Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
Board of Directors' Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday April 16, 2020 at 5:00 PM
Location
Two-way Teleconference Location: 2625 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Suite 100, Redondo Beach, CA 90278
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 (remote), Cathy Creasia (remote), Dr. Denise Berger (remote), Jenina Ramirez (remote), Ken Deemer (remote), LESD Representative (remote), Zena Fong (remote)
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
Alison Diaz (remote), Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro (remote), Dr. Hughie Barnes, Dr. Madhu Chatwani, Farnaz Golshani-Flechner (remote), Jeremiah David (remote), Kennedy Hilario
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 Apr 16, 2020 at 5:03 PM.
C.
Approve the agenda
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve the agenda.
LESD Representative seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Absent
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
D.
Opener
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 Farnaz Golshani-Flechner started the session with a CEO Update:
The ECS approach to COVID-19 is focused on the ECS values of Justice, Community and Sustainability.
To deal with challenges, leadership scrum meetings every day or other days are being conducted to collectively deal with tactical challenges, in addition to the standing weekly Cabinet meeting.
CAO Danielle Kelsick and Director of Principal Development Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro continued with an update on the collective site leadership work to build the ECS Working Vision for Distance Learning.
Sr. Operations and Compliance Manager provided an update on COVID-19 school closure essential service efforts for meal distribution, technology distribution and distance learning technology.
To conclude, each ECS principal provided an update on how their school has and is working collaboratively to change their academic and student support programs to deal with the COVID-19 school closure period.
The ECS approach to COVID-19 is focused on the ECS values of Justice, Community and Sustainability.
To deal with challenges, leadership scrum meetings every day or other days are being conducted to collectively deal with tactical challenges, in addition to the standing weekly Cabinet meeting.
CAO Danielle Kelsick and Director of Principal Development Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro continued with an update on the collective site leadership work to build the ECS Working Vision for Distance Learning.
Sr. Operations and Compliance Manager provided an update on COVID-19 school closure essential service efforts for meal distribution, technology distribution and distance learning technology.
To conclude, each ECS principal provided an update on how their school has and is working collaboratively to change their academic and student support programs to deal with the COVID-19 school closure period.
B.
Principals Updates
Principals updates were covered in the previous agenda item.
C.
Fundraising YTD Update
Dir. of Growth Alison Diaz presented the Fundraising YTD Update:
The Development Status Report was shown detailing fundraising goals and funds received. Total fundraising goals for current and next year is $1.6M. Total raised to date is 1.2M with $440k left to raise. 85k in grant requests are currently submitted to grantors with $230k more in COVID-19 related grant opportunities to be applied for in the coming months.
The Development Status Report was shown detailing fundraising goals and funds received. Total fundraising goals for current and next year is $1.6M. Total raised to date is 1.2M with $440k left to raise. 85k in grant requests are currently submitted to grantors with $230k more in COVID-19 related grant opportunities to be applied for in the coming months.
D.
EdTec Financial Update
Dorothy Lee of EdTec presented the financial update presentation attached in the board agenda. No major questions or issues were raised.
IV. Study Session
A.
COVID-19 financial impacts
All attendees participated in the study session on COVID-19 financial impacts.
V. Approve Consent Items A-I
A.
Approve previous meeting minutes for March 11, 2020 special board meeting
LESD Representative made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Board of Directors' Meeting on 03-11-20.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Absent
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
B.
Approve previous meeting minutes for March 13, 2020 emergency board meeting
LESD Representative made a motion to approve the minutes from Emergency Board of Directors' Meeting on 03-13-20.
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
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Absent
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
C.
Accept minutes from the following committee meetings
LESD Representative 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 | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Absent
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
D.
Approve January and February 2020 check registers and credit card statements as recommended by Finance Committee
LESD Representative made a motion to approve January and February 2020 check registers and credit card statements as recommended by Finance Committee.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Absent
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
E.
Approve January-February 2020 private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee
LESD Representative made a motion to approve January-February 2020 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 | |
|---|---|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Absent
|
F.
Approve Second Interim Financials as Recommended by Finance Committee
LESD Representative made a motion to approve Second Interim Financials as Recommended by Finance Committee.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Absent
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
G.
Approve borrowing resolution for Payroll Protection Program as Recommended by Finance Committee
LESD Representative made a motion to approve borrowing resolution for Payroll Protection Program as Recommended by Finance Committee.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Absent
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
H.
Approve opening of ECHS checking account with Beneficial State Bank as Recommended by Finance Committee
LESD Representative made a motion to approve opening of ECHS checking account with Beneficial State Bank as Recommended by Finance Committee.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Absent
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
I.
Approve renewal of ECHS Auxiliary Office Lease as Recommended by Finance Committee
LESD Representative made a motion to approve renewal of ECHS Auxiliary Office Lease as Recommended by Finance Committee.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Absent
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
VI. Transition to Closed Session
A.
Adjourn to Closed Session
Tabled.
VII. Closed Session
A.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE
Tabled.
VIII. Report Out of Closed Session
A.
Report Out
Tabled.
IX. Closing Items
A.
Appreciations
Board Denise Berger appreciated the ECS staff for their hard work in supporting and taking care of the school community.
Farnaz credited the ECS board for adopting a new ECS mission statement two years ago. This new mission statement has brought people to the organization and continues to keep them here and is core to what ECS staff are currently doing, always keeping the needs of students first.
Board President Anthony Jowid praised the ECS team for their strong leadership during this challenging pandemic period.
Board member Jenina Ramirez commended Farnaz for the tone of her leadership, providing calm and peace to the staff and community at large.
Board President Anthony Jowid appreciated Danielle Kelsick for being present and participating in the board meeting even amid her baby caretaking duties.
Farnaz credited the ECS board for adopting a new ECS mission statement two years ago. This new mission statement has brought people to the organization and continues to keep them here and is core to what ECS staff are currently doing, always keeping the needs of students first.
Board President Anthony Jowid praised the ECS team for their strong leadership during this challenging pandemic period.
Board member Jenina Ramirez commended Farnaz for the tone of her leadership, providing calm and peace to the staff and community at large.
Board President Anthony Jowid appreciated Danielle Kelsick for being present and participating in the board meeting even amid her baby caretaking duties.
B.
Adjourn Meeting
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to adjourn meeting.
LESD Representative seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Absent
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
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 7:20 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid