Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
ECS Board of Directors' Meeting
Date and Time
Monday April 9, 2018 at 5:00 PM
Location
2625 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Suite 100, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 / Zoom info: Join from PC and Mac: https://zoom.us/j/147466498 Or Telephone: +1 669 900 6833 (Meeting ID: 147 466 498)
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. Cathy Creasia.................................................................3 years June 30, 2020
Ms. Zena Fong.......................................................................1 year June 30, 2018
Mr. Ernie Levroney.................................................................2 year June 30, 2019
Lawndale Elementary School District Representative...........Rotating Position
ECS Staff
Ms. Alison Diaz, Executive Director & Founder
Ms. Tracy Bondi, Director of Finance and Operations
Ms. Danielle Kelsick, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Ms. Kami Cotler, Acting 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.
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.
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. Cathy Creasia.................................................................3 years June 30, 2020
Ms. Zena Fong.......................................................................1 year June 30, 2018
Mr. Ernie Levroney.................................................................2 year June 30, 2019
Lawndale Elementary School District Representative...........Rotating Position
ECS Staff
Ms. Alison Diaz, Executive Director & Founder
Ms. Tracy Bondi, Director of Finance and Operations
Ms. Danielle Kelsick, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Ms. Kami Cotler, Acting 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.
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.
Directors Present
Anthony Jowid, Cathy Creasia, Dr. Denise Berger, Jenina Ramirez, Ken Deemer, LESD Representative, Zena Fong
Directors Absent
Ernie Levroney, Jenni Owen
Guests Present
Alayna Santos, Alison Diaz, Alli Takido, Danielle Kelsick, Dorothy Lee, Jeremiah David, John Kim, Julie Vo, Justin Thongsavanh, KC Fabiero, Kami Cotler, 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 Apr 9, 2018 at 5:12 PM.
C.
Approve Jenina Ramirez for Board Membership for three year term concluding June 30th, 2021.
Anthony Jowid made a motion to approve.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
D.
Approve the Agenda
Anthony Jowid made a motion to approve.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
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.
CEO Update
CEO Alison Diaz wishes happy February birthdays to ECMS-G Principal Beth Bernstein and ECS staff members Danielle Kelsick and Tracy Bondi. As well, congratulations to ECS board member Jenni Owen for the birth of her child.
B.
Principals Updates
ECHS: ECHS Principal K.C. Villoria shared that the WASC renewal visit went well. The WASC visiting committee final report was shared with the board. The goals that the WASC committee set for ECHS going forward were identical in nature to the goals that ECHS set for themselves in their WASC self-study report. CEO Alison Diaz would like to congratulate Principal K.C. Villoria and the ECHS staff for their shared success.
ECMS-G: ECMS-G Principal Kami Cotler and her team met with their school authorizer on charter renewal strategy. Working hard with staff and faculty to tighten up systems and find efficiencies. Also, working with teachers and support services staff to identify where the school is effective and where it needs to improve. ECMS-G has had a large increase in its special education student population and is focusing heavily on optimizing its SPED program with the help of an outside consultant. In addition, ECMS-G is working with teachers to get back to roots for the vision of the school, reviewing the recent setbacks in academic progress across the school, and figuring out how to get back on track. Feedback from school employees is that the school climate is not optimal and so this is a point of focus in addition to the academic progress work currently underway.
ECMS-I: ECMS-I Principal Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro has been assisting with the hiring work at ECMS-G since ECMS-I is by and large fully staffed. On Thursday, April 12, there will be a Grandparents and Significant Elders event to continue the series of events set up by the school to meet with stakeholders.
ECMS-G: ECMS-G Principal Kami Cotler and her team met with their school authorizer on charter renewal strategy. Working hard with staff and faculty to tighten up systems and find efficiencies. Also, working with teachers and support services staff to identify where the school is effective and where it needs to improve. ECMS-G has had a large increase in its special education student population and is focusing heavily on optimizing its SPED program with the help of an outside consultant. In addition, ECMS-G is working with teachers to get back to roots for the vision of the school, reviewing the recent setbacks in academic progress across the school, and figuring out how to get back on track. Feedback from school employees is that the school climate is not optimal and so this is a point of focus in addition to the academic progress work currently underway.
ECMS-I: ECMS-I Principal Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro has been assisting with the hiring work at ECMS-G since ECMS-I is by and large fully staffed. On Thursday, April 12, there will be a Grandparents and Significant Elders event to continue the series of events set up by the school to meet with stakeholders.
C.
Financial Update
EdTec's Dorothy Lee presented the financial slides attached in the agenda.
D.
Strategic Dashboard Update
CEO Alison Diaz presented the 17-18 ECS Strategic Priorities attached in the agenda.
The 2014-2017 Strategic Goals were reviewed and with some goals completed and others still in progress, a new set of strategic goals were created with the input of the board at the November 27, 2017 board meeting:
Alison Diaz recommended changing high school replication from school years 19-20
to 20-21 in order to allow for strategic goals to be achieved before the new high school is in place.
Board President Ken Deemer suggested that goals are changed in the Strategic Dashboard to only have goals that can be accomplished in 1 year or less.
Board member Jenina Ramirez asked if ECS currently has the appropriate support staff to identify the priorities. Alison Diaz responded yes but having the correct support staff in place to carry out the priorities is a work in progress.
Board member Zena Fong asked if the school climate issues at ECMS-G is due to the special education services outsourcing that took place. Alison Diaz, ECMS-G Principal Kami Cotler, and ECS staff member Danielle Kelsick responded that the challenges in climate primarily related to the systems and structures set by the school leadership that was in place, one of the systems and structures being special education services.
The recently completed internal HR audit was discussed. Based on HR audit results, ECS is not out of compliance in any area of HR, but can do more to optimize their HR services for their employees. Average rating across all categories from HR audit was a 2.2 out of 3. Recommendations, as shown in the attached HR slides, were presented.
The 2014-2017 Strategic Goals were reviewed and with some goals completed and others still in progress, a new set of strategic goals were created with the input of the board at the November 27, 2017 board meeting:
- Goal 1: Strengthen Student Outcomes
- Goal 2: Pursue equity in student enrollment and achievement
- Goal 3: Organizational and Operational Strength
- Goal 4: Expand ECS' Reach
Alison Diaz recommended changing high school replication from school years 19-20
to 20-21 in order to allow for strategic goals to be achieved before the new high school is in place.
Board President Ken Deemer suggested that goals are changed in the Strategic Dashboard to only have goals that can be accomplished in 1 year or less.
Board member Jenina Ramirez asked if ECS currently has the appropriate support staff to identify the priorities. Alison Diaz responded yes but having the correct support staff in place to carry out the priorities is a work in progress.
Board member Zena Fong asked if the school climate issues at ECMS-G is due to the special education services outsourcing that took place. Alison Diaz, ECMS-G Principal Kami Cotler, and ECS staff member Danielle Kelsick responded that the challenges in climate primarily related to the systems and structures set by the school leadership that was in place, one of the systems and structures being special education services.
The recently completed internal HR audit was discussed. Based on HR audit results, ECS is not out of compliance in any area of HR, but can do more to optimize their HR services for their employees. Average rating across all categories from HR audit was a 2.2 out of 3. Recommendations, as shown in the attached HR slides, were presented.
E.
Development Update
ECS staff member Julie Vo presented the attached fundraising slides.
Julie Vo spoke about putting together a FoodShop LA fundraising event and requested the board's support for the event. CEO Alison Diaz spoke in support of this event. More to come if this event gets implemented.
Julie Vo spoke about putting together a FoodShop LA fundraising event and requested the board's support for the event. CEO Alison Diaz spoke in support of this event. More to come if this event gets implemented.
F.
Equity and Diversity Update
Equity and Diversity Committee Chair Danielle Kelsick discussed the recent work of the committee.
Last year, changed title of Equity and Diversity Taskforce to Equity and Diversity Committee. The collective focus for the committee this school year is "Improve the achievement, enrollment, and retention of African American students". The committee is using Design Cycle "Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test" to make progress on the committee's collective focus. Site-based actions to date have been promising at each ECS school. Common actions are data-driven and monitored.
Board Member Denise Berger asked about the difference between "culture of belonging" and "community of connectedness" that was discussed. Danielle Kelsick responded that definitions of terms are still being worked on and so the terms may be interchangeable.
Last year, changed title of Equity and Diversity Taskforce to Equity and Diversity Committee. The collective focus for the committee this school year is "Improve the achievement, enrollment, and retention of African American students". The committee is using Design Cycle "Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test" to make progress on the committee's collective focus. Site-based actions to date have been promising at each ECS school. Common actions are data-driven and monitored.
Board Member Denise Berger asked about the difference between "culture of belonging" and "community of connectedness" that was discussed. Danielle Kelsick responded that definitions of terms are still being worked on and so the terms may be interchangeable.
G.
Brown Act and Finance 101 Board Member Training Recap
ECS staff member Jeremiah David provided a recap of the Brown Act and Finance 101 trainings that were recently conducted for the board members.
For the Brown Act annual training, the ECS board was provided a training module and a 15-question quiz on the Brown Act. As a whole, board members did very well on the Brown Act Quiz, averaging 84% correct answers. Jeremiah David highlighted and reviewed certain questions that tended to be answered incorrectly to create learning opportunities for the board.
For the Finance 101 annual training, the ECS board attended a live one-hour Finance 101 training held by ECS Director of Finance and Operations Tracy Bondi. Topics covered included the CA Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and ECS financial matters. This training was recorded and has since been shared with ECS employees.
For the Brown Act annual training, the ECS board was provided a training module and a 15-question quiz on the Brown Act. As a whole, board members did very well on the Brown Act Quiz, averaging 84% correct answers. Jeremiah David highlighted and reviewed certain questions that tended to be answered incorrectly to create learning opportunities for the board.
For the Finance 101 annual training, the ECS board attended a live one-hour Finance 101 training held by ECS Director of Finance and Operations Tracy Bondi. Topics covered included the CA Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and ECS financial matters. This training was recorded and has since been shared with ECS employees.
IV. Approve Consent Items A-I
A.
Approve Previous Meeting Minutes for January 29, 2018 Board Meeting
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve minutes from the ECS Board of Directors' Meeting on 01-29-18 ECS Board of Directors' Meeting on 01-29-18.
Anthony Jowid seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Absent
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Absent
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
B.
Accept Minutes From the Following Board and Committee Meetings
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to accept minutes from the following board and committee meetings.
Anthony Jowid seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jenni Owen |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Absent
|
C.
Approve January & February 2018 Check Registers
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve January & February 2018 check registers.
Anthony Jowid seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Absent
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Absent
|
D.
Accept Dec. 2017 - Feb. 2018 Private Donations Over $1000
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to accept Dec. 2017 - Feb. 2018 private donations over $1000.
Anthony Jowid seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Absent
|
| Jenni Owen |
Absent
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
E.
Approve Candidates' Participation on the Following Board Committees
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve candidates' participation on the following board committees.
Anthony Jowid seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Absent
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Absent
|
F.
Approve Board Discipline Committee Members
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve board discipline committee members.
Anthony Jowid seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Absent
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Absent
|
G.
Approve Farnaz Golshani-Flechner's letter of resignation from the ECS Board effective Feb. 27, 2018
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve Farnaz Golshani-Flechner's letter of resignation from the ECS Board effective Feb. 27, 2018.
Anthony Jowid seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Absent
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Absent
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
H.
Approve SchoolZilla 2018-2019 Contract Renewal
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve SchoolZilla 2018-2019 contract renewal.
Anthony Jowid seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Absent
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Absent
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
I.
Accept Second Interim Financial Reports as approved by Finance Committee
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to accept Second Interim Financial Reports as approved by Finance Committee.
Anthony Jowid seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Absent
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
V. Action Items
A.
Approve FY 17/18 - 19/20 Audit Proposal as recommended by Finance Committee
Anthony Jowid made a motion to approve.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Absent
|
| Jenni Owen |
Absent
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
VI. Transition to Closed Session
A.
Adjourn to Closed Session
Anthony Jowid made a motion to approve.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jenni Owen |
Absent
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Absent
|
VII. Report Out of Closed Session
A.
Report Out
No report out.
VIII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Anthony Jowid made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Absent
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Jenni Owen |
Absent
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ken Deemer