Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
ECS Board Meeting
Date and Time
Monday August 21, 2017 at 5:00 PM
Location
16315 Grevillea Ave., Lawndale, CA 90260 / 840 14th St., San Diego, CA 92101 / 1780 Tribute Rd. Sacramento, CA / Zoom Info: Join from PC or Mac: https://zoom.us/j/789277793 Or Telephone: +1 646 558 8656 (US Toll) Meeting ID: 789 277 793
ECS Board Members Term and End Date
Mr. Ken Deemer, President..................................................3 years June 30, 2019
Mr. Anthony Jowid, Vice President........................................2 years June 30, 2019
Mr. Bruce Greenspon, Treasurer............................................1 year June 30, 2018
Ms. Denise Berger, Secretary...............................................3 years June 30, 2020
Ms. Farnaz Golshani–Flechner............................................. 3 years June 30, 2018
Mr. Jorge Arroyo...................................................................1 years June 30, 2018
Ms. Jenni Owen....................................................................3 years June 30, 2019
ECS 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
Ms. Makeisa Gaines, Director of Talent Management
Mr. Jeremiah David, Special Projects and Operations Manager
Mr. Robert Gloria, Principal at ECMS - Gardena
Ms. Beth Bernstein, Principal at ECMS - Inglewood
Ms. KC Villoria, Principal at ECHS
Mission
To create and deliver vibrant, innovative, interdisciplinary learning opportunities using the environment to engage students and connect them to the wider world.
Vision
Our vision is that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to graduate from college, inspired to discover their own sense of purpose and empowered to become quality stewards of their own communities.
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
Mr. Anthony Jowid, Vice President........................................2 years June 30, 2019
Mr. Bruce Greenspon, Treasurer............................................1 year June 30, 2018
Ms. Denise Berger, Secretary...............................................3 years June 30, 2020
Ms. Farnaz Golshani–Flechner............................................. 3 years June 30, 2018
Mr. Jorge Arroyo...................................................................1 years June 30, 2018
Ms. Jenni Owen....................................................................3 years June 30, 2019
ECS 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
Ms. Makeisa Gaines, Director of Talent Management
Mr. Jeremiah David, Special Projects and Operations Manager
Mr. Robert Gloria, Principal at ECMS - Gardena
Ms. Beth Bernstein, Principal at ECMS - Inglewood
Ms. KC Villoria, Principal at ECHS
Mission
To create and deliver vibrant, innovative, interdisciplinary learning opportunities using the environment to engage students and connect them to the wider world.
Vision
Our vision is that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to graduate from college, inspired to discover their own sense of purpose and empowered to become quality stewards of their own communities.
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
Anthony Jowid, Bruce Greenspon, Cathy Creasia, Dr. Denise Berger, Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Jenni Owen, Ken Deemer
Directors Absent
LESD Representative
Guests Present
Alison Diaz, Dani Hughes, Danielle Kelsick, Dorothy Lee, Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro, Jeremiah David, Julie Vo, Justin Thongsavanh, KC Fabiero, Kami Cotler, Robert Gloria, 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 Aug 21, 2017 at 5:06 PM.
C.
Approve the Agenda
Anthony Jowid made a motion to To approve the agenda.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
D.
Approve Previous Meeting Minutes
Anthony Jowid made a motion to approve minutes.
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
II. Presentations from the Floor
A.
Presentation from the Floor on Non Agenda Items
None
B.
PRESENTATIONS ON AGENDA ITEMS
None
III. Reports/Presentations
A.
Introductions
Each member of the board, cabinet and visitors identified themselves, name and position.
B.
Executive Director Update
Annual Update:
First-ever all all-staff PD took place this summer. Inspiring day for all staff. Stakeholder feedback collected at all staff.
Alison Diaz shared History of ECS presentation and current state of organization. See presentation attached.
MCP updates:
Alison Diaz shared History of ECS presentation and current state of organization. See presentation attached.
MCP updates:
- MCP Board Membership: Current members are Bruce Greenspon, Ken Deemer, Anthony Jowid, John Quiter and Brad Jewitt. The majority of the MCP board must be composed of ECS board members. With five members, 3 must be on the ECS board and two members do not also serve on the ECS board. With Bruce stepping down, his spot will need to be filled by an ECS board member. Alison will reach out to ECS board members and bring the member forward to MCP's Board.
- Action Item: A schedule of MCP board meetings will be announced at the next board meeting.
- Public Records Request: Both middle schools received a Public Records Request from UTLA. ECS will respond with the support of counsel and CCSA.
IV. StudySession
A.
Development Study Session
Julie Vo, ECS Home Office Staff, presented on ECS Development Goals for 2017-2018. See attached presentation.
B.
Governance Study Session: Objectives and Key Results Discussion
Ken Deemer, Board Member, presented on a Board on Track feature to improve Board accountability.
V. CommitteeReports
A.
Finance Committee
Tracy shared the finance report. Please see attached presentation.
B.
Facilities Committee
Alison reported out on each site's facility progress:
Gardena:
Prop K is moving forward. LA City counsel must approved revised Prop K contract. Once this happens (expected in early September), construction will start.
Inglewood:
Certificate of Occupancy received. We still have greening features to complete this fiscal year. The first features to be added are water saving features. With the support of an Ecomedia grant, we will be able to share these solutions with our community.
Lawndale:
ECHS is continuing to make progress on closing out the portables on the high school campus. ECHS continues to work with LESD regarding progress. Currently we are working on the fire hydrant installation. Once we secure approval to move the hydrant installation forward, we will simultaneously be able to move the portable upgrades forward. The timeline improved over the last few weeks as we learned the installation of the hydrant didn't have to precede our beginning improvement on the portables but rather both may happen simultaneously!
Gardena:
Prop K is moving forward. LA City counsel must approved revised Prop K contract. Once this happens (expected in early September), construction will start.
Inglewood:
Certificate of Occupancy received. We still have greening features to complete this fiscal year. The first features to be added are water saving features. With the support of an Ecomedia grant, we will be able to share these solutions with our community.
Lawndale:
ECHS is continuing to make progress on closing out the portables on the high school campus. ECHS continues to work with LESD regarding progress. Currently we are working on the fire hydrant installation. Once we secure approval to move the hydrant installation forward, we will simultaneously be able to move the portable upgrades forward. The timeline improved over the last few weeks as we learned the installation of the hydrant didn't have to precede our beginning improvement on the portables but rather both may happen simultaneously!
C.
Development Committee
Presented during study session.
D.
Governance Committee
Presented during study session.
E.
Diversity and Equity Taskforce
Last year was first year of the Equity and Diversity Task Force. The committee engaged students, parents, teachers, and board members. It was a successful pilot year.
We learned implementing strategies is an iterative process. While it is hard to decide what is the most urgent equity issue, we will work with site to evaluate data and forward action to support the most pressing issues.
This work is hard. The key is to experiment to move needle forward, recognizing its important to reflect, refine and try again.
Next steps, task force leaders are attending a conference on equity and social justice in September and will report out at the next committee meeting.
Action: Alison recommended the board convert the Task force to a committee keeping its charter the same and will bring this back to the board for approval in September.
We learned implementing strategies is an iterative process. While it is hard to decide what is the most urgent equity issue, we will work with site to evaluate data and forward action to support the most pressing issues.
This work is hard. The key is to experiment to move needle forward, recognizing its important to reflect, refine and try again.
Next steps, task force leaders are attending a conference on equity and social justice in September and will report out at the next committee meeting.
Action: Alison recommended the board convert the Task force to a committee keeping its charter the same and will bring this back to the board for approval in September.
F.
Academic Excellence Committee
Committee was introduced to Logic Model - a model that works backwards from long-term goals to successively shorter term goals. Organizationally, we are using the logic model to evaluate programs and forward strategic initiative in a continuous improvement cycle.
The last three weeks was focused on facilitating teacher professional development aligned to subject areas with the goal of helping each department meet the long term strategic goals outlined in the logic model.
The last three weeks was focused on facilitating teacher professional development aligned to subject areas with the goal of helping each department meet the long term strategic goals outlined in the logic model.
VI. ConsentAgenda
A.
Part A Approve Consent Agenda Items (without contract renewals)
Bruce Greenspon made a motion to approve Part A of the Consent Agenda.
Anthony Jowid seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
- Accept Minutes from each of the committee (Minutes are attached in the committee reports section.)
- Diversity and Equity Taskforce Minutes on June 12, 2017
- Academic Excellence Committee Meeting on July 27, 2017
- Facilities Committee Meeting Minutes on July 31, 2017
- Development Committee Meeting Minutes on August 9, 2017
- Finance Committee Meeting Minutes on August 18, 2017 (meeting is this Friday)
- ECS Board Membership
- Approve Cathy Creasia (bio) as an ECS board member for a three-year term beginning August 21, 2017, and ending on June 30, 2020 as recommended by the Governance Committee
- Approve Jenni Taylor as the ECS Treasurer for one year term as recommended by governance committee
- Accept Resignation of Bruce Greenspon effective August 30, 2017
- ECS Committees
- Approve members for each ECS committees
- Approve calendar of ECS committee meetings
- Policies
- Approve Capital Improvement policy as recommended by Facilities at the May 2017 meeting
- Approve Suicide Prevention Policy with edits as approved by the Board at the June 2017 meeting
- Approve Check Register
- May 2017
- June 2017
- July 2017
- Approve Private Donations
- April 2017
- May 2017
- June 2017
- Approve Consolidated Application for each school site.
- ECHS Con App
- ECMSG Con App
- ECMSI Con App
B.
Part B Approve Consent Agenda Contract Renewals Only
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to to Approve Part B of the consent agenda.
Jenni Owen seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
- ECS:
- Approve the ECS Preferred Meals Contract Renewal
- ECHS:
- Approve ECHS Woodcraft Rangers Contract Renewal
- ECMSI:
- Approve ECMSI Woodcraft Rangers Contract Renewal
- ECMSG:
- Approve 2017-2018 ECMSG NatureBridge Contracts
VII. Action Items
A.
Approve the UCLA Math Project contract to provide professional development, coaching and support
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to approve the UCLA Math Project contract to provide professional development, coaching and support.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Prior to the vote, Alison explained the following:
ECS is prioritizing math. To support all the schools, Danielle sought to find a partner to support our math teams. After comparing and contrasting & weighing pros and cons, we are recommending a partnership with UCLA. We kicked the partnership off over the summer during all staff PD. The attached contract extends and supports the learning that happened over the summer. Looking forward to an excellent year with improved instruction and increased student learning!
ECS is prioritizing math. To support all the schools, Danielle sought to find a partner to support our math teams. After comparing and contrasting & weighing pros and cons, we are recommending a partnership with UCLA. We kicked the partnership off over the summer during all staff PD. The attached contract extends and supports the learning that happened over the summer. Looking forward to an excellent year with improved instruction and increased student learning!
B.
Approve MQI coaching Agreement offered by the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard Univ
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to approve MQI coaching Agreement offered by the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard Univ.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
C.
Approve ECMSG Woodcraft Rangers Contract
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to approve ECMSG Woodcraft Rangers Contract.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
D.
Approve ECHS revised LCAP
Jenni Owen made a motion to approve ECHS revised LCAP.
Anthony Jowid seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
E.
Approve Revised Yukon Sublease Agreement
Anthony Jowid made a motion to approve Revised Yukon Sublease Agreement.
Bruce Greenspon seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Prior to the vote, Tracy explained:
The original Sublease between ECMS Inglewood and Yukon was drafted before the site was renovated. The initial lease made assumptions about the true project costs. The lease attached here is revised to reflect actual costs. The monthly sublease amount is $23,754 which includes land and building costs.
The original Sublease between ECMS Inglewood and Yukon was drafted before the site was renovated. The initial lease made assumptions about the true project costs. The lease attached here is revised to reflect actual costs. The monthly sublease amount is $23,754 which includes land and building costs.
F.
Approve 2017-2018 Contract for Susan McDonald
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to approve 2017-2018 Contract for Susan McDonald.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
G.
Approve Revisions to the 2017-2018 Parent Student Handbook for each site ECMSI, ECMSG, and ECHS
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve Revisions to the 2017-2018 Parent Student Handbook for each site ECMSI, ECMSG, and ECHS.
Anthony Jowid seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
H.
Approve FY 16/17 Unaudited Actuals: ECHS, ECMSG, ECMSI
Anthony Jowid made a motion to approve FY 16/17 Unaudited Actuals: ECHS, ECMSG, ECMSI.
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
I.
Approve declaration of need for fully qualified educators
Anthony Jowid made a motion to approve declaration of need for fully qualified educators.
Bruce Greenspon seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
J.
Approve Master Contract with SW Selpa fro Special Ed Sevices
Tabled.
K.
MOU with LACOE for ECMSG and ECMSI
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to approve MOU with LACOE for ECMSG and ECMSI.
Bruce Greenspon seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
VIII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Anthony Jowid made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Bruce Greenspon |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
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 8:09 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ken Deemer