Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
Special Board of Directors' Meeting
By Teleconference/Zoom
Date and Time
Tuesday May 12, 2020 at 4:15 PM
Location
OR
Dial-In: (669) 900-6833, Meeting ID: 850 7140 9972, Password: 495262.
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), Dr. Denise Berger (remote), Jenina Ramirez (remote), Ken Deemer (remote), LESD Representative (remote), Zena Fong (remote)
Directors Absent
Cathy Creasia
Guests Present
Jeremiah David (remote)
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 Tuesday May 12, 2020 at 4:15 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 | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
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. Action Items
A.
Approve Paycheck Protection Program Loan
Director of Finance and CEO Farnaz Golshani-Flechner presented the PPP board slides attached to the agenda.
The Paycheck Protection Program was described as a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The loan is expected to be forgiven under the conditions that employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll (at least 75%), rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
The loan amount to be applied for is $2,280,593. Because ECS's loan amount exceeds $2 million, it will be subject to audit.
The budget environment impacted by COVID-19 was detailed, with 10-22% funding cuts expected for the coming school year as well as significant deferrals expected to negatively affect ECS school's cash positions.
Concerns/risks to taking the PPP loan as well as the rationale in favor of taking the PPP loan were provided, along with a Q&A session with legal counsel for the board members. After the Q&A, the board members decided to move the PPP loan approval item forward.
The Paycheck Protection Program was described as a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The loan is expected to be forgiven under the conditions that employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll (at least 75%), rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
The loan amount to be applied for is $2,280,593. Because ECS's loan amount exceeds $2 million, it will be subject to audit.
The budget environment impacted by COVID-19 was detailed, with 10-22% funding cuts expected for the coming school year as well as significant deferrals expected to negatively affect ECS school's cash positions.
Concerns/risks to taking the PPP loan as well as the rationale in favor of taking the PPP loan were provided, along with a Q&A session with legal counsel for the board members. After the Q&A, the board members decided to move the PPP loan approval item forward.
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Paycheck Protection Program Loan with additions to the attached resolution to authorize ECS leadership to accept the loan and take all necessary actions to execute the program terms.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Cathy Creasia |
Absent
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
IV. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Ken Deemer made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
| Cathy Creasia |
Absent
|
| LESD Representative |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
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 5:03 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid