Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
Board of Directors' Meeting
By Teleconference/Zoom
Date and Time
Thursday September 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.
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
Dr. Denise Berger (remote), Jenina Ramirez (remote), Ken Deemer (remote), Kennedy Hilario (remote), LESD Representative (remote), Zena Fong (remote)
Directors Absent
Anthony Jowid, Dr. Hughie Barnes, Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Guests Present
Alison Diaz (remote), Dave Trejo (remote), Dorothy Lee (remote), Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro (remote), Dr. Cindy Guardado (remote), Dr. Geneva Matthews (remote), Farnaz Golshani-Flechner (remote), Gretchen Janson (remote), Jen Fenton (remote), Jeremiah David (remote), Jose Hernandez (remote), KC Fabiero (remote), Sarah Jamieson (remote), Tracy Bondi (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
Ken Deemer called a meeting of the board of directors of Environmental Charter Schools to order on Thursday Sep 23, 2021 at 5:06 PM.
C.
Approve the agenda
Kennedy Hilario made a motion to approve the agenda.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
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
Chief Executive Officer Farnaz Golshani-Flechner presented the ECS leadership updates slides in tandem with Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro, Director of Principal Development/Principal Coach.
B.
Principals updates
Principal KC Fabiero presented the ECHS-L update:
Summer bridge activities, and fall semester student connectedness and high levels of COVID safety mitigation measure compliance were highlighted.
Principal Dr. Cindy Guardado presented the ECHS-G update:
Among the glows (positives) that were shared: positive culture amongst students, attendance averaging at 95.5% despite students who have had to quarantine, consistent systems to support advisory as the driver for “Every Child as a blessing”, and student-centered coaching has begun.
Among the grows (areas for improvement) that were shared: supporting MTSS Tier 1--checks for understanding and student interactions, improving use of instructional time in the classroom , opportunities for after school student participation, and in class interventions.
Summer bridge activities, and fall semester student connectedness and high levels of COVID safety mitigation measure compliance were highlighted.
Principal Dr. Cindy Guardado presented the ECHS-G update:
Among the glows (positives) that were shared: positive culture amongst students, attendance averaging at 95.5% despite students who have had to quarantine, consistent systems to support advisory as the driver for “Every Child as a blessing”, and student-centered coaching has begun.
Among the grows (areas for improvement) that were shared: supporting MTSS Tier 1--checks for understanding and student interactions, improving use of instructional time in the classroom , opportunities for after school student participation, and in class interventions.
C.
EdTec financial review and revised budgets for 21/22
EdTec consultant Dorothy Lee presented the slides for the EdTec financial review and revised budgets for 21/22.
IV. Study Session
A.
Vaccine mandate for students and staff
Farnaz Golshani-Flechner presented the Leadership Update slides regarding vaccine mandates for students and staff.
Zoom breakout room discussions, followed by a general freeform discussion ensued between board members and all other meeting attendees.
Zoom breakout room discussions, followed by a general freeform discussion ensued between board members and all other meeting attendees.
V. Consent Items A-L
A.
Approve previous meeting minutes for July 14, 2021 board meeting
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 07-14-21.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
B.
Approve previous meeting minutes for August 19, 2021 board meeting
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Board of Directors' Meeting on 08-19-21.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
C.
Approve previous 9/17/21 Finance Committee meeting minutes
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve previous 9/17/21 Finance Committee meeting minutes.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
D.
Approve private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
E.
Approve unaudited actuals as recommended by Finance Committee
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve unaudited actuals as recommended by Finance Committee.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
F.
Approve contracts
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve contracts.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
G.
Approve revised ECS Board & Committee Calendar 2021-2022
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve revised ECS Board & Committee Calendar 2021-2022.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
H.
Approve revised ECS Board Committees & Terms 2021-2022
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve revised ECS Board Committees & Terms 2021-2022.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
I.
Approve ECMS-I Parent-Student Handbook
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve ECMS-I Parent-Student Handbook.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
J.
Approve sale or disposition of ECS technology equipment
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve sale or disposition of ECS technology equipment.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
K.
Approve resignation of board member Dr. Hughie Barnes, effective 9/10/2021
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve resignation of board member Dr. Hughie Barnes, effective 9/10/2021.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
L.
Approve revised ECS Independent Study Policy
Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve revised ECS Independent Study Policy.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
VI. Action Item
A.
Approve revised 2021-2022 Budgets for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G as recommended by Finance Committee
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve revised 2021-2022 Budgets for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G as recommended by Finance Committee.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
VII. Closing Items
A.
Appreciations
Board members shared appreciations for the hard work undertaken by staff to start the school year in-person. Staff shared appreciations for each others' efforts.
B.
Adjourn Meeting
Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to adjourn Meeting.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Hughie Barnes |
Absent
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Absent
|
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 6:41 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ken Deemer