Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

By Teleconference/Zoom

Date and Time

Thursday December 9, 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), Jenina Ramirez (remote), Ken Deemer (remote), Kennedy Hilario (remote), LESD Representative (remote), Zena Fong (remote)

Directors Absent

None

Guests Present

Danielle Kelsick (remote), Dave Trejo (remote), Dorothy Lee (remote), Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro (remote), Dr. Cindy Guardado (remote), Dr. Geneva Matthews (remote), Jen Fenton (remote), Jeremiah David (remote), Juan Santos (remote), KC Fabiero (remote), Michael Martucci (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 Thursday Dec 9, 2021 at 5:03 PM.

C.

Approve the agenda

LESD Representative made a motion to approve the agenda.
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
LESD Representative
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye

D.

Opener

Tabled.

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.

Introduction to 21/22 Strategic Priorities Benchmark Chart

Chief Executive Officer Farnaz Golshani-Flechner presented a brief walkthrough of the 21/22 Strategic Priorities Benchmark Chart.

B.

ECS leadership updates

Chief Academic Officer Danielle Kelsick presented the CAO update slides.

 

Director of Student Services Michael Martucci presented the student services update slides.

C.

EdTec financial update

EdTec consultant Dorothy Lee presented the EdTec financial update slides:
  • ECHS-L forecasted operating income increased by $172k
  • ECMS-G forecasted operating income increased by $50k
  • ECMS-I forecasted operating income decreased by $24k
  • ECHS-G forecasted operating income increased by $35k
The reductions in ADA forecasts at all ECS schools except ECHS-G were noted as higher than historically normal but not as drastic as they could be, particularly considering the COVID safety measures in place that prevent or discourage even mildly ill students from attending in-person when they likely otherwise would.

IV. Consent Items A-J

A.

Approve previous meeting minutes for 10/28/2021 board meeting

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 10-28-21.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent

B.

Approve previous minutes for 12/3/2021 Finance Committee meeting

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve the minutes from Finance Committee Meeting on 12-03-21.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye

C.

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

D.

Approve First Interim Reports as recommended by Finance Committee

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

E.

Approve Educator Effectiveness Funds Plans as recommended by Finance Committee

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Educator Effectiveness Funds Plans as recommended by Finance Committee.
Zena Fong 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
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
LESD Representative
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye

F.

Approve revised ECMS-G & ECHS-L Parent Student Handbooks 2021-2022

Tabled.

G.

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

H.

Approve Board Resolution 2021-2022 #1 - Authorizing Remote Board Meetings

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Board Resolution 2021-2022 #1 - Authorizing Remote Board Meetings.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent

I.

Approve revised 21/22 ECS Academic Calendars

Correction to the agenda description noted in bold below:
  • ECMS-G Academic Calendar
    • Decreased instructional minutes on 12/17/2021 to reduce potential Covid exposure on the last day of the semester
    • Increased instructional minutes to accommodate an earlier pick up on PD Day in an effort to reduce potential Covid exposure during lunch on early release day. ECMS-G still exceeds the CDE minimum by ~11,395 instructional minutes
Ken Deemer made a motion to approve revised 21/22 ECS Academic Calendars.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye

J.

Approve revised ESSER III Expenditures Plans

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

V. Action Item

A.

Approve revised ECS Board & Committee Calendar 2021-2022

Zena Fong made a motion to approve revised ECS Board & Committee Calendar 2021-2022.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent

VI. Upcoming Dates/Announcements

A.

Next ECS Board Meeting

B.

Next ECS Committee Meetings

C.

Appreciations

Board Vice President Ken Deemer appreciated ECS's continued use of data for continuous improvement and learning.

 

Board President Anthony Jowid appreciated ECS's effective use of technologies and platforms.

 

CEO Farnaz Golshani-Flechner appreciated the board's presence, thoughtful questions and trust in ECS leadership.

 

LESD Board Representative Juan Santos thanked Farnaz Golshani-Flechner for her leadership in the transition.

 

Director of Compliance & Operations Jeremiah David appreciated Farnaz Golshani-Flechner for being a calm and sustaining force for the entire organization and for taking on the extra burden to support all the leaders at ECS through these challenging times.

 

CEO Farnaz Golshani-Flechner expressed enthusiasm for the high ratings achieved by the Home Office staff in their recent org-wide survey results, reaching an overall customer service support rating of above 90% for the first time at ECS since this metric was tracked. She expressed appreciation for the Home Office leaders that contributed to this result: Director of Human Resources Sarah Jamieson, Chief Academic Officer Danielle Kelsick, Director of Finance Tracy Bondi, Director of Compliance & Operations Jeremiah David, and others. She also expressed gratitude for Danielle Kelsick, for being an inspirational leader and troubleshooting issues together, and for leading and coaching the principals to develop within their roles.

 

Board Member Zena Fong appreciated ECS's focus to instill the priority that Every Child is A Blessing, which has permeated throughout the organization and improved outcomes for students and staff alike.

VII. Transition to Closed Session

A.

Adjourn to Closed Session

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

VIII. Report Out of Closed Session

A.

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

The board returned from closed session. Board President Anthony Jowid reported out that the board approved a one-time $10k bonus in CEO Farnaz Golshani-Flechner's compensation.

B.

Ratification of CEO's/ED's Employment Agreement

Kennedy Hilario made a motion to ratify the CEO's/ED's Employment Agreement.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent

IX. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

The board recognized CEO Farnaz Golshani-Flechner for her exceptional performance, for going above and beyond in her leadership in these unbelievably challenging times for K-12 schools.
Zena Fong made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
LESD Representative
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:55 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid