Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

By Teleconference/Zoom

Date and Time

Thursday March 17, 2022 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
Ms. Alison Diaz, Director of Growth and Sustainability (Facilities)
Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro, Director of Principal Development/Principal Coach

Tracy Bondi, Director of Finance

Julie Vo, Director of Development

Jeremiah David, Director of Compliance and Operations

Sarah Jamieson, Director of Human Resources

Michael Martucci, Director of Student Services

Jen Fenton, Director of Health and Safety
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

Alison Diaz (remote), Dr. Betsy Hamilton (remote), Gabriela Villalpando (remote), Jennifer Fenton (remote), Jeremiah David (remote), KC Fabiero (remote), Linda Bailey (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 Mar 17, 2022 at 5:03 PM.

C.

Approve the agenda

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

II. Presentations from the Floor

A.

Presentations from the floor on non-agenda Items

 A public speaker detailed a concern related to animal treatment at ECHS-Lawndale.

B.

Presentations from the floor on agenda items

None.

III. Reports/Discussions

A.

Preview of annual Executive Director evaluation and salary comparison process

Board President Anthony Jowid previewed the process to the board on the annual Executive Director evaluation and salary comparison process. The process will begin through electronic communication in the weeks ahead and will conclude with a report out after the customary board meeting closed session with Executive Director and board members.

B.

Board member recruitment discussion

Chief Executive Officer Farnaz Golshani-Flechner expressed being close to starting a viable candidate through the prospective board member nomination process. She also renewed a call to the board members to speak to any interested parties in their networks for the purpose of recruiting at least one more board member.

IV. Consent Items A-G

A.

Approve minutes for 2/24/2022 ECS Board Meeting

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 02-24-22.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye

B.

Approve Board Resolution 2021-2022 #4 - Authorizing Remote Board Meetings

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve Board Resolution 2021-2022 #4 - Authorizing Remote Board Meetings.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye

C.

Approve California Energy Commission’s California Schools Healthy Air, Plumbing, and Efficiency (CalSHAPE) Program Board Resolutions for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve California Energy Commission’s California Schools Healthy Air, Plumbing, and Efficiency (CalSHAPE) Program Board Resolutions for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye

D.

Approve purchase of additional student Chromebooks and staff laptops

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve purchase of additional student Chromebooks and staff laptops.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye

E.

Approve ECHS-Lawndale Outdoor Education CELP Fall 2022 Contract

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve ECHS-Lawndale Outdoor Education CELP Fall 2022 Contract.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye

F.

Approve ECHS-Lawndale 2021-2022 Parent-Student Handbook

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve ECHS-Lawndale 2021-2022 Parent-Student Handbook.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye

G.

Approve School Plans for Student Achievement for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve School Plans for Student Achievement for ECHS-L, 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
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye

V. Action Item

A.

Approve Second Interim Financials

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve Second Interim Financials for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G.
LESD Representative seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye

VI. Upcoming Dates/Announcements

A.

Next ECS Board Meeting

B.

Next ECS Committee Meetings

C.

Appreciations

Farnaz Golshani-Flechner appreciated Director of Growth & Sustainability Alison Diaz for her relentless work and demonstrated passion for ECS facilities, including the purchase of the new ECHS-G facility and associated financing. Farnaz also thanked Director of Health & Safety Jen Fenton for her kindness and care in her work above and beyond at school sites in keeping staff, students, and community members safe.

 

Alison Diaz appreciated Farnaz Golshani-Flechner for their collaborative problem-solving work together.

 

Anthony Jowid appreciated ECMS-I staff for conducting a very well-run annual student Shark Tank event. 

VII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
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 5:27 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid