Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
Board of Directors' Meeting
By Teleconference/Zoom
Date and Time
Tuesday March 23, 2021 at 5:00 PM
Location
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/147466498?pwd=MnB5Vkc4aG41OEZ1dDdtcWoxQjV0dz09
OR
Dial-In: (669) 900-6833, Meeting ID: 147 466 498, Passcode: 133043
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
Mr. 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-Lawndale
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
Mr. 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-Lawndale
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), Dr. Hughie Barnes (remote), Dr. Madhu Chatwani (remote), Jenina Ramirez (remote), Ken Deemer (remote), Kennedy Hilario (remote), LESD Representative (remote), Zena Fong (remote)
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
Amy Johnson (remote), Charity Rock (remote), Christina Habashy (remote), Danielle Kelsick (remote), Dr. Delia Castillo (remote), Farnaz Golshani-Flechner (remote), Kristen Donahue (remote), Sarah Jamieson (remote), Tiffany McGinnis (remote), Tracy Bondi (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 Mar 23, 2021 at 5:05 PM.
C.
Approve the agenda
Zena Fong made a motion to approve the agenda.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
D.
Opener
II. Approve Consent Items A-H
A.
Approve previous meeting minutes for January 26, 2021 board meeting
Kennedy Hilario made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 01-26-21.
Dr. Hughie Barnes seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
B.
Approve previous committee meeting minutes
Kennedy Hilario made a motion to approve committee meeting minutes listed in the agenda.
Dr. Hughie Barnes seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
C.
Approve private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee
Kennedy Hilario made a motion to approve private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Hughie Barnes seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
D.
Approve updated Comprehensive School Safety Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, and ECMS-I
Kennedy Hilario made a motion to approve updated Comprehensive School Safety Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, and ECMS-I.
Dr. Hughie Barnes seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
E.
Approve 3-year auditor proposal/contract as recommended by Audit Committee
Kennedy Hilario made a motion to approve 3-year auditor proposal/contract as recommended by Audit Committee.
Dr. Hughie Barnes seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
F.
Approve Second Interim Financial Reports for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, and ECMS-I as recommended by Finance Committee
Kennedy Hilario made a motion to approve Second Interim Financial Reports for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, and ECMS-I as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Hughie Barnes seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
G.
Approve Beneficial State Bank Line of Credit for ECS for $600k as recommended by Finance Committee
Kennedy Hilario made a motion to approve Beneficial State Bank Line of Credit for ECS for $600k as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Hughie Barnes seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
H.
Approve revised COVID-19 addendum from ECS Employee Handbook 2020-2021
Kennedy Hilario made a motion to approve revised COVID-19 addendum from ECS Employee Handbook 2020-2021.
Dr. Hughie Barnes seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
III. Action Items
A.
Approve ECS School Reopening Resolution March 2021
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve ECS School Reopening Resolution March 2021 with the addition of the word "permit" to clause 1: "...direct, PERMIT, or recommend the opening".
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
B.
Approve Revised Teacher Salary Schedule
Dr. Hughie Barnes made a motion to approve Revised Teacher Salary Schedule.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
IV. Closing Items
A.
Appreciations
B.
Adjourn Meeting
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Dr. Hughie Barnes seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid