Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
Board of Directors' Meeting
By Teleconference/Zoom
Date and Time
Wednesday July 14, 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.
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, 2024
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
Dr. Cindy Guardado, Principal at ECHS-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, 2024
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
Dr. Cindy Guardado, Principal at ECHS-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. Madhu Chatwani (remote), Jenina Ramirez (remote), Ken Deemer (remote), Kennedy Hilario (remote), LESD Representative (remote), Zena Fong (remote)
Directors Absent
Dr. Hughie Barnes
Guests Present
Alison Diaz (remote), Danielle Kelsick (remote), Dave Trejo (remote), Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro (remote), Dr. Betsy Hamilton (LESD) (remote), Farnaz Golshani-Flechner (remote), Jeremiah David (remote), Jose Hernandez (remote), Julie Vo (remote), Michael Martucci (remote), Rossa Dono-Ramirez (remote), Sarah Jamieson (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 Wednesday Jul 14, 2021 at 5:03 PM.
C.
Approve the agenda
Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve the agenda.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
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.
ECS leadership updates
None.
B.
ECHS-Lawndale Update
ECHS-Lawndale counselor Rossa Doño-Ramirez presented the 20/21 college application update slides attached in the board packet.
C.
ECHS-Gardena Update
Director of Growth & Sustainability Alison Diaz presented the 20/21 ECHS-Gardena update slides attached in the board packet.
IV. Study Session
A.
Growth and Sustainability Committee Work: Update and Engage
Director of Development Julie Vo presented the 20/21 Capital Campaign update slides attached in the board packet.
The board and other meeting attendees proceeded to break out into smaller groups to discuss potential strategies to increase fundraising and partnerships to close out the study session.
The board and other meeting attendees proceeded to break out into smaller groups to discuss potential strategies to increase fundraising and partnerships to close out the study session.
V. Consent Items A-M
A.
Approve previous meeting minutes for June 24, 2021 board meeting
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 06-24-21.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
B.
Approve Teachers on Special Assignment for 2021-22 School Year (Board Policy 32188)
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Teachers on Special Assignment for 2021-22 School Year (Board Policy 32188).
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
C.
Approve CL500 Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Teachers on Special Assignment for 2021-22 School Year (Board Policy 32188).
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
D.
Approve ECS Employee Handbook 2021-2022
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve ECS Employee Handbook 2021-2022.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
E.
Approve ECHS-G LCAP Federal Addendum
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve ECHS-G LCAP Federal Addendum.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
F.
Approve ECHS-G Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve ECHS-G Parent-Student Handbook 2021-2022.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
G.
Approve amended lease agreement for ECHS-G site
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve amended lease agreement for ECHS-G site.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
H.
Approve amendment to the ECS-Concordia Lutheran Church License Agreement with Shared Access and Premises
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve amendment to the ECS-Concordia Lutheran Church License Agreement with Shared Access and Premises.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
I.
Approve ECS Board Member Jenina Ramirez as Menlo Charter Properties Board Member
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve ECS Board Member Jenina Ramirez as Menlo Charter Properties Board Member.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
J.
Approve revised ECS Board & Committee Calendar 2021-2022
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve revised ECS Board & Committee Calendar 2021-2022.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
K.
Approve FY 2021-2022 contracts
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve FY 2021-2022 contracts.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
L.
Approve ECS bank account changes
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve ECS bank account changes.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
M.
Approve revised ECS Financial Policies
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve revised ECS Financial Policies.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
VI. Action Items
A.
Approve 2021-2022 Consolidated Applications for ECHS, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G
LESD Representative made a motion to approve 2021-2022 Consolidated Applications for ECHS, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
B.
Approve 2021-2022 Academic Calendars for ECHS, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G
Kennedy Hilario made a motion to approve 2021-2022 Academic Calendars for ECHS, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
VII. Closing Items
A.
Appreciations
B.
Adjourn Meeting
Ken Deemer made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Zena Fong 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
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
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 6:05 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid