Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

By Teleconference/Zoom

Date and Time

Thursday June 18, 2020 at 5:00 PM

Location

 
OR 
 
Dial-In: (669) 900-6833, Meeting ID: 147 466 498
 
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.

Directors Present

Anthony Jowid (remote), Cathy Creasia (remote), Dr. Denise Berger (remote), Dr. Hughie Barnes (remote), Dr. Madhu Chatwani (remote), Ken Deemer (remote), Kennedy Hilario (remote), LESD Representative (remote), Zena Fong (remote)

Directors Absent

Jenina Ramirez

Guests Present

Alison Diaz (remote), Charity Rock, Danielle Kelsick (remote), Dave Trejo (remote), Dorothy Lee (remote), Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro (remote), Dr. Delia Castillo, Dr. Jessyka Ramirez-Holden, Elvira Facio, Farnaz Golshani-Flechner (remote), Jeremiah David (remote), Rossa Doño-Ramirez, Sarah Jamieson (remote), V. Montaño

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 Jun 18, 2020 at 5:06 PM.

C.

Approve the agenda

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

D.

Opener

All attendees participated in the 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. New Board Member Elections

A.

Elect new board members as recommended by Governance Committee

Anthony Jowid made a motion to elect new board members as recommended by Governance Committee.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent

IV. Reports/Presentations

A.

CEO and CAO Update

CEO Farnaz Golshani-Flechner and CAO Danielle Kelsick provided the CEO/CAO Update:
If more than 3 people are infected on campus, this constitutes an outbreak and the LA Department of Public Health will become involved and direct the school on what needs to happen for safety.

Student surveys - 50% or more of students who responded have to take care of family members throughout day. High %s of students are bored or stressed.

Family surveys - half of parents feel DL has been successful. However, smaller percentage of spanish-speaking parents feel that DL has been successful. About 41% org-wide this if will be safe in the fall, and another 38% think it will not be safe until later in the year. Parents want routine, mandatory live classes (recorded for later viewing).

Teacher surveys 62% of respondents said they could use additional mental and emotional health support. Biggest DL challenges are community building and supporting struggling students. At HS and ECMS-G, most don't think it will be safe in the fall. At ECMS-I, it is evenly split on whether it will be safe in the fall. Majority of teachers believe that student engagement declined during the school closure period and that multiple strategies could improve engagement, such as more synchronous, live instructions and engaging families more.

Non-teacher staff - biggest challenges are COVID-19 anxiety and keeping a regular schedule.

Scenarios currently in consideration for reopening are: full distance learning mode, distance learning with some exceptions for small groups and a hybrid partial opening model. Decision factors are: compliant, competitive, and data driven.

The Vision for Distance Learning was shown with emphasis on the pillars of safety, social-emotional support, rigor, and sustainability.

Summer learning opportunities: ESY for all schools and summer school (Math & ELA) online for ECHS. Also, Summer Learning Academy for ECMS-I and ECMS-G.

ECMS-G Principal Dave Trejo shared a culmination speech video from class valedictorian V. Montaño. The board, staff, and guests commended Montaño for her excellent work at ECHS.

B.

EdTec Financial Update

EdTec VP and General Manager of Southern California Dorothy Lee presented the EdTec Financial Update:

May revise major takeaways were highlighted. Multiyear budgeting was discussed. Federal funds are only a short-term solution. 

Potential cuts at all schools were shown, with scenarios for 8% and 12% cuts. In both scenarios, ECS schools will cut outdoor education, staffing and position cuts due to natural attrition, cross-network cuts to PD and IT support, freeze teacher salaries, Peer Health Exchange (ECHS), and Empowher and Gentlemen's League programs. Additional savings were found through lease negotiations due to refinancing.

Funding driver assumptions were shown, with lower ADA projected at all schools. Revenue changes were reviewed, with largest reductions being in LCFF funding, and largest increase coming from federal funding. Expense changes were reviewed, as well as CapEx impacts to each school and cash balances.

C.

Fundraising YTD Update

None.

D.

Principals Board Presentations

ECHS Counselor Rossa Doño-Ramírez presented the College Commitment presentation. More seniors than ever before are attending a 4-year university versus community college. ECHS Class of 2020 is receiving a combined total of 2.3 million in California Cal grants to help them pay for college tuition and related expenses.

V. Study Session

A.

2020/21 Budgets Review and Discussion

Tabled.

VI. Approve Consent Items A-S

A.

Approve previous meeting minutes for February 13, 2020 board meeting

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 02-13-20.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain

B.

Approve previous meeting minutes for April 16, 2020 board meeting

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 04-16-20.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ken Deemer
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent

C.

Approve previous meeting minutes for April 27, 2020 special board meeting

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Board of Directors' Meeting on 04-27-20.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ken Deemer
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent

D.

Approve previous meeting minutes for May 12, 2020 special board meeting

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Board of Directors' Meeting on 05-12-20.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain

E.

Approve minutes from the following committee meetings

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

F.

Approve March and April 2020 check registers and credit card statements as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve March and April 2020 check registers and credit card statements as recommended by Finance Committee.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain

G.

Approve March-May 2020 private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve March-May 2020 private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent

H.

Approve opening of ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS 2 checking accounts with Beneficial State Bank as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve opening of ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS 2 checking accounts with Beneficial State Bank as recommended by Finance Committee.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye

I.

Approve opening of ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS, ECHS 2 credit card accounts with Beneficial State Bank as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve opening of ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS, ECHS 2 credit card accounts with Beneficial State Bank as recommended by Finance Committee.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
Ken Deemer
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Aye

J.

Approve 2020-2021 Education Protection Act Plan and Resolution as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve 2020-2021 Education Protection Act Plan and Resolution as recommended by Finance Committee.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye

K.

Approve FY 2020-21 contract(s) as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve FY 2020-21 contract(s) as recommended by Finance Committee.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain

L.

Approve Tax Return Form 990 as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Tax Return Form 990 as recommended by Finance Committee.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye

M.

Approve revised ECS Financial Policies as recommended by Finance Committee

Tabled.

N.

Approve 2020-2021 ECS Employee Handbook

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve 2020-2021 ECS Employee Handbook.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent

O.

Approve CL500 Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve CL500 Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain

P.

Approve ECHS Distance Learning Handbook

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve ECHS Distance Learning Handbook.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain

Q.

Approve Graduation Waivers for Student(s)

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Graduation Waivers for Student(s).
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye

R.

Approve Candidates' Participation on the Following Board Committees

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Candidates' Participation on the Board Committees listed in the agenda.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye

S.

Approve 2020-2021 Board Terms and Officers

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve 2020-2021 Board Terms and Officers.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain
LESD Representative
Aye

VII. Action Items

A.

Approve COVID-19 Operations Written Reports for ECHS, ECMS-G, ECMS-I

Zena Fong made a motion to approve COVID-19 Operations Written Reports for ECHS, ECMS-G, ECMS-I.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain
Zena Fong
Aye

B.

Approve 2020-2021 Budgets for ECHS, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS #2

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve 2020-2021 Budgets for ECHS, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS #2.
LESD Representative seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain
Ken Deemer
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent

C.

Approve 2020-2021 Board and Committee Calendar

Cathy Creasia made a motion to approve 2020-2021 Board and Committee Calendar.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Abstain
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Abstain
Zena Fong
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent

D.

Approve 2020-2021 Academic Calendars for ECHS, ECMS-G, ECMS-I

Tabled.

VIII. Transition to Closed Session

A.

Adjourn to Closed Session

Ken Deemer made a motion to adjourn to Closed Session.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ken Deemer
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent

IX. Report Out of Closed Session

A.

Report Out

The ECS board met in closed session to complete the CEO Evaluation process. There was no report out.

X. Closing Items

A.

Appreciations

Appreciations for outgoing ECS board member Cathy Creasia were provided by board members for her service and dedication as a parent and education representative to the ECS board.

B.

Adjourn Meeting

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Cathy Creasia seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Cathy Creasia
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Aye
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid