Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
Special Board of Directors' Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday December 19, 2018 at 2:00 PM
Location
ECHS Auxiliary Office, 2625 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Suite 100, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 / Call-In Locations: 101 S. Main Street Pomona, CA 91766 | 3513 Walnut Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
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:
Reimagine public education in low-income communities of color to prepare conscious, critical thinkers who are equipped to graduate from college and create a more equitable and sustainable world.
Values:
JUSTICE - We examine bias, racism, and prejudice. We deliver culturally-responsive curricula. We succeed when students’ race and class cease to predict their level of achievement. (footnote Noguera).
COMMUNITY - We care. We collaborate. We respect the rights and voices of our stakeholders.
CURIOSITY - We question. We explore. We innovate.
SUSTAINABILITY - We think globally and act locally. We adapt. We encourage systems thinking to create a sustainable future.
LEADERSHIP - We listen. We think critically. We advocate. We shift public discourse. We are our own superheroes.
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:
Reimagine public education in low-income communities of color to prepare conscious, critical thinkers who are equipped to graduate from college and create a more equitable and sustainable world.
Values:
JUSTICE - We examine bias, racism, and prejudice. We deliver culturally-responsive curricula. We succeed when students’ race and class cease to predict their level of achievement. (footnote Noguera).
COMMUNITY - We care. We collaborate. We respect the rights and voices of our stakeholders.
CURIOSITY - We question. We explore. We innovate.
SUSTAINABILITY - We think globally and act locally. We adapt. We encourage systems thinking to create a sustainable future.
LEADERSHIP - We listen. We think critically. We advocate. We shift public discourse. We are our own superheroes.
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 (remote), Cathy Creasia (remote), Dr. Denise Berger, Ernie Levroney (remote), Jenina Ramirez (remote), Ken Deemer (remote), Zena Fong (remote)
Directors Absent
LESD Representative
Guests Present
Jeremiah David
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 Wednesday Dec 19, 2018 at 2:04 PM.
C.
Approve the Agenda
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve agenda.
Ernie Levroney seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
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.
SELPA Update
Chief Operating Officer Farnaz Flechner and Chief Executive Officer Alison Diaz provided context around the evaluation of the current SELPA (Southwest SELPA) and the potential move to another SELPA (El Dorado Charter SELPA).
Board member Zena Fong asked how involved SW SELPA was in providing services toward nonpublic school placement in 2017-2018. Farnaz Flechner responded that SW SELPA did not provide any significant assistance with this matter.
A discussion around the benefits and drawbacks of making the move to El Dorado Charter SELPA took place.
Board member Jenina Ramirez asked about the ramifications of a delay in funding if the move to El Dorado Charter SELPA takes place. Farnaz Flechner responded that though there will be a delay of several months', this delay would not impact ECS school budgets.
Board member Zena Fong asked how involved SW SELPA was in providing services toward nonpublic school placement in 2017-2018. Farnaz Flechner responded that SW SELPA did not provide any significant assistance with this matter.
A discussion around the benefits and drawbacks of making the move to El Dorado Charter SELPA took place.
Board member Jenina Ramirez asked about the ramifications of a delay in funding if the move to El Dorado Charter SELPA takes place. Farnaz Flechner responded that though there will be a delay of several months', this delay would not impact ECS school budgets.
IV. Approve Consent Items A-C
A.
Approve Previous Meeting Minutes for November 26, 2018 Board Meeting
Ernie Levroney made a motion to approve minutes from the Board of Directors' Meeting on 11-26-18 Board of Directors' Meeting on 11-26-18.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
B.
Approve Revised ECS Financial Policies
Ernie Levroney made a motion to approve revised ECS Financial Policies.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
C.
Approve 2019-2020 ECHS Outdoor Education Program Contracts
Ernie Levroney made a motion to approve 2019-2020 ECHS Outdoor Education Program Contracts.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
V. Action Items
A.
Accept FY 17-18 Audit Report
Board member Ken Deemer asked if the FY 17-18 Audit Report had been reviewed and approved by the Finance Committee. Farnaz Flechner responded that a draft audit report had been reviewed and accepted by the Finance Committee and that there were only two additional items to assess and this did not materially change the positive outcome of the audit report.
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to accept FY 17-18 Audit Report.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
B.
Approve SELPA Action
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve the El Dorado SELPA Participation Agreement and SELPA LEA Assurances.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
C.
Approve Alder GSE Education Services Agreement
Jenina Ramirez asked if the Alder Education Services agreement has been reviewed by the Finance Committee. Alison Diaz responded that it had not been reviewed by the Finance Committee and then provided a detailed explanation of the fiscal and operational impact of joining this teacher residency partnership.
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve Alder GSE Education Services Agreement.
Ernie Levroney seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
VI. Upcoming Dates/Announcements
A.
Next ECS Board Meeting
B.
Next ECS Committee Meetings
C.
Student Led Tours
D.
Upcoming Events
- ECS Board Pot Luck @ Alison's House
- January 12 from 6pm-9pm.
- See ECS Board Calendar for details.
- Farnaz Flechner reinforced the benefits of forwarding the end of the year donation email to all friends and acquaintances of board members.
E.
Appreciations
Ken Deemer wished everyone a happy holiday.
Farnaz Flechner appreciated the board members for being flexible in attending this special board meeting at this time of the year.
Alison Diaz appreciated Anthony Jowid for taking charge and facilitating the board meeting well.
Jenina Ramirez appreciated all of the board members and ECS staff, feeling very inspired to be a part of this board.
Anthony Jowid appreciated all of the board members and the positive impact that ECS is having.
Farnaz Flechner appreciated the board members for being flexible in attending this special board meeting at this time of the year.
Alison Diaz appreciated Anthony Jowid for taking charge and facilitating the board meeting well.
Jenina Ramirez appreciated all of the board members and ECS staff, feeling very inspired to be a part of this board.
Anthony Jowid appreciated all of the board members and the positive impact that ECS is having.
VII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Ken Deemer made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Ernie Levroney |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| 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 2:46 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid