Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
Special Board of Directors' Meeting
By Teleconference/Zoom
Date and Time
Thursday August 19, 2021 at 4:45 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. Hughie Barnes (remote), Dr. Madhu Chatwani (remote), Jenina Ramirez (remote), LESD Representative, Zena Fong (remote)
Directors Absent
Ken Deemer, Kennedy Hilario
Guests Present
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 Thursday Aug 19, 2021 at 4:50 PM.
C.
Approve the agenda
Zena Fong made a motion to approve the agenda.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
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
ECS CEO Farnaz Golshani-Flechner provided a brief update on the challenges and successes related to preparing for full in-person instruction that is starting in the following week.
IV. Consent Items A-D
A.
Approve Contracts
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve Contracts.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
B.
Approve revised Board & Committee Calendar 2021-2022
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve revised Board & Committee Calendar 2021-2022.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Absent
|
C.
Approve Charter School Revolving Loan Fund resolution and loan agreement for ECHS-Gardena for $250,000
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve Charter School Revolving Loan Fund resolution and loan agreement for ECHS-Gardena for $250,000.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
D.
Approve CalSTRS resolutions for ECHS-Gardena
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve CalSTRS resolutions for ECHS-Gardena, electing CalSTRS.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
E.
Approve Beneficial State Bank Corporate Resolution to Borrow - Credit Cards
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve Beneficial State Bank Corporate Resolution to Borrow - Credit Cards.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Ken Deemer |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
V. Action Items
A.
Approve ECS Independent Study Policy
Dr. Hughie Barnes made a motion to approve ECS Independent Study Policy.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Ken Deemer |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
B.
Approve revised ECS Academic Calendars
Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve revised ECS Academic Calendars.
LESD Representative seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
VI. Closing Items
A.
Appreciations
B.
Adjourn Meeting
Dr. Hughie Barnes made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Absent
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 5:24 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid