Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

In-Person at ECS Home Office

Date and Time

Thursday May 2, 2024 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 / 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045

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, 2026
Ms. Zena Fong............................................3 years June 30, 2026
Ms. Jenina Ramirez....................................3 years June 30, 2024
Dr. Madhu Chatwani..................................3 years June 30, 2026
Mr. Kennedy Hilario....................................3 years June 30, 2026

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

Mr. Mason Williams....................................3 years June 30, 2025

Mr. Andrew Ellenbogen.................................3 years June 30, 2026
Lawndale Elementary School District Representative, Rotating Position      

ECS Staff   
Ms. Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Superintendent
Ms. Danielle Kelsick, Deputy Superintendent of Instruction

Ms. Tracy Bondi, Director of Finance

Mr. Jeremiah David, Director of Compliance & Operations

Ms. Sarah Jamieson, Director of Human Resources

Ms. Jen Fenton, Director of Strategic Initiatives

Dr. Shalene Wright, Director of SpEd and English Language Development
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

Andrew Ellenbogen (remote), Anthony Jowid (remote), Dr. Betsy Hamilton, Dr. Denise Berger, Dr. Madhu Chatwani, Herb Sims, Jenina Ramirez, Kennedy Hilario (remote), LESD Representative, Mason Williams, Zena Fong

Directors Absent

None

Directors who arrived after the meeting opened

Anthony Jowid

Guests Present

Danielle Kelsick, Dave Trejo, Dorothy Lee (remote), Dr. Howard Ho (LESD), Dr. Shalene Wright, Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Isabell Bañuelos, Jen Fenton, Jeremiah David, Tracy Bondi (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Record attendance and guests

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

Dr. Betsy Hamilton called a meeting of the board of directors of Environmental Charter Schools to order on Thursday May 2, 2024 at 5:08 PM.

C.

Approve the agenda

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

D.

Opener

All meeting attendees engaged in a brief opener.

Anthony Jowid arrived.

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.

EdTec financial update

EdTec consultant Dorothy Lee presented the ECS Financial Update slides:

 

  • ECHS-L ADA: P2 ADA 454.2, drop in 4.36 from last forecast
  • ECHS-L Forecast Changes - Operating income decreased by $141k
  • ECMS-G ADA: P2 ADA 337.3, increase of 2.5 from last forecast
  • ECMS-G Forecast Changes - Operating income decreased by $18k
  • ECMS-I ADA: P2 ADA 337.2, increase of 2.38 from last forecast
  • ECMS-I Forecast Changes - Operating income decreased by $87k
  • ECHS-G ADA: P2 ADA 312.7, decrease of 4.36 from last forecast
  • ECHS-G Forecast Changes - Operating income decreased by $43k
  • FY25 Budget Assumptions: 0.76% COLA, STRS 19.10%, PERS 27.80%. Current FY25 budget drafts show:
    • ECHS-L: operating loss of $55k
    • ECMS-G: operating loss of $140k
    • ECMS-I: operating loss of $39k
    • ECHS-G: operating income of $319k. This operating income will show higher due to accounting treatment required by GAAP.

Following these slides, Dorothy Lee presented in detail the Second Interim Financials for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G and responded to board member questions.

B.

ECMS-G school update

ECMS-Gardena Principal Dave Trejo presented the ECMS-G school update slides.

 

IV. Consent Items A-K

A.

Approve 1/25/2024 board meeting minutes

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 01-25-24.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Herb Sims
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye

B.

Approve 3/6/2024 Audit Committee meeting minutes

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve the minutes from Audit Committee Meeting on 03-06-24.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye

C.

Approve 4/26/2024 Finance Committee meeting minutes

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve the minutes from Finance Committee Meeting on 04-26-24.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye

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

F.

Accept ECS Tax Return Forms 990 and 199 as recommended by Finance Committee

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

G.

Approve contracts

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

H.

Approve revised Board & Committee Calendar

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

I.

Accept 2022-23 Annual Reports to LACOE for ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to accept 2022-23 Annual Reports to LACOE for ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Mason Williams
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye

J.

Approve updated Safe Schools Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

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

K.

Approve revised ECHS-G Academic Calendar 2023-2024

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve revised ECHS-G Academic Calendar 2023-2024.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye

V. Action Items

A.

Approve Second Interim Financials for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G as recommended by Finance Committee

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

VI. Transition to Closed Session

A.

Adjourn to Closed Session

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

VII. Report Out of Closed Session

A.

Report Out

Coming out of closed session, Board Vice President Dr. Betsy Hamilton reported that there was nothing to report out.

B.

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

For renewal agreement, no changes from current agreement.

C.

Ratification of Superintendent's Employment Agreement

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

VIII. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Herb Sims made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. Betsy Hamilton