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.
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.

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.

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