Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
Special Board of Directors' Meeting
By Teleconference/Zoom
Date and Time
Monday May 3, 2021 at 4:30 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
Alison Diaz (remote), Danielle Kelsick (remote), Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro (remote), Farnaz Golshani-Flechner (remote), 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 Monday May 3, 2021 at 4:33 PM.
C.
Approve the agenda
Zena Fong made a motion to approve the agenda.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
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.
Review recommended Salary Schedule for Principals + Assistant Principals
CEO Farnaz Golshani-Flechner presented the Salary Schedule slides.
IV. Consent Items A-D
A.
Approve previous meeting minutes for April 9, 2021 board meeting
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Board of Directors' Meeting on 04-09-21.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Abstain
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
B.
Approve previous committee meeting minutes
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve previous committee meeting minutes.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
C.
Approve Charter School Revolving Loan Fund application/award for ECHS-Gardena for $250,000 as recommended by Finance Committee
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve Charter School Revolving Loan Fund application/award for ECHS-Gardena for $250,000 as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
D.
Approve following contracts as recommended by Finance Committee
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve contracts listed on the agenda as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Abstain
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
V. Action Items
A.
Approve Salary Schedule for Principals + Assistant Principals as recommended by Finance Committee
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Salary Schedule for Principals + Assistant Principals as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
B.
Approve ECS Spring 2021 summative testing plan
Kennedy Hilario made a motion to approve ECS Spring 2021 summative testing plan.
Dr. Hughie Barnes seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
C.
Approve Development, Support, and Project Agreement by and among ECHS-Gardena, Menlo Charter Properties, and MBB & Gardena LLC
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Development, Support, and Project Agreement by and among ECHS-Gardena, Menlo Charter Properties, and MBB & Gardena LLC.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Abstain
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
D.
Approve sublease agreement between Menlo Charter Properties and ECHS-Gardena
Kennedy Hilario made a motion to approve sublease agreement between Menlo Charter Properties and ECHS-Gardena.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Abstain
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
VI. Transition to Closed Session
A.
Adjourn to Closed Session
Zena Fong made a motion to adjourn to Closed Session.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
VII. Report Out of Closed Session
A.
Report Out
Returning from closed session, Board President Anthony Jowid reported out that the board completed a highly satisfactory CEO evaluation and intends to approve a 5% raise in CEO compensation.
VIII. Closing Items
A.
Appreciations
The board commended CEO Farnaz Golshani's excellent performance in the 20/21 school year, including her efforts in coordinating and facilitating the Confronting Anti-Blackness and Racism discussion, her leadership response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, providing steadfastness and humility as a leadership role model to the organization.
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 | |
---|---|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:30 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid