Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
ECS Special Board of Directors' Meeting
Date and Time
Friday October 12, 2018 at 10:00 AM
Location
Zoom info: https://zoom.us/j/147466498 Or Telephone: (669) 900-6833 (Meeting ID: 147 466 498) // Call-In Locations: 2625 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Suite 100, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 / 409 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite E, Santa Monica, CA 90401 / 2401 Pine Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 / 3011 Elm St., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 / 1150 S. Olive Street, Suite 2123, Los Angeles, CA 90015 / 3513 Walnut Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 / 1324 Agate Street #12, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 / 417 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora, CA 91741 / 4161 W. 147th Street, Lawndale, CA 90260
ECS Board Members Term and End Date
Mr. Anthony Jowid, President.................................................2 years June 30, 2019
Mr. Ken Deemer, Vice President.............................................3 years June 30, 2019
Ms. Denise Berger, Secretary.................................................3 years June 30, 2020
Ms. Cathy Creasia..................................................................3 years June 30, 2020
Ms. Zena Fong.......................................................................2 year June 30, 2020
Mr. Ernie Levroney.................................................................2 year June 30, 2019
Ms. Jenina Ramirez...............................................................3 years June 30, 2021
Lawndale Elementary School District Representative...........Rotating Position
ECS Staff
Ms. Alison Diaz, Executive Director & Founder
Ms. Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Chief Operating Officer
Ms. Kami Cotler, Director of Strategic Initiatives
Ms. Danielle Kelsick, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Ms. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro, Principal at ECMS - Inglewood
Ms. KC Villoria, Principal at ECHS
Dr. Qiana O'Leary, Principal at ECMS - Gardena
Mr. Dave Trejo, Principal-in-Residence
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. Anthony Jowid, President.................................................2 years June 30, 2019
Mr. Ken Deemer, Vice President.............................................3 years June 30, 2019
Ms. Denise Berger, Secretary.................................................3 years June 30, 2020
Ms. Cathy Creasia..................................................................3 years June 30, 2020
Ms. Zena Fong.......................................................................2 year June 30, 2020
Mr. Ernie Levroney.................................................................2 year June 30, 2019
Ms. Jenina Ramirez...............................................................3 years June 30, 2021
Lawndale Elementary School District Representative...........Rotating Position
ECS Staff
Ms. Alison Diaz, Executive Director & Founder
Ms. Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Chief Operating Officer
Ms. Kami Cotler, Director of Strategic Initiatives
Ms. Danielle Kelsick, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Ms. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro, Principal at ECMS - Inglewood
Ms. KC Villoria, Principal at ECHS
Dr. Qiana O'Leary, Principal at ECMS - Gardena
Mr. Dave Trejo, Principal-in-Residence
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, Ernie Levroney, Jenina Ramirez, Ken Deemer, LESD Representative, Zena Fong
Directors Absent
Cathy Creasia, Dr. Denise Berger
Guests Present
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Jeremiah David, Kami Cotler, Qiana O'Leary
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
Anthony Jowid called a meeting of the board of directors of Environmental Charter Schools to order on Friday Oct 12, 2018 at 10:04 AM.
C.
Approve the Agenda
Ernie Levroney made a motion to approve agenda.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Absent
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
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. Study Sessions
A.
CA Dashboard Local Indicators 2018 Discussion
ECS' CA Dashboard Local Indicators 2018 report was provided to the board for discussion and approval. This report was created with ECS school principals as leads and with engagement from staff members and the board.
B.
ECMS-G Charter Renewal Petition Discussion
Charter renewal petition is being presented for approval to the board earlier than expected in order to work better for LACOE's timeline to review this renewal. The renewal petition provides a solid argument for meeting renewal criteria and is updated to comply with all recent laws and regulations.
Board Vice President Ken Deemer mentioned previously that there may be a duplicate chart--this will be reviewed for accuracy and corrected if necessary.
ECS COO Farnaz Flechner voiced tremendous appreciation for ECS Director of Strategic Initiatives Kami Cotler leading the charter renewal support, as it is such a significant and challenging process.
Kami Cotler thanked all readers for their assistance and ECS Special Projects and Operations Manager Jeremiah David for doing all of the legwork for the non-writing aspects of the charter submission package.
Board member Ernie Levroney stated that having been through this process before, he is pleased with how this charter renewal petition submission package has shaped up.
A discussion around what the renewal process will look like after this initial submission ensued.
ECMS-G Principal Dr. Qiana O'Leary shared that the annual LACOE visit to ECMS-G will occur all day on October 25 and board members are encouraged to visit and meet with the LACOE staff that day.
Board Vice President Ken Deemer mentioned previously that there may be a duplicate chart--this will be reviewed for accuracy and corrected if necessary.
ECS COO Farnaz Flechner voiced tremendous appreciation for ECS Director of Strategic Initiatives Kami Cotler leading the charter renewal support, as it is such a significant and challenging process.
Kami Cotler thanked all readers for their assistance and ECS Special Projects and Operations Manager Jeremiah David for doing all of the legwork for the non-writing aspects of the charter submission package.
Board member Ernie Levroney stated that having been through this process before, he is pleased with how this charter renewal petition submission package has shaped up.
A discussion around what the renewal process will look like after this initial submission ensued.
ECMS-G Principal Dr. Qiana O'Leary shared that the annual LACOE visit to ECMS-G will occur all day on October 25 and board members are encouraged to visit and meet with the LACOE staff that day.
IV. Consent Items
A.
Approve Revised EE Handbook
Ernie Levroney made a motion to approve revised EE handbook.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Cathy Creasia |
Absent
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
B.
Approve Revised ECHS, ECMS-G, ECMS-I Parent-Student Handbooks
Zena Fong made a motion to approve revised ECHS, ECMS-G, ECMS-I Parent-Student Handbooks.
Ernie Levroney seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Absent
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Board President Anthony Jowid asked if attorneys have reviewed these updates and added their input on behalf of ECS. ECS Special Projects and Operations Manager Jeremiah David responded affirmatively, adding that most of the language came directly from these attorneys and that supporting agencies were consulted as well.
V. Action Items
A.
Approve CA Dashboard Local Indicators 2018
Anthony Jowid made a motion to approve the CA Dashboard Local Indicators 2018.
LESD Representative seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Absent
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
B.
Approve ECMS-G Charter Renewal Petition
LESD Representative made a motion to approve the ECMS-G Charter Renewal Petition.
Ernie Levroney seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Absent
|
VI. Upcoming Dates/Announcements
A.
Next ECS Board Meeting
- Board Meeting - November 26, 2018 at 5pm at Environmental Charter High School Auxiliary Office
B.
Next ECS Committee Meetings
- Governance Committee Meeting - October 18, 2018
- Facilities Committee Meeting - TBD Early November
- Academic Excellence Committee Meeting - November 15, 2018
- Finance Committee Meeting - November 16, 2018
- Equity and Diversity Committee Meeting - November 27, 2018
C.
Appreciations
Board President Anthony Jowid appreciated ECS Special Projects and Operations Manager Jeremiah David for putting together the special board meeting and everyone attending the call for being present, including LESD board representative Gretchen Janson.
VII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Zena Fong made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Ernie Levroney seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Absent
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 10:31 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid