Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
Board of Directors' Meeting
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
C.
Approve the agenda
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
II. Presentations from the Floor
A.
Presentations from the floor on non-agenda Items
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
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
B.
Approve 5/12/2023 special board meeting minutes
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
C.
Approve 3-year board term renewals (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026) for the listed board members
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
D.
Approve 2023-2024 ECS Board Committees & Terms
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
E.
Approve 2023-2024 ECS Board & Committee Calendar
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
F.
Approve ECHS-Gardena Title I Schoolwide Program Plan 2023
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
G.
Approve revised ECS Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) Plan
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
H.
Approve 6/16/2023 Finance Committee meeting minutes
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
I.
Approve private donations over $1,000 as recommended by Finance Committee
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
J.
Approve check registers and credit card statements as recommended by Finance Committee
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
K.
Approve contracts
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
L.
Approve 2023-2024 Education Protection Act Plan and Resolution as recommended by Finance Committee
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
M.
Approve Arts, Music and Instructional Materials Block Grant Expenditure Plan as recommended by Finance Committee
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
N.
Approve amended term for ECHS-Gardena / MBB & Gardena lease as recommended by Finance Committee
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
O.
Approve 23/24 Finance Committee Goals as recommended by Finance Committee
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
P.
Approve revised ECS Financial Policies - Capitalization & Depreciation policy as recommended by Finance Committee
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
VI. Action Items
A.
Approve 2023-24 Local Accountability and Control Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
B.
Approve 23/24 budgets for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G as recommended by Finance Committee
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
C.
Approve 2023 California School Dashboard Local Indicators for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
D.
Approve 2023-2024 Academic Calendars for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
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
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
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
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Absent
|
None.