Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

By Teleconference/Zoom

Date and Time

Thursday September 22, 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, 2025
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)

Ms. Tracy Bondi, Director of Finance

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. Lucia Bañuelos, 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. Betsy Hamilton (remote), Dr. Denise Berger (remote), Kennedy Hilario (remote), LESD Representative (remote), Zena Fong (remote)

Directors Absent

Dr. Madhu Chatwani, Jenina Ramirez

Guests Present

Alison Diaz (remote), Danielle Kelsick (remote), Dave Trejo (remote), Dorothy Lee (remote), Dr. Geneva Matthews (remote), Farnaz Golshani-Flechner (remote), Herbert Sims (remote), Jennifer Fenton (remote), Jeremiah David (remote), Jorine Campbell (remote), Lucy Bañuelos (remote), Michael Martucci (remote), Rachael Adsila (remote), Roxanne Solomita (remote), Thelma Gonzalez (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 Sep 22, 2022 at 5:03 PM.

C.

Approve the agenda

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

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. Discussion Items / Updates

A.

ECMS principals updates

ECMS-G Principal Dave Trejo and ECMS-I Principal Geneva Matthews provided the ECMS principals updates as described in the presentation slides.

B.

Leadership update

Chief Executive Officer Farnaz Golshani-Flechner presented the leadership updates slides in concert with Director of Health & Safety Jennifer Fenton.

C.

Action item: Elect Dr. Betsy Hamilton to ECS Board as recommended by Governance Committee

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to elect Dr. Betsy Hamilton to ECS Board as recommended by Governance Committee.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye

D.

College presentation and alumni tracking update

ECHS-Lawndale counselor Roxanne Solomita and Alumni Coordinator Rachael Adsila presented the college presentation and alumni tracking update slides.

E.

21/22 financial review and 22/23 revised budgets

EdTec consultant Dorothy Lee provided the EdTec 21/22 financial review:

 

  • ECHS-Lawndale- operating income decreased by $40k in unaudited actuals
  • ECMS-Gardena- operating income increased by $28k in unaudited actuals
  • ECMS-Inglewood- operating income decreased by $51k in unaudited actuals
  • ECHS-Gardena- operating income decreased by $19k in unaudited actuals

IV. Study Session

A.

ECS Priorities conversation

Chief Executive Officer Farnaz Golshani-Flechner and Chief Academic Office Danielle Kelsick presented the ECS priorities slides. A study session ensued among all of the meeting attendees focused on analysis of the ECS Strategic Priorities Benchmark Chart.

V. Consent Items A-M

A.

Approve Board Resolution 2022-2023 #2 - Authorizing Remote Board Meetings

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve Board Resolution 2022-2023 #2 - Authorizing Remote Board Meetings.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye

B.

Approve minutes for 8/4/2022 ECS board meeting

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 08-04-22.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye

C.

Approve previous committee meeting minutes

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve previous committee meeting minutes.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent

D.

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

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

E.

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

Dr. Denise Berger 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
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye

F.

Approve Unaudited Actuals for ECHS-L, ECMS-I, ECMS-G, ECHS-G as recommended by Finance Committee

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve Unaudited Actuals for ECHS-L, ECMS-I, ECMS-G, ECHS-G as recommended by Finance Committee.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent

G.

Approve revised 22/23 Teacher Salary Schedule as recommended by Finance Committee

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve revised 22/23 Teacher Salary Schedule as recommended by Finance Committee.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye

H.

Approve 22/23 Finance Committee Goals as recommended by Finance Committee

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve 22/23 Finance Committee Goals as recommended by Finance Committee.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent

I.

Approve FY 2022-23 contracts

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve FY 2022-23 contracts.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye

J.

Approve revised Academic Calendars 2022-2023

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve revised Academic Calendars 2022-2023.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent

K.

Approve Teachers on Special Assignment for 2022-23 School Year (Board Policy 32188)

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve Teachers on Special Assignment for 2022-23 School Year (Board Policy 32188).
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye

L.

Approve Parent-Student Handbooks

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve Parent-Student Handbooks.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye

M.

Approve purchase of relocatable classrooms to be located at ECHS-Lawndale and Lease agreement between Lawndale LLC and ECHS-Lawndale

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve purchase of relocatable classrooms to be located at ECHS-Lawndale and Lease agreement between Lawndale LLC and ECHS-Lawndale.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent

VI. Action Item

A.

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

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

B.

Approve ECS Civility Policy

Dr. Betsy Hamilton made a motion to approve ECS Civility Policy.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent

VII. Upcoming Dates/Announcements

A.

Next ECS Board Meeting

B.

Next ECS Committee Meetings

C.

Appreciations

Board member Dr. Denise Berger appreciated the pivot by the college counseling team to provide focus to their seniors to apply to public colleges and universities.

 

Board member Kennedy Hilario shared an appreciation of Chief Executive Officer Farnaz Golshani-Flechner for her confidence and poise demonstrated in the improvement of her performance year over year.

 

Chief Executive Officer Farnaz Golshani-Flechner appreciated the participation and presence of LESD board representative Thelma Gonzalez as well as ECS Director of Student Services Michael Martucci for his work going above and beyond recruiting special education teachers. She complimented Mr. Herb Simms for considering working through the board nomination process and Dr. Betsy Hamilton for her successful election to the ECS board today. Finally, Farnaz thanked Chief Academic Officer Danielle Kelsick, Director of Compliance & Operations Jeremiah David, and Director of Growth & Sustainability Alison Diaz for being amazing partners in the hard work over the past weeks launching the school year.

VIII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid