Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
Board of Directors' Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday February 13, 2020 at 5:00 PM
Location
ECHS Auxiliary Office, 2625 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Suite 100, Redondo Beach, CA 90278
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)
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
Ms. KC Fabiero, Principal at ECHS
Dr. Geneva Matthews, Principal at ECMS-Inglewood
Mr. Dave Trejo, Principal at ECMS-Gardena
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.
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.................................................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
Ms. KC Fabiero, Principal at ECHS
Dr. Geneva Matthews, Principal at ECMS-Inglewood
Mr. Dave Trejo, Principal at ECMS-Gardena
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.
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, Cathy Creasia, Dr. Denise Berger, Jenina Ramirez, Ken Deemer, LESD Representative, Zena Fong
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
Alison Diaz, Dave Trejo, Dorothy Lee, Dr. Geneva Matthews, Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Jeremiah David, KC Fabiero
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 Feb 13, 2020 at 5:04 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
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
D.
Opener
CEO Farnaz Golshani-Flechner conducted the opener, with participation from all meeting attendees.
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.
Financial Update
Dorothy Lee of EdTec presented the financial update presentation attached in the board agenda:
Discussion ensued among the board members with ECS staff input, however, no major questions or issues were raised.
Discussion ensued among the board members with ECS staff input, however, no major questions or issues were raised.
B.
Principals Updates
ECMS-G Principal Dave Trejo presented the ECMS-G board presentation:
As the new Principal of ECMS-Gardena, Dave is gathering and analyzing a large amount of feedback around pre-assessment, post-assessment, ELD clinics, IEP goals clinics, and more. One piece of feedback, it is really hard to be a first-year teacher at ECS. Another is that Math clinic needs to be refined. Teacher retention is a main focus for the current school year and next.
ECHS Principal KC Fabiero presented the ECHS board presentation:
Dashboard--went from green to blue on suspension rate. Excited about new restorative practices and to date, only one suspension so far. Firm believer that there's always work to be doing and people to be served better. Toward this end, made a deep dive. Forecasting based on student scores, there is likely to be a gap in SwE results. How can ECHS be proactive? ECHS commissioned a SPED audit conducted by DirectEd and hired a new SPED coordinator.
ECMS-I Principal Dr. Geneva Matthews presented the ECMS-I board presentation:
Similar to the other ECS schools, % of Students with Exceptionalities has changed. When students are enrolled, it is through a random lottery and so the SwE % changes. Lottery application deadline coming at the end of the month. To date, already received 198 applications and counting. 7th-grade is holding Shark Tank-style event from Friday 2/28 from 1-3pm. Unity Fest celebration at the end of the month on Friday 2/28 from 4-7pm.
As the new Principal of ECMS-Gardena, Dave is gathering and analyzing a large amount of feedback around pre-assessment, post-assessment, ELD clinics, IEP goals clinics, and more. One piece of feedback, it is really hard to be a first-year teacher at ECS. Another is that Math clinic needs to be refined. Teacher retention is a main focus for the current school year and next.
ECHS Principal KC Fabiero presented the ECHS board presentation:
Dashboard--went from green to blue on suspension rate. Excited about new restorative practices and to date, only one suspension so far. Firm believer that there's always work to be doing and people to be served better. Toward this end, made a deep dive. Forecasting based on student scores, there is likely to be a gap in SwE results. How can ECHS be proactive? ECHS commissioned a SPED audit conducted by DirectEd and hired a new SPED coordinator.
ECMS-I Principal Dr. Geneva Matthews presented the ECMS-I board presentation:
Similar to the other ECS schools, % of Students with Exceptionalities has changed. When students are enrolled, it is through a random lottery and so the SwE % changes. Lottery application deadline coming at the end of the month. To date, already received 198 applications and counting. 7th-grade is holding Shark Tank-style event from Friday 2/28 from 1-3pm. Unity Fest celebration at the end of the month on Friday 2/28 from 4-7pm.
C.
Development Update
Development Manager Julie Vo presented the Development Update:
Fundraising goal by site was discused. ECHS 2 is now incorporated into general fund goal, which is $852,000.
Fundraising goal by site was discused. ECHS 2 is now incorporated into general fund goal, which is $852,000.
D.
CEO Update
CEO Farnaz Golshani-Flechner presented the CEO Update:
LACOE board will vote on ECHS 2 petition appeal in March. ECS board members and other ECS stakeholders are welcomed. Farnaz has been conducting site visits on each campus geared toward observing and improving Reading Apprenticeship implementation. 3 prospective board members have been identified and will go through the board member nomination process. Standards Institute has been attended by ECS Home Office and Site Leadership. Outsourced payroll provider has made numerous errors in W2 issuance. ECS Home Office has negotiated a multi-pronged resolution, including rapid correction of the errors, an apology letter to ECS staff, and a refund for funds used toward W2 issuance.
LACOE board will vote on ECHS 2 petition appeal in March. ECS board members and other ECS stakeholders are welcomed. Farnaz has been conducting site visits on each campus geared toward observing and improving Reading Apprenticeship implementation. 3 prospective board members have been identified and will go through the board member nomination process. Standards Institute has been attended by ECS Home Office and Site Leadership. Outsourced payroll provider has made numerous errors in W2 issuance. ECS Home Office has negotiated a multi-pronged resolution, including rapid correction of the errors, an apology letter to ECS staff, and a refund for funds used toward W2 issuance.
IV. Study Session
A.
5-Year Strategic Priorities
All attendees participated in the study session on the 5-Year Strategic Priorities.
V. Approve Consent Items A-J
A.
Approve previous meeting minutes for December 12, 2019 board meeting
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 12-12-19.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
B.
Accept minutes from the following committee meetings
Ken Deemer made a motion to accept minutes from the committee meetings listed on the agenda.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
C.
Approve December 2019 check register and credit card statements as recommended by Finance Committee
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve December 2019 check register and credit card statements as recommended by Finance Committee.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
D.
Approve November-December 2019 private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve November-December 2019 private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
E.
Approve authorized signer changes as recommended by Finance Committee
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve authorized signer changes as recommended by Finance Committee.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
F.
Approve ECHS SPSA
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve ECHS SPSA.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
G.
Approve Special Education Master Contracts
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Special Education Master Contracts.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
H.
Approve 19/20 Committee Memberships
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve 19/20 Committee Memberships.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
I.
Approve School Accountability Report Cards for ECHS, ECMS-G, ECMS-I
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve School Accountability Report Cards for ECHS, ECMS-G, ECMS-I.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
J.
Approve ECS Home and Hospital Instruction Policy
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve ECS Home and Hospital Instruction Policy.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
VI. Upcoming Dates/Announcements
A.
Next ECS Board Meetings
B.
Next ECS Committee Meetings
C.
Student Led Tours
D.
Upcoming Events
E.
Appreciations
Ken appreciated school leaders for their leadership over the past several months.
Anthony appreciated Farnaz and her ECS team for all of the hard work undertaken to move the ECHS 2 petition forward.
Farnaz appreciated Kami, Alison, Jeremiah, and Dave for their ECHS 2 petition efforts.
Denise appreciated the open and thought-provoking conversations that were brought up toward resolving challenging school-related issues.
Anthony appreciated Farnaz and her ECS team for all of the hard work undertaken to move the ECHS 2 petition forward.
Farnaz appreciated Kami, Alison, Jeremiah, and Dave for their ECHS 2 petition efforts.
Denise appreciated the open and thought-provoking conversations that were brought up toward resolving challenging school-related issues.
VII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:46 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid