The P1 report has been filed and it is slightly better than forecast at all sites. The audit was a clean audit, unqualified. Mr. Greenspon gave kudos to the team for that result.
B.
Facilities Committee Report Highlights
Ms. Diaz presented the Facilities Committee report. The committee requested Megan share additional info on the Inglewood project at the board meeting. Alison shared a YTD budget for the ECMSI / Yukon LLC project as well as a timeline for the construction. The goal is still to receive a Certificate of Occupancy in May.
C.
Development Committee Report
Ms. Vo noted that it would be talked about later in the agenda in detail.
D.
Governance Committee Report
Mr. Deemer and Ms. Berger presented the Governance Committee update. They will be talking about board efficacy. They worked on a Board dashboard and the next phase of the strategic plan. Next committee meeting monday feb 8, 2017 at 9 am. The committee will also establish a strategic planning taskforce.
VII. Upcoming Dates
A.
Next ECS Board Meeting
B.
Next ECS Committee Meeting
Facilities and Finance Committee Meeting will be postponed - March 3 are our next committee dates
C.
Next Tour Dates
D.
Community Forum Intersession @ ECHS
Ms. Villoria shared with the Board an introduction to Community Forum at ECHS and encouraged them to attend. Mr. Deemer asked Ms. Vo to send out a schedule in advance of what the presentations are to the Board.
E.
Green Ambassadors Institute - Field Trip: Los Angeles as a Learning Lab
Ms. Jurca shared that there will be a variety of field trips in various locations throughout LA. All will involve community partners, and there will be food and transportation. This is the second of three parts of the Green Ambassadors institute Ms. Kelsick explained. The theme is Research in Action.
VIII. Study Session
A.
ECS Partner Share Panel - a conversation with ECS program partners:
Ms. Vo led the partner share panel.
B.
Dinner Break
C.
Development Mid-Year Update & Workshop
Ms. Vo led the Development Workshop with the Board. The presentation in the packet was reviewed. As well, the board generated ideas for meeting the goals identified. The ideas will be discussed in more detail at the next development meeting.
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner had to leave the meeting at 7 PM.
IX. Consent Agenda
A.
Consent Agenda
Bruce Greenspon made a motion to Approve the consent agenda with the removal of item 2 - SPSA at ECHS to be tabled to the next meeting and removal of item 3 - the Math Placement Policy to be considered as Action Item A in the Action Items.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Amy Johnson |
Aye
|
| Alison Diaz |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Absent
|
| William Robertson |
Aye
|
Approve Consent Agenda:
- Accept FY 2015-16 Audit Report (FILE NAME: Environmental Charter School 06 30 16 Audit FS Final 1)
- Approve the SPSA for High School (FILE NAME: 170130 ECHS SPSA 2016-17)
- Approve ECHS Math Placement Policy (FILE NAME: 170130 ECHS 9th Grade Math Placement Policy 16-17)
- Approve Anthony Jowid as a board member for a two and half year term beginning January 30, 2017 until June 30, 2019(FILE NAME: 170130 ECS Board Member Application, A.Jowid, A.Jowid Resume and A.Jowid Bio)
- Approve Adam Miller as a Board Governance Committee Member (FILE NAME: A.Miller Bio)
- Approve Creation of an Academic Excellence Board Committee with a charter and goals as recommended by the Governance Committee. See committee meeting dates. (FILE NAME: 170130 ECS Academic Excellence Committee Charter)
- Check Register for December (FILE NAME: ECS Check Register December 2016)
- Private Donations for October and November (FILE NAME: ECS Private Donations October and November 2016)
X. Action Items
A.
Approval of Math Placement Policy
Bruce Greenspon made a motion to Approve the math placement policy with changes to make it broad, such as removing specific test names and scores.
LESD Representative seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| William Robertson |
Aye
|
| Alison Diaz |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Absent
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Amy Johnson |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
This should be made Item A.
B.
Approve Academic Excellence Committee Members
LESD Representative made a motion to Approve the Academic Excellence Committee members.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| William Robertson |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Alison Diaz |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Amy Johnson |
Aye
|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Absent
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
- Ken Deemer, Jenni Owen, Kami Cotler, Danielle Kelsick as founding Academic Excellence
- Are there other school / board members who should/would like to participate.
C.
Approve board resolution authorizing the submission of ECS application to EarthShare California
Bruce Greenspon made a motion to Approve the Earth Share Application.
William Robertson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| William Robertson |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Abstain
|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Absent
|
| Amy Johnson |
Aye
|
XI. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Bruce Greenspon seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Amy Johnson |
Aye
|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Alison Diaz |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Absent
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| William Robertson |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. Denise Berger
Guests present and the organizations to which they are connected: Danielle Kelsick (ECS), Summer Vilkins (Richstone), Marcela Pak (ECS), Cesar Zaragoza (Woodcraft Rangers), Dante Morrisson (APLA), Betty Lamarr (Empowher).