Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

In-Person at ECS Home Office

Date and Time

Thursday June 22, 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: 1100 Shasta Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126 | Building 14, Jamaica, NY 11430

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 (remote), Jenina Ramirez, Kennedy Hilario (remote), LESD Representative, Mason Williams, Zena Fong

Directors Absent

Dr. Denise Berger

Guests Present

Charity Rock (remote), Danielle Kelsick, Dorothy Lee (remote), Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Jeremiah David, 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 22, 2023 at 5:03 PM.

C.

Approve the agenda

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

Opener

Superintendent Farnaz Golshani-Flechner conducted an opener where attendees, staff and board members walked around to discuss the following questions: Name a time you planned out something out that worked, what went well?

B.

22/23 EdTec Financial Update and 23/24 Budgets Presentation

Edtec consultant Dorothy Lee presented the financial update slides for each of the schools for the 22/23 school year as well as the 23/24 school year financial budgets.

C.

Edgility Compensation Analysis and Next Steps

Superintendent Farnaz Golshani-Flechner presented the slides for the Edgility compensation analysis and discussed with the board the next steps Environmental Charter Schools will take.

D.

2023-24 Local Control and Accountability Plans Presentation for all ECS Schools

Superintendent Farnaz Golshani-Flechner and Director of Strategic Initiatives Jen Fenton presented to the board the 2023-24 School Year Local Control and Accountability Plans for all ECS schools. The presentation included the following sections: LCAP overview, ECS shared goals, overall successes and themes, site-specific needs, budget versus actual expenditures, and engaging partners.

IV. Public Hearing

A.

Public Comment Hearing regarding the actions and expenditures proposed in each ECS schools' 2023-24 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP)

There were no public speakers present to provide public comment at this hearing. 

V. Consent Items A-P

A.

Approve 3/16/2023 board meeting minutes

Dr. Betsy Hamilton made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 03-16-23.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent

B.

Approve 5/12/2023 special board meeting minutes

Dr. Betsy Hamilton made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Board of Directors' Meeting on 05-12-23.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent

C.

Approve 3-year board term renewals (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026) for the listed board members

Dr. Betsy Hamilton made a motion to approve 3-year board term renewals (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026) for the listed board members -Dr. Denise Berger (Board Secretary) -Zena Fong -Dr. Madhu Chatwani -Kennedy Hilario.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye

D.

Approve 2023-2024 ECS Board Committees & Terms

Dr. Betsy Hamilton made a motion to approve 2023-2024 ECS Board Committees & Terms.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye

E.

Approve 2023-2024 ECS Board & Committee Calendar

Dr. Betsy Hamilton made a motion to approve 2023-2024 ECS Board & Committee Calendar.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye

F.

Approve ECHS-Gardena Title I Schoolwide Program Plan 2023

Dr. Betsy Hamilton made a motion to approve ECHS-Gardena Title I Schoolwide Program Plan 2023.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye

G.

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

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

H.

Approve 6/16/2023 Finance Committee meeting minutes

Dr. Betsy Hamilton made a motion to approve 6/16/2023 Finance Committee meeting minutes.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Herb Sims
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye

I.

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

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

J.

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

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

K.

Approve contracts

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

L.

Approve 2023-2024 Education Protection Act Plan and Resolution as recommended by Finance Committee

Dr. Betsy Hamilton made a motion to approve 2023-2024 Education Protection Act Plan and Resolution as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye

M.

Approve Arts, Music and Instructional Materials Block Grant Expenditure Plan as recommended by Finance Committee

Dr. Betsy Hamilton made a motion to approve Arts, Music and Instructional Materials Block Grant Expenditure Plan as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Mason Williams
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye

N.

Approve amended term for ECHS-Gardena / MBB & Gardena lease as recommended by Finance Committee

Dr. Betsy Hamilton made a motion to approve amended term for ECHS-Gardena / MBB & Gardena lease as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Mason Williams
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye

O.

Approve 23/24 Finance Committee Goals as recommended by Finance Committee

Dr. Betsy Hamilton made a motion to approve 23/24 Finance Committee Goals as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye

P.

Approve revised ECS Financial Policies - Capitalization & Depreciation policy as recommended by Finance Committee

Dr. Betsy Hamilton made a motion to approve revised ECS Financial Policies - Capitalization & Depreciation policy as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye

VI. Action Items

A.

Approve 2023-24 Local Accountability and Control Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve 2023-24 Local Accountability and Control Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G.
Mason Williams seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Herb Sims
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent

B.

Approve 23/24 budgets for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G as recommended by Finance Committee

Jenina Ramirez made a motion to approve 23/24 budgets for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G as recommended by Finance Committee.
Zena Fong seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye

C.

Approve 2023 California School Dashboard Local Indicators for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve 2023 California School Dashboard Local Indicators for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G.
Dr. Betsy Hamilton seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye

D.

Approve 2023-2024 Academic Calendars for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve 2023-2024 Academic Calendars for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G.
Mason Williams seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye

VII. Upcoming Dates/Announcements

A.

Next ECS Board Meeting

Superintendent Farnaz Golshani-Flechner stated the next ECS board mMeeting will be on August 3rd.

B.

Next ECS Committee Meetings

Superintendent Farnaz Golshani-Flechner stated the next ECS committee meetings will be in September.

C.

Appreciations

Superintendent Farnaz Golshani-Flechner appreciated Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Danielle Kelsick, Director of Strategic Initiatives Jen Fenton and Director of Compliance & Operations Jeremiah David for helping putting the academic calendars and LCAPs together and taking on additional roles to the extent that they did. 

 

Director of Compliance & Operations Jeremiah David appreciated Superintendent Farnaz Golshani-Flechner and Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Danielle Kelsick for the thoughtful strategy that they have been doing with the working groups and listening tours to make the organization better. 

 

Director of Strategic Initiatives Jen Fenton also appreciated Superintendent Farnaz Golshani-Flechner and Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Danielle Kelsick for the hard work that they have been doing. 

 

Board President Anthony Jowid appreciated Superintendent Farnaz Golshani-Flechner and Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Danielle Kelsick for the sacrifices they have made to better the organization. 

 

Board member Betsy Hamilton shared appreciation for the board members for taking time out of their day to support the organization. 

 

Superintendent Farnaz Golshani-Flechner shared an appreciation of Director of Finance Traci Bondi for all of the hard work she has done.

VIII. Transition to Closed Session

A.

Adjourn to Closed Session

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

IX. Closed Session

A.

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION

The board met in closed session.

X. Report Out of Closed Session

A.

Report Out

The board returned from closed session with nothing to report.

XI. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Zena Fong made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Mason Williams
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Anthony Jowid
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 7:30 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Anthony Jowid