Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

By Teleconference/Zoom

Date and Time

Thursday January 26, 2023 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

Dr. Betsy Hamilton.................................3 years June 30, 2025
Lawndale Elementary School District Representative, Rotating Position      

ECS Staff   
Ms. Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Superintendent
Ms. Danielle Kelsick, Deputy Superintendent of Instruction
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), Dr. Madhu Chatwani (remote), Herb Sims (remote), Jenina Ramirez (remote), Kennedy Hilario (remote), Mason Williams (remote), Zena Fong (remote)

Directors Absent

LESD Representative

Guests Present

Danielle Kelsick (remote), Dave Trejo (remote), Dorothy Lee (remote), Dr. Cindy Guardado (remote), Dr. Geneva Matthews (remote), Jair Ventura (remote), Jennifer Fenton (remote), Jeremiah David (remote), Jorine Campbell (remote), Lucia Bañuelos (remote), Michael Martucci (remote), Sajeeta Mulcahy (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 Jan 26, 2023 at 5:06 PM.

C.

Approve the agenda

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

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.

Opener

The meeting attendees engaged in a brief opener, going into 1:1 breakout rooms to get to know each other.

B.

Action item: elect prospective board member(s) to ECS Board

Dr. Betsy Hamilton made a motion to elect prospective board member(s) to ECS Board.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye

C.

ECHS principals update

ECHS-Gardena Principal Dr. Cindy Guardado and ECHS-Lawndale Principal Lucia Bañuelos presented updates, celebrations and spring semester goals in the ECHS principal update slides.

D.

EdTec financial update

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

 

  • ECHS-Lawndale - operating income increased by $6k from previous forecast
  • ECMS-Gardena - operating income decreased by $52k from previous forecast
  • ECMS-Inglewood - operating income decreased by $39k from previous forecast
  • ECHS-Gardena - operating income decreased by $41k from previous forecast

E.

Board member donations

Tabled.

IV. Study Session

A.

Charter renewal planning conversation

Superintendent Farnaz Golshani-Flechner and Director of Compliance & Operations Jeremiah David presented the charter renewal slides. This was followed by brainstorming sessions among the attendees in breakout rooms.

V. Public Hearing

A.

Public Comment: Revised ECS - Safe Return to In Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan

No speakers were present to provide comments at this public hearing.

VI. Consent Items A-P

A.

Approve Board Resolution 2022-2023 #4 - Authorizing Remote Board Meetings

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve Board Resolution 2022-2023 #4 - Authorizing Remote Board Meetings.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Herb Sims
Abstain
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Mason Williams
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye

B.

Approve 12/8/2022 board meeting minutes

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 12-08-22.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Herb Sims
Abstain
LESD Representative
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Mason Williams
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye

C.

Approve 1/17/2023 Governance Committee meeting minutes

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve the minutes from Governance Committee Meeting on 01-17-23.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Mason Williams
Absent
LESD Representative
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Herb Sims
Abstain
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye

D.

Approve 1/19/2023 Audit Committee meeting minutes

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve the minutes from Audit Committee Meeting on 01-19-23.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Herb Sims
Abstain
Mason Williams
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye

E.

Approve 1/20/2023 Finance Committee meeting minutes

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve the minutes from Finance Committee Meeting on 01-20-23.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Herb Sims
Abstain
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Mason Williams
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye

F.

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.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Mason Williams
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Herb Sims
Abstain
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye

G.

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.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
LESD Representative
Absent
Herb Sims
Abstain
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Mason Williams
Absent

H.

Approve contracts

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve contracts.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Herb Sims
Abstain
Mason Williams
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye

I.

Approve revised Lawndale Properties LLC Lease Agreement as recommended by Finance Committee

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve revised Lawndale Properties LLC Lease Agreement as recommended by Finance Committee.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Herb Sims
Abstain
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Mason Williams
Absent
LESD Representative
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent

J.

Approve revised Yukon LLC Sublease Agreement Amendment as recommended by Finance Committee

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve revised Yukon LLC Sublease Agreement Amendment as recommended by Finance Committee.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Herb Sims
Abstain
LESD Representative
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Mason Williams
Absent

K.

Approve School Plans for Student Achievement for ECHSL, ECMSG, ECMSI, ECHSG

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve School Plans for Student Achievement for ECHSL, ECMSG, ECMSI, ECHSG.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Mason Williams
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Herb Sims
Abstain
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent

L.

Approve School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs) for ECHSL, ECMSG, ECMSI, ECHSG

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs) for ECHSL, ECMSG, ECMSI, ECHSG.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Absent
Mason Williams
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Herb Sims
Abstain

M.

Approve sale or disposal of ECS e-waste (surplus technology equipment)

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve sale or disposal of ECS e-waste (surplus technology equipment).
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Herb Sims
Abstain
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
LESD Representative
Absent
Mason Williams
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye

N.

Approve California Energy Commission’s CalSHAPE Program Board Resolution for ventilation program funding at ECHS-G

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve California Energy Commission’s CalSHAPE Program Board Resolution for ventilation program funding at ECHS-G.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Herb Sims
Abstain
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Mason Williams
Absent
LESD Representative
Absent

O.

Approve revised ECS - Safe Return to In Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve revised ECS - Safe Return to In Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Mason Williams
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Herb Sims
Abstain
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
LESD Representative
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye

P.

Elect Dr. Betsy Hamilton as board vice president

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to elect Dr. Betsy Hamilton as board vice president.
Kennedy Hilario seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Herb Sims
Abstain
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Mason Williams
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye

VII. Action Item

A.

Approve FY21/22 Audit Report as Recommended by Audit Committee

Kennedy Hilario made a motion to approve FY21/22 Audit Report as Recommended by Audit Committee.
Dr. Betsy Hamilton seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Absent
Mason Williams
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Herb Sims
Abstain
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye

VIII. Upcoming Dates/Announcements

A.

Next ECS Board Meeting

B.

Next ECS Committee Meetings

C.

Appreciations

Appreciations were shared for Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Danielle and her instructional leadership team and Superintendent Farnaz Golshani-Flechner for leading the collective achievements of their staff. An appreciation was made of the board members for the energy and ideas that they provided in the board study session.

IX. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Mason Williams
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Herb Sims
Aye
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:01 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid