Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

By Teleconference/Zoom

Date and Time

Thursday October 28, 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. 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), Ken Deemer (remote), LESD Representative (remote), Zena Fong (remote)

Directors Absent

Jenina Ramirez, Kennedy Hilario

Guests Present

Alison Diaz (remote), Cesar Delgado (remote), Charity Rock (remote), Danielle Kelsick (remote), Dave Trejo (remote), Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro (remote), Dr. Cindy Guardado (remote), Dr. Geneva Matthews (remote), Farnaz Golshani-Flechner (remote), Jen Fenton (remote), Jeremiah David (remote), Julie Vo (remote), KC Fabiero (remote), Kevin Atmore (remote), Tracy Bondi (remote), Travis Collier (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 Oct 28, 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. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye

D.

Opener

Chief Executive Officer Farnaz Golshani-Flechner led the opener to brainstorm ideas for work that social workers can fulfill moving forward for the students at ECS schools.

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

Farnaz Golshani-Flechner facilitated the ECS leadership update slides with Home Office leaders presenting as well. Key work underway was highlighted across all ECS Home Office departments. 

B.

Principals updates

Dr. Geneva Matthews and Dave Trejo presented the principals updates slides on behalf of ECMS-Inglewood and ECMS-Gardena, respectively.

C.

Social Work at ECS update

Social worker lead Cesar Delgado presented the social work at ECS update slides.

D.

EdTec financial update

Director of Finance Tracy Bondi presented the EdTec financial update slides.

E.

Educator Effectiveness Funds Plan Update

Director of Finance Tracy Bondi presented the Educator Effectiveness Funds Plans, providing space for the board members to review before the next board meeting where action will be taken on this item.

IV. Consent Items A-I

A.

Approve previous meeting minutes for 9/23/2021 board meeting

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 09-23-21.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye

B.

Approve previous minutes for 10/22/21 Finance Committee meeting

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve the minutes from Finance Committee Meeting on 10-22-21.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent

C.

Approve private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent

D.

Approve check registers and credit card statements as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve check registers and credit card statements as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent

E.

Approve contracts as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve contracts as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent

F.

Approve Outdoor Education Program Grant Authorizing Resolution as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Outdoor Education Program Grant Authorizing Resolution as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent

G.

Approve CA Coastal Commission's Whale Tail grant application submission

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve CA Coastal Commission's Whale Tail grant application submission.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye

H.

Accept ECMS-I and ECMS-G Instructional and Governance Reviews

Ken Deemer made a motion to accept ECMS-I and ECMS-G Instructional and Governance Reviews.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent

I.

Approve revised 21/22 ECS Academic Calendars

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve revised 21/22 ECS Academic Calendars.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ken Deemer
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye

V. Action Item

A.

Approve ESSER III Expenditures Plans

LESD Representative made a motion to approve ESSER III Expenditures Plans.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye

VI. Upcoming Dates/Announcements

A.

Next ECS Board Meeting

B.

Next ECS Committee Meetings

C.

Appreciations

Board President Anthony Jowid commended the ECS leadership team on their commitment and strong results that are evident each time that the board meets. ECMS-G Principal Dave Trejo and Farnaz Golshani-Flechner appreciated the work of Director of Health & Safety Jen Fenton, for taking action on safety-related work no matter how large or small. Farnaz Golshani-Flechner appreciated the work of Director of Compliance & Operations Jeremiah David for his behind-the-scenes work to keep ECS operations sustainable and for stepping up to help other staff any time that it is needed. Farnaz also appreciated the tireless work and dedication of the ECS principals, in this hardest semester experienced by most in public education.

VII. Transition to Closed Session

A.

Adjourn to Closed Session

Tabled.

VIII. Closed Session

A.

Conference with Labor Negotiator (Government Code section 54957.6)

Tabled.

IX. Report Out of Closed Session

A.

Oral Recommendation Regarding CEO's/ED's Salary and/or Fringe Benefits

Tabled.

B.

Ratification of CEO's/ED's Employment Agreement

Tabled.

X. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

LESD Representative made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:39 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid