Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday October 24, 2019 at 5:00 PM

Location

Zoom info: https://zoom.us/j/147466498 Or Telephone: (669) 900-6833 (Meeting ID: 147 466 498) // Two-way Teleconference Locations: ECHS Auxiliary Office, 2625 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Suite 100, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 / ECMS-Gardena (812 W. 165th Place, Gardena, CA 90247) / ECMS-Inglewood (3600 W Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303) / ECHS (16315 Grevillea Ave. Lawndale, CA 90260) / 409 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite E, Santa Monica, CA 90401 / 2401 Pine Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 / 1150 S. Olive Street, Suite 2123, Los Angeles, CA 90015 / 3513 Walnut Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 / 2741 Peachwood Circle, Corona, CA 92882
ECS Board Members                                                           Term   and    End Date    
Mr. Anthony Jowid, President.................................................3 years June 30, 2022
Mr. Ken Deemer, Vice President.............................................3 years June 30, 2022
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
Ms. Jenina Ramirez................................................................3 years June 30, 2021
Lawndale Elementary School District Representative............Rotating Position      

ECS Staff   
Ms. Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director
Ms. Danielle Kelsick, Chief Academic Officer/Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Ms. Alison Diaz, Director of Growth and Sustainability (Facilities)
Ms. Kami Cotler, Director of Strategic Initiatives
Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro, Director of Principal Development/Principal Coach
Dr. Geneva Matthews, Principal at ECMS-Inglewood
Ms. KC Fabiero, 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, Dr. Denise Berger (remote), Jenina Ramirez, Ken Deemer, Zena Fong

Directors Absent

Cathy Creasia, LESD Representative

Guests Present

Anthony Montano, Danielle Kelsick, Dave Trejo, Dorothy Lee, Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro, Dr. Geneva Matthews, Dr. Qiana O'Leary, Elvira Facio, Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Greg Sewalt, Jeremiah David, Jessyka Ramirez-Holden, Jordan Limon, Luis Gonzalez, Mckenzie Selig, Roberto Montano, Tarviya Royal, Valery Montano

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 Thursday Oct 24, 2019 at 5:08 PM.

C.

Approve the agenda

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve the agenda.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Cathy Creasia
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye

D.

Opener

The meeting commenced with a brief opener to familiarize meeting attendees with each other (board members, ECS staff, guests).

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 and CAO Update

Tabled in lieu of Study Session led by CEO Farnaz Golshani-Flechner.

B.

Equity and Diversity Update

Chief Academic Officer Danielle Kelsick presented the Equity and Diversity Update.

C.

Principals Updates

Dr. Geneva Matthews presented the ECMS-Inglewood Principal's Update.

Dr. Qiana O'Leary presented the ECMS-Gardena Principal's Update.


Dave Trejo presented the ECHS Principal's Update.

 

D.

Development Update

Development Manager Julie Vo presented the Development Update.

E.

Financial Update

EdTec Consultant Dorothy Lee presented the Financial Update.

IV. Study Session

A.

5-Year Strategic Priorities

A study session comprised of board members and ECS staff took place on the ECS 5-Year Strategic Priorities.

V. Approve Consent Items A-L

A.

Approve previous meeting minutes for October 3, 2019 special board meeting

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve minutes from the Special Board of Directors' Meeting on 10-03-19 Special Board of Directors' Meeting on 10-03-19.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent

B.

Approve previous meeting minutes for September 4, 2019 board meeting

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve minutes from the Board of Directors' Meeting on 09-04-19 Board of Directors' Meeting on 09-04-19.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ken Deemer
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Cathy Creasia
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye

C.

Accept minutes from the following committee meetings

Ken Deemer made a motion to accept minutes from the committee meetings listed on the agenda.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Absent

D.

Approve August & September 2019 check registers as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve August & September 2019 check registers as recommended by Finance Committee.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent

E.

Approve August-September 2019 private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve August-September 2019 private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Cathy Creasia
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye

F.

Approve ECMSG Skyland Ranch 6th Grade Trip Contract as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve ECMSG Skyland Ranch 6th Grade Trip Contract as recommended by Finance Committee.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye

G.

Approve Diane Sweeney Consulting Agreement 2019-2020 (phase 2) as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Diane Sweeney Consulting Agreement 2019-2020 (phase 2) as recommended by Finance Committee.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Absent

H.

Approve Dow Diversified Lab Tables Purchase for ECHS as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Dow Diversified Lab Tables Purchase for ECHS as recommended by Finance Committee.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Cathy Creasia
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye

I.

Approve ECMSI Skyland Ranch 6th Grade Outdoor Education Trip Contract in arrears

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve ECMSI Skyland Ranch 6th Grade Outdoor Education Trip Contract in arrears.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Cathy Creasia
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye

J.

Approve 19/20 Committee Memberships

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve 19/20 Committee Memberships.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ken Deemer
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Absent

K.

Approve updated 19/20 committee calendars

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve updated 19/20 committee calendars.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Absent

L.

Approve Special Education Master Contracts

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Special Education Master Contracts.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Cathy Creasia
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye

VI. Action Items

A.

Approve 2019 CA Dashboard Local Indicators

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve 2019 CA Dashboard Local Indicators.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Cathy Creasia
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent

B.

Approve El Dorado Charter SELPA participation agreement and LEA assurances for ECHS #2

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve El Dorado Charter SELPA participation agreement and LEA assurances for ECHS #2.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye

VII. Upcoming Dates/Announcements

A.

Next ECS Board Meetings

B.

Next ECS Committee Meetings

C.

Student Led Tours

D.

Upcoming Events

E.

Appreciations

Appreciations were shared among the board members and ECS staff.

VIII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Zena Fong made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Cathy Creasia
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
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 8:04 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid