Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

By Teleconference/Zoom

Date and Time

Thursday August 13, 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
Dr. Denise Berger, Secretary.................................................3 years  June 30, 2023
Ms. Zena Fong........................................................................2 year June 30, 2023
Ms. Jenina Ramirez................................................................3 years June 30, 2021
Dr. Hughie Barnes..................................................................3 years June 30, 2023
Dr. Madhu Chatwani...............................................................3 years June 30, 2023
Kennedy Hilario......................................................................3 years June 30, 2023
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. Hughie Barnes (remote), Dr. Madhu Chatwani (remote), Jenina Ramirez (remote), Ken Deemer (remote), Kennedy Hilario (remote), Zena Fong (remote)

Directors Absent

Dr. Denise Berger, LESD Representative

Guests Present

Alison Diaz (remote), Danielle Kelsick (remote), Dave Trejo (remote), Dr. Geneva Matthews (remote), Farnaz Golshani-Flechner (remote), Jeremiah David (remote), KC Fabiero (remote), Lauren Medlin (remote), Sarah Jamieson (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 Thursday Aug 13, 2020 at 5:03 PM.

C.

Approve the agenda

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

D.

Opener

For the opener, the meeting attendees commemorated the passing of former board member Ernie Levroney.

II. Presentations from the Floor

A.

Presentations from the Floor on Non-agenda Items

Tabled.

B.

Presentations from the Floor on Agenda Items

Tabled.

III. Reports/Presentations

A.

2020/21 Back to School Update

Chief Executive Officer Farnaz Golshani-Flechner and Chief Academic Officer Danielle Kelsick presented the 2020/21 Back to School Update slides. New hires at each ECS school were noted for their anticipated close mission fit to ECS, as well as leadership role shifts, including CAO Danielle Kelsick's shift to oversee the ECS principals as well as the Directors of Strategic Initiatives and Principal Development. Also, title changes to specified Home Office staff to Director of Development, Director of Human Resources, and Director of Compliance & Operations. Finally, a committment was shared to continue refining and optimizing ECS's distance learning approach, while reassessing the public safety environment and surveying all stakeholders by late September toward an eventual reopening of ECS schools.

A Q&A to discuss the 20/21 school year ensued followed by a student voice special report and subsequent stakeholder exercise.

20/21 school year priorities were shared: Confront anti-Blackness and racism in our organization and the word, Align systems for effective and equitable distance learning, and Deepen Reading Apprenticeship by focusing on disciplinary literacy (highlighting Math).

Finally, a participatory brainstorming session was held on the topics of budgeting, a childcare reimbursement program, and teaching asssistants.

IV. Approve Consent Items A-H

A.

Approve Resolutions to Provide Authorization for LACOE to Issue Funds for ECS Schools

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Resolutions to Provide Authorization for LACOE to Issue Funds for ECS Schools.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
LESD Representative
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye

B.

Approve FY 2019-2020 Unaudited Actuals

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve FY 2019-2020 Unaudited Actuals.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ken Deemer
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent

C.

Approve 20/21 Contracts

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve 20/21 Contracts.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent

D.

Approve 30-day waiver for the CIF Sports Preparticipation Physical Examination at ECHS

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve 30-day waiver for the CIF Sports Preparticipation Physical Examination at ECHS.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
LESD Representative
Absent
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent

E.

Approve ECS Intern, Resident, or Volunteer Handbook 2020/2021

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve ECS Intern, Resident, or Volunteer Handbook 2020/2021.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye

F.

Approve Resolution to provide Workers' Compensation Coverage for Volunteer Personnel

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Resolution to provide Workers' Compensation Coverage for Volunteer Personnel.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye

G.

Approve revised 2020-2021 Board and Committee Calendar

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

H.

Approve 2019/2020 LACOE Instructional Program, Governance and Fiscal Reviews

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve 2019/2020 LACOE Instructional Program, Governance and Fiscal Reviews.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye

V. Action Item

A.

Approve 2020-2021 ECS Parent-Student Handbooks with COVID-19 Addenda

Zena Fong made a motion to approve 2020-2021 ECS Parent-Student Handbooks with COVID-19 Addenda.
Dr. Hughie Barnes seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye

VI. Transition to Closed Session

A.

Adjourn to Closed Session

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

VII. Report Out of Closed Session

A.

Report Out

The board met in closed session, there were no actions taken and no items to report out.

VIII. Closing Items

A.

Appreciations

Board President Anthony Jowid appreciated all meeting attendees who are parents and were able to stay for the full 3-hour board meeting even with their childcare duties. He also commended Dave Trejo for this same reason.

Board member Dr. Hughie Barnes and board vice president Ken Deemer appreciated Danielle Kelsick for the all the hard work undertaken in summer planning and for the organization focusing not on what they can't do, but on what they can and must do. Ken Deemer also commended the Home Office staff for their title promotions to Directors in their areas.

Danielle Kelsick appreciated the thoughtful questions from the board that provide a fresh perspective and new eyes on the work that the ECS staff have been discussing and working on for some time.

Director of Growth and Sustainability Alison Diaz appreciated the organization changes and development that Farnaz Golshani-Flechner has done as well as the structuring of this board meeting to be able to tap into each board member's expertise.

Farnaz Golshani-Flechner appreciated the way that Dave Trejo models leadership for his child.

Kennedy Hilario appreciated Farnaz Golshani-Flechner for being a great developer of leaders and appreciated the entire organization work all of the very hard work that has taken and continues to take place. Board member Zena Fong also appreciated the organization's hard work as well as their ability to pursue bold initiatives such as the childcare reimbursement program.

Dave Trejo appreciated Sarah Jamieson for her well-deserved title promotion and for the excellent new teacher PD that was very professional and inspiring.

Dr. Geneva Matthews appreciated all the board members, new and existing, Sarah Jamieson and Jeremiah David for being available even at times that may be inopportune for them, and for Danielle Kelsick's and Farnaz Golshani-Flechner's leadership.

B.

Adjourn Meeting

Ken Deemer made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ken Deemer
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:08 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid