Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
Board of Directors' Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday June 23, 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
Ms. Tracy Bondi, Director of Finance
Ms. Julie Vo, Director of Development
Mr. Jeremiah David, Director of Compliance and Operations
Ms. Sarah Jamieson, Director of Human Resources
Mr. Michael Martucci, Director of Student Services
Ms. 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. Previous board meeting minutes may be viewed on the Board On Track public portal website at https://app2.boardontrack.com/public/3tHo3u/home.
Directors Present
Anthony Jowid (remote), Dr. Madhu Chatwani (remote), Jenina Ramirez (remote), Ken Deemer (remote), LESD Representative (remote), Zena Fong (remote)
Directors Absent
Dr. Denise Berger, Kennedy Hilario
Guests Present
Alison Diaz (remote), Bruce Greenspon (remote), Danielle Kelsick (remote), Dave Trejo (remote), Dorothy Lee (remote), Dr. Beth Bernstein-Yamashiro (remote), Dr. Cindy Guardado (remote), Dr. Geneva Matthews (remote), Farnaz Golshani-Flechner (remote), Jennifer Fenton (remote), Jeremiah David (remote), KC Fabiero (remote), Michael Martucci (remote), Robert Maxwell (remote), Thelma Gonzalez (LESD board representative) (remote), Tracy Bondi (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve the agenda
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
II. Presentations from the Floor
A.
Presentations from the floor on non-agenda Items
B.
Presentations from the floor on agenda items
On the Leadership Updates agenda item, local community member and former ECS board president Bruce Greenspon made public comment to commend the integrity, reliability, and hard work of outgoing ECS board vice president Ken Deemer undertaken on behalf of the ECS organization and community at large.
III. Reports/Discussions
A.
Leadership updates
Board president Anthony Jowid appreciated outgoing Finance Committee and board vice President Ken Deemer for his exemplary service to the ECS community over many years. This was followed by an outpouring of appreciations from ECS board members and ECS leaders alike.
B.
21/22 EdTec financial update and 22/23 budgets
EdTec consultant Dorothy Lee presented the EdTec financial update slides:
The May revise budget was discussed along with COLA projections in out years. The following changes from previous budget forecasts were detailed:
- ECHS-L: Operating income decreased by $111k
- ECMS-G: Operating income decreased by $70k
- ECMS-I: Operating income increased by $111k
- ECHS-G: Operating income increased by $14k
Finally, the 22/23 budgets for each school were presented.
C.
2021-2024 LCAP End of Year 1 Update and Year 2 Preview
Home Office team members Tracy Bondi, Jennifer Fenton, and Robert Maxwell presented the 2021-2024 Local Control and Accountability Plans End of Year 1 Update and Year 2 Preview. A discussion amongst the board and ECS staff ensued.
IV. Public Hearing
A.
Public Hearing: Local Control and Accountability Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G
No speakers were present to provide comments at this public hearing.
V. Consent Items A-N
A.
Approve Board Resolution 2021-2022 #6 - Authorizing Remote Board Meetings
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
B.
Approve minutes for 5/26/2022 ECS board meeting
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
C.
Approve 2022-2023 Board Term Renewals
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
D.
Approve 2022-2023 Board & Committee Calendar
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
E.
Approve 2022-2023 ECS Board Committees & Terms
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
F.
Approve ECS Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) Plan
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
G.
Approve ECS board resolution supporting safe gun storage
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
H.
Approve revisions to ECS Local School Wellness Policy
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
I.
Accept 22/23 Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director compensation analysis regarding CEO 9% compensation increase
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
J.
Approve 6/17/2022 Finance Committee meeting minutes
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
K.
Approve check registers and credit card statements as recommended by Finance Committee
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
L.
Approve private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
M.
Approve 2022-2023 Education Protection Act Plan and Resolution as recommended by Finance Committee
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
N.
Approve FY 2022-23 contract(s)
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
VI. Action Item
A.
Approve Local Accountability and Control Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
B.
Approve 22/23 budgets for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
C.
Approve 2022 California School Dashboard Local Indicators for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
D.
Approve 2022-2023 Academic Calendars for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
E.
Approve resignation of Board Vice President/Treasurer Ken Deemer, effective 6/30/2022
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
VII. Upcoming Dates/Announcements
A.
Next ECS Board Meeting
B.
Next ECS Committee Meetings
C.
Appreciations
Appreciations were shared by the board members and amongst ECS staff for the hard work, results focus, and engagement with educational partners during a long and difficult first school year coming back to fully in-person instruction.
VIII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Ken Deemer |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
None.