Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

In-Person at ECS Home Office

Date and Time

Thursday March 16, 2023 at 5:00 PM

Location

In-person location: ECS Home Office - 2625 Manhattan Beach Blvd #100, Redondo Beach, CA 90278

 

Two-way teleconference locations: 2741 Peachwood Circle, Corona, CA 92882 / 1100 Shasta Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126

ECS Board Members                              Term   and    End Date    
Mr. Anthony Jowid, President..................3 years June 30, 2025

Dr. Betsy Hamilton, Vice President.........3 years June 30, 2025
Dr. Denise Berger, Secretary....................3 years  June 30, 2023
Ms. Zena Fong............................................3 years 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

Mr. Herb Sims.............................................3 years June 30, 2025

Mr. Mason Williams....................................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, Dr. Betsy Hamilton, Dr. Madhu Chatwani, Herb Sims, Jenina Ramirez (remote), Kennedy Hilario (remote), LESD Representative, Mason Williams, Zena Fong

Directors Absent

Dr. Denise Berger

Guests Present

Danielle Kelsick, Danny Cristales, Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Geneva Matthews, Jair Ventura (remote), Jen Fenton, Jeremiah David, Monse Garcia, Thelma Gonzalez (LESD board representative)

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 16, 2023 at 5:08 PM.

C.

Approve the agenda

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

Superintendent Farnaz Golshani-Flechner conducted an opener where attendees, staff and board members walked around to discuss the following questions: what is your connection with ECS and what is your favorite place traveled?

B.

ECMS principals update

ECMS-I Principal and Assistant Principal, Dr. Geneva Matthews and Danny Cristales, presented their principal update slides on the ELD program, Interdisciplinary Benchmarks, SEL & Beyond (counseling department), Advisory and Discipline Highlights, Charter Renewal, Preparing for CAASPP, and Community Events.

 

Superintendent Golshani-Flechner expressed appreciations for Dr. Geneva Matthews and Danny Cristales.

IV. Consent Items A-J

A.

Approve 1/26/2023 board meeting minutes

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 01-26-23.
Dr. Betsy Hamilton seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Herb Sims
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye

B.

Approve LACOE Certification of Signatures 2022-2023

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve LACOE Certification of Signatures 2022-2023.
Dr. Betsy Hamilton seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye

C.

Approve private donations over $1,000

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve private donations over $1000.
Dr. Betsy Hamilton seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye

D.

Approve contracts

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

E.

Approve Second Interim Financials for ECHSL, ECMSG, ECMSI, ECHSG

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

F.

Approve ECS Tax Return Forms 990 and 199

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve ECS Tax Return Forms 990 and 199.
Dr. Betsy Hamilton seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye

G.

Approve updated Safe Schools Plans for ECHSL, ECMSG, ECMSI, ECHSG

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

H.

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

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

I.

Approve MOA with LA Parks and Recreation Department for Facility Use

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve MOA with LA Parks and Recreation Department for Facility Use.
Dr. Betsy Hamilton seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye

J.

Approve revised ECHS-L Academic Calendar 2022-2023

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

V. Transition to Closed Session

A.

Adjourn to Closed Session

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

VI. Closed Session

A.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

The board met in closed session for the annual superintendent evaluation.

B.

Conference with Labor Negotiator (Government Code section 54957.6)

VII. Report Out of Closed Session

A.

Oral Recommendation Regarding CEO's/ED's Salary and/or Fringe Benefits

The board returned from closed session. Board President Anthony Jowid reported out that the board met in closed session for the superintendent evaluation and decided to renew the CEO's contract with no change to current compensation by a unanimous vote.

B.

Ratification of CEO's/ED's Employment Agreement

Kennedy Hilario made a motion to ratify superintendent Farnaz Golshani-Flechner's employment agreement.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Zena Fong
Absent
Herb Sims
Aye

VIII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Dr. Betsy Hamilton seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
LESD Representative
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Zena Fong
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid