Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
ECS Board of Directors' Meeting
Date and Time
Monday November 27, 2017 at 5:00 PM
Location
16315 Grevillea Avenue, Lawndale, CA 90260 Room 133 / Call-In Location: 840 14th Street, San Diego, CA 92101 / Call-In Location: 320 W 8th St, Bloomington, IN 47404 / Zoom Info: Join from PC and Mac: https://zoom.us/j/453732313 Or Telephone: +1 646 876 9923 (Meeting ID: 453 732 313)
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
Ms. Denise Berger, Secretary................................................3 years June 30, 2020
Ms. Jenni Owen.....................................................................3 years June 30, 2019
Ms. Farnaz Golshani–Flechner..............................................3 years June 30, 2018
Ms. Cathy Creasia.................................................................3 years June 30, 2020
Ms. Zena Fong......................................................................1 year June 30, 2018
Lawndale Elementary School District Representative...........Rotating Position
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. 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
Ms. Denise Berger, Secretary................................................3 years June 30, 2020
Ms. Jenni Owen.....................................................................3 years June 30, 2019
Ms. Farnaz Golshani–Flechner..............................................3 years June 30, 2018
Ms. Cathy Creasia.................................................................3 years June 30, 2020
Ms. Zena Fong......................................................................1 year June 30, 2018
Lawndale Elementary School District Representative...........Rotating Position
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. 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 (remote), Cathy Creasia, Dr. Denise Berger, Ernie Levroney, Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Jenni Owen (remote), Ken Deemer, LESD Representative, Zena Fong
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
Alison Diaz, Danielle Kelsick, Dorothy Lee, Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro, Jenina Ramirez, Jeremiah David, Julie Vo, Justin Thongsavanh, Kami Cotler, Lydia Elle, Nikki Dashti, Raul Ramirez, Robert Maxwell, Shelley Levy
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
Alison Diaz called a meeting of the board of directors of Environmental Charter Schools to order on Monday Nov 27, 2017 at 5:05 PM.
C.
Approve the Agenda
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve agenda with the modification of moving action item to approve Ernie Levroney for Board Membership to the first half of the agenda.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
II. Presentations from the Floor
A.
Presentations from the Floor on Non Agenda Items
None.
B.
Presentations from the Floor on Agenda Items
None.
III. Reports/Presentations
A.
Executive Director Update
- ECMS-Inglewood Principal Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro presented on teacher Lauren Medlin receiving the Beth Dalton Literacy Leadership Award.
- Ribbon Cutting event at ECMS-Inglewood was well-attended--commemorated the retirement of Bruce Greenspon from the ECS board.
- Started Benefits Study--being conducted by consultant Shelley Levy.
- Transition at ECMS-Gardena to Kami as acting principal successful and the school is now fully hired up.
- Consultant Nikki Dashti has onboarded new hires and started recruiting for a new principal at ECMS-Gardena.
- Prop K work started at ECMS-Gardena.
- Executive Director Alison Diaz had the opportunity to speak at Rotary Club, presented at CSDC and is giving the Green Tech Keynote on 11/28.
- Green Ambassadors Institute took place with over 100 attendees.
- Awarded a $900,000 Expansion/Replication Grant by federal government to build ECHS #2.
B.
Local Indicator Dashboard
- ECS Data Manager Robert Maxwell presented about CA Dashboard Local Indicators.
- Goals for presentation: To cover what local indicators are, what the California Department of Education requires, and what it means for ECS.
- Four local indicators defined at ECS: Basics (teachers, instructional materials, facilities), Implementation of Academic Standards, Parent Engagement, Local Climate Survey.
- Robert Maxwell covered the local indicators handout in the board packet.
IV. Study Session
A.
Welcoming our New Board Members
- Board Member Farnaz Golshani-Flechner conducted Welcoming New Board Members opening activity.
B.
Approve Ernie Levroney for Board Membership for two year term concluding June 30, 2019
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve Ernie Levroney for Board Membership for two-year term concluding June 30, 2019.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
C.
ECS 2018 -2019 Strategic Goals and Reporting Structure
- The ECS board, ECS staff, and all guests split up into small groups to provide input on measurable goals and action items that the board can monitor each meeting on a board dashboard report.
- A facilitator from each small group reported out on all of the input received.
- The input received at this board meeting, along with further input to be received from ECS staff, will be used to create a board dashboard report to be reviewed at each board meeting.
V. Committee Reports
A.
Facilities Committee
Facilities Committee update in agenda item cover sheet:
- ECHS portable project is moving forward nicely. The committee will review bids and will have a recommended contract for the board to review at an upcoming special board meeting to be arranged for later in December. Stay tuned for dates.
- ECMS I celebrated its grand opening. Its' greening project is about completed.
- ECMS G's Prop K project is kicking off next week.
B.
Development Committee
- ECS Staff Member Julie Vo presented the Development Committee Update slides in agenda item.
C.
Governance Committee
Governance Committee update in agenda item cover sheet:
- Created New Board Member Procedure Document which includes an Orientation/Onboarding Guide for a new board member's first 6 months of service. This guide provides an ordered checklist of items to help the new board member:
- 1) understand the ECS organization by learning how ECS operates and intends to achieve its vision
- 2) understand the expectations for their role as Board Member
- 3) build relationships and engage in the ECS culture by meeting with ECS team members.
- Committee interviewed Ernie Levroney, a prospective board member.
D.
Finance Committee
- EdTec Consultant Dorothy Lee presented the Finance Committee Update slides in agenda item.
E.
Academic Excellence Committee
- Tabled.
F.
Diversity and Equity Committee
- Tabled.
VI. Approve Consent Items A-J
A.
Approve Previous Meeting Minutes on September 25th
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to approve minutes from the ECS Board Meeting on 09-25-17 ECS Board Meeting on 09-25-17.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
B.
Approve September 2017 and October 2017 Check Registers
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to approve September 2017 and October 2017 Check Registers.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
C.
Approve SPSA at ECHS & ECMS-G
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to approve SPSA at ECHS & ECMS-G.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
D.
Approve Cunningham Contract Extension
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to approve Cunningham Contract Extension.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
E.
Approve Fast Track Prop K Bid
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to approve Fast Track Prop K Bid.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
F.
Approve 2017-2018 Shelley Levy Consulting Agreement
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to approve 2017-2018 Shelley Levy Consulting Agreement.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
G.
Approve 2017-2018 Strategic HR Alliance Consulting Revised Agreement
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to approve 2017-2018 Strategic HR Alliance Consulting Revised Agreement.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
H.
Approve Gardena-Carson Family YMCA Facility Use Agreement for ECHS
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to approve Gardena-Carson Family YMCA Facility Use Agreement for ECHS.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
I.
Acceptance of Sept.-Oct. 2017 Private Donations Over $1k per Allocation Specified
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to accept Sept.-Oct. 2017 Private Donations Over $1k per Allocation Specified.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
J.
Approve Revised Fiscal Policies
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to approve Revised Fiscal Policies.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
VII. Action Items
A.
Approve brokerage account and bank account for ECHS #2 at Comerica Bank
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to approve brokerage account and bank account for ECHS #2 at Comerica Bank.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
B.
Approve Revised ECS Uniform Complaint Procedure
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner made a motion to approve Revised ECS Uniform Complaint Procedure.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
VIII. Upcoming Dates
A.
Next ECS Board Meeting
Changed next board meeting from January 23, 2018 to January 29, 2018.
B.
Next ECS Committee Meetings
- Equity and Diversity Committee Meeting changed to November 29, 2017
- Governance Committee Meeting on December 6, 2017
- Academic Excellence Committee on December 11, 2017
- Development Committee Meeting on December 12, 2017
- Facilities Committee Meeting on December 13, 2017
- Finance Committee Meeting on January 19, 2018
C.
Student Led Tours
Sign up for ECHS Tour here
- Thursday, November 30 at 2pm at ECHS
D.
Upcoming Events
See more information about and sign up for People's Food Event here
- Thursday, December 7 at 4:30pm at ECHS.
IX. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:04 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ken Deemer
Ernie Levroney made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Farnaz Golshani-Flechner |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|