Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

By Teleconference/Zoom

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

Anthony Jowid called a meeting of the board of directors of Environmental Charter Schools to order on Thursday Jun 23, 2022 at 5:04 PM.

C.

Approve the agenda

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

II. Presentations from the Floor

A.

Presentations from the floor on non-agenda Items

None.

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

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve Board Resolution 2021-2022 #6 - Authorizing Remote Board Meetings.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye

B.

Approve minutes for 5/26/2022 ECS board meeting

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 05-26-22.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye

C.

Approve 2022-2023 Board Term Renewals

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve 2022-2023 Board Term Renewals.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye

D.

Approve 2022-2023 Board & Committee Calendar

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve 2022-2023 Board & Committee Calendar.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye

E.

Approve 2022-2023 ECS Board Committees & Terms

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve 2022-2023 ECS Board Committees & Terms.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent

F.

Approve ECS Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) Plan

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve ECS Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) Plan.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent

G.

Approve ECS board resolution supporting safe gun storage

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

H.

Approve revisions to ECS Local School Wellness Policy

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

I.

Accept 22/23 Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director compensation analysis regarding CEO 9% compensation increase

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to accept 22/23 Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director compensation analysis regarding CEO 9% compensation increase.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye

J.

Approve 6/17/2022 Finance Committee meeting minutes

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve the minutes from Finance Committee Meeting on 06-17-22.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ken Deemer
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye

K.

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

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

L.

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

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

M.

Approve 2022-2023 Education Protection Act Plan and Resolution as recommended by Finance Committee

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve 2022-2023 Education Protection Act Plan and Resolution as recommended by Finance Committee.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye

N.

Approve FY 2022-23 contract(s)

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve FY 2022-23 contract(s) listed on the agenda.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent

VI. Action Item

A.

Approve Local Accountability and Control Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

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

B.

Approve 22/23 budgets for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve 22/23 budgets for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ken Deemer
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye

C.

Approve 2022 California School Dashboard Local Indicators for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve 2022 California School Dashboard Local Indicators for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G.
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
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent

D.

Approve 2022-2023 Academic Calendars for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

Zena Fong made a motion to approve 2022-2023 Academic Calendars for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye

E.

Approve resignation of Board Vice President/Treasurer Ken Deemer, effective 6/30/2022

Ken Deemer made a motion to approve resignation of Board Vice President/Treasurer Ken Deemer, effective 6/30/202.
Anthony Jowid seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent

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

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Ken Deemer seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Ken Deemer
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:31 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid