Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
Board of Directors' Meeting
By Teleconference/Zoom
Date and Time
Thursday November 19, 2020 at 5:00 PM
Location
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/147466498
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.
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
Dr. Hughie Barnes (remote), Dr. Madhu Chatwani (remote), Jenina Ramirez (remote), Ken Deemer (remote), Kennedy Hilario (remote), Zena Fong (remote)
Directors Absent
Anthony Jowid, Dr. Denise Berger, LESD Representative
Guests Present
Dave Trejo (remote), Dorothy Lee (remote), Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro (remote), Farnaz Golshani-Flechner (remote), Jeremiah David (remote), Julie Vo (remote), Kami Cotler (remote), Michael Martucci (remote), Tracy Bondi (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner called a meeting of the board of directors of Environmental Charter Schools to order on Thursday Nov 19, 2020 at 5:06 PM.
C.
Approve the agenda
Zena Fong made a motion to approve the agenda.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
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.
Development update
Director of Development Julie Vo and CEO Farnaz Golshani-Flechner presented the Development update slides:
Almost $3M left to raise to meet two-year fundraising goal. A new ECS school, ECHS-Gardena will open in August 2021, and to assist in this effort, there will be the launch of the Capital Campaign to fund this new school, along with the formation of a Growth & Sustainability Committee. The ECS staff concluded with a request to the board to identify supporters and potential members for this committee as well as consider joining the committee themselves.
Board member Zena Fong made a suggestion on enhancing the Capital Campaign presentation slides by adding more before and after photos, with information on how the green buildings and features were implemented over the years, highlighting the environmental approaches that were taken. Also, students thriving and enjoying the natural environment at ECHS.
Board Vice President Ken Deemer suggested including more info on college acceptance and admission rates in the Capital Campaign presentation slides.
Board member Kennedy Hilario recommended that ECS showcase students giving classes to the community and other students, including visuals of the impressive environmental features at ECHS.
Almost $3M left to raise to meet two-year fundraising goal. A new ECS school, ECHS-Gardena will open in August 2021, and to assist in this effort, there will be the launch of the Capital Campaign to fund this new school, along with the formation of a Growth & Sustainability Committee. The ECS staff concluded with a request to the board to identify supporters and potential members for this committee as well as consider joining the committee themselves.
Board member Zena Fong made a suggestion on enhancing the Capital Campaign presentation slides by adding more before and after photos, with information on how the green buildings and features were implemented over the years, highlighting the environmental approaches that were taken. Also, students thriving and enjoying the natural environment at ECHS.
Board Vice President Ken Deemer suggested including more info on college acceptance and admission rates in the Capital Campaign presentation slides.
Board member Kennedy Hilario recommended that ECS showcase students giving classes to the community and other students, including visuals of the impressive environmental features at ECHS.
B.
EdTec financial review
EdTec consultant Dorothy Lee presented the financial update slides:
ECHS-L: operating income forecast up $34k due to savings in certificated salaries, E-Rate discount for internet costs, partially offset by smaller increases in prior year expenses recognized, CMO classified salaries and computer expenses. CapEx project is spread out over many years.
ECMS-G: operating income forecast decreased by $13k due to increases in insurance costs (across all ECS schools), benefit expenses (mainly learning loss mitigation funding), CMO classified staff expenses, and a small increase in prior year expenses recognized, offset by a smaller amount of savings in tech services and internet.
ECMS-I: operating income forecast decreased by $35k due to increases in benefit expenses (mainly learning loss mitigation funding) and CMO classified staff expenses, offset by a smaller amount of savings in tech services.
ECHS-L: operating income forecast up $34k due to savings in certificated salaries, E-Rate discount for internet costs, partially offset by smaller increases in prior year expenses recognized, CMO classified salaries and computer expenses. CapEx project is spread out over many years.
ECMS-G: operating income forecast decreased by $13k due to increases in insurance costs (across all ECS schools), benefit expenses (mainly learning loss mitigation funding), CMO classified staff expenses, and a small increase in prior year expenses recognized, offset by a smaller amount of savings in tech services and internet.
ECMS-I: operating income forecast decreased by $35k due to increases in benefit expenses (mainly learning loss mitigation funding) and CMO classified staff expenses, offset by a smaller amount of savings in tech services.
C.
ECHS-Gardena Letter of Intent update
CEO Farnaz Golshani-Flechner provided the following update:
For ECS's new school, ECHS-Gardena opening in August 2021, a letter of intent has been received earlier in the month and is planned to be signed in December 2020. ECS is actively recruiting for a founding Principal at this school and has spoken with several strong candidates. A solid number of students already have lottery applications submitted and a capital campaign to help pay for the new school is in the planning stages.
For ECS's new school, ECHS-Gardena opening in August 2021, a letter of intent has been received earlier in the month and is planned to be signed in December 2020. ECS is actively recruiting for a founding Principal at this school and has spoken with several strong candidates. A solid number of students already have lottery applications submitted and a capital campaign to help pay for the new school is in the planning stages.
D.
Menlo 165th refinance update
Director of Finance Tracy Bondi provided the following update:
ECS staff has been working on refinancing the Menlo 165th's NMTC loan for ECMS-Gardena, since it is coming to maturity. ECS is now starting the unwind process for this loan, with closing scheduled by December 22, 2020. Loan Note A will be refinanced while Note B will be sold back to ECS for $1,000.
ECS staff has been working on refinancing the Menlo 165th's NMTC loan for ECMS-Gardena, since it is coming to maturity. ECS is now starting the unwind process for this loan, with closing scheduled by December 22, 2020. Loan Note A will be refinanced while Note B will be sold back to ECS for $1,000.
IV. Study Session
A.
Board Benchmark Chart
CEO Farnaz Golshani-Flechner provided a demonstration of the Board Benchmark Chart.
Board members were requested to provide feedback on this board benchmark chart, including concerns, comments, and suggestions.
Board members were requested to provide feedback on this board benchmark chart, including concerns, comments, and suggestions.
V. Approve Consent Items A-H
A.
Approve previous meeting minutes for September 10, 2020 board meeting
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 09-10-20.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
B.
Approve previous meeting minutes for September 24, 2020 board meeting
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 09-24-20.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
C.
Accept August-October 2020 check registers and credit card statements as recommended by Finance Committee
Ken Deemer made a motion to accept August-October 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 | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
D.
Accept September-October 2020 private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee
Ken Deemer made a motion to accept September-October 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 | |
|---|---|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
E.
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 | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
F.
Approve revised 2020-2021 committee roster
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve revised 2020-2021 committee roster.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
G.
Approve SELPA Local Plan Section B, Certification 5 and Participation Agreement for each site
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve SELPA Local Plan Section B, Certification 5 and Participation Agreement for each site.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
H.
Approve Finance Committee goals for 2020-2021 as recommended by Finance Committee
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Finance Committee goals for 2020-2021 as recommended by Finance Committee.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
VI. Action Items
A.
Approve First Interim Financials for each site as recommended by Finance Committee
Dr. Hughie Barnes made a motion to approve First Interim Financials for each site as recommended by Finance Committee.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
B.
Approve Parent Budget Overviews for each site as recommended by Finance Committee
Zena Fong made a motion to approve Parent Budget Overviews for each site as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
C.
Approve ECS Conflict of Interest Code
Dr. Hughie Barnes made a motion to approve the ECS Conflict of Interest Code.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
VII. Closing Items
A.
Appreciations
B.
Adjourn Meeting
Zena Fong made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Zena Fong |
Aye
|
| Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
| Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
| Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
| LESD Representative |
Absent
|
| Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
| Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
| Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
| Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:47 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner