Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

In-Person at ECS Home Office

Date and Time

Thursday June 20, 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

Anthony Jowid (remote), Dr. Betsy Hamilton, Dr. Denise Berger, Dr. Madhu Chatwani, LESD Representative, Mason Williams, Zena Fong

Directors Absent

Andrew Ellenbogen, Herb Sims, Jenina Ramirez, Kennedy Hilario

Directors who arrived after the meeting opened

Dr. Madhu Chatwani

Guests Present

Danielle Kelsick, Dr. Cindy Guardado, Dr. Howard Ho, Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Isabell Bañuelos, Jen Fenton, Jeremiah David, Tracy Bondi

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 Jun 20, 2024 at 5:02 PM.

C.

Approve the agenda

The board voted to approve the agenda with the change to table the closed session items--sections VIII, IX, and X on the agenda.

Mason Williams 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
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Herb Sims
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Mason Williams
Aye

D.

Opener

The meeting attendees engaged in an opener dedicated to saying words of appreciation for outgoing board president Anthony Jowid.

II. Presentations from the Floor

A.

Presentations from the floor on non-agenda Items

None.

B.

Presentations from the floor on agenda items

None.

Dr. Madhu Chatwani arrived.

III. Discussion Items / Updates

A.

23/24 EdTec Financial Update and 24/25 Budgets Presentation

EdTec consultant Dorothy Lee presented the 23/24 EdTec Financial Update and 24/25 Budgets Presentation: 

 

23/24 Forecast Changes

 

  • ECHSL: Operating income increased by $51k
  • ECMSG: Operating income increased by $21k
  • ECMSI: Operating income increased by $24k
  • ECHSG: Operating income decreased by $49k

 

24/25 May Revise Highlights

 

  • 1.07% COLA (up from 0.76%)
  • COLA extends to SpEd, Nutrition, MBG, Equity Multiplier, and more
  • Increased COLA adds ~$50/ADA
  • No deferrals, no new programs or funds

 

24/25 Budgets

 

  • For each school, Budget Summary, Funding Driver Assumptions, Distribution of Budget - Revenues & Expenses, Cash Outlook in the EdTec slides were thoroughly reviewed by the Committee and guests

B.

ECHS-G school update

ECHS-Gardena Principal Dr. Cindy Guardado presented the ECHS-G school update slides.

C.

2024-25 Local Control and Accountability Plans Presentation for all ECS Schools

Director of Strategic Initiatives Jen Fenton and Superintendent Farnaz Golshani-Flechner presented the 2024-25 Local Control and Accountability Plans for all ECS schools. The presentation included the following sections: LCAP overview, ECS shared goals, overall themes and needs, site-specific needs including ECMS-Gardena Differentiated Assistance, budget versus actual expenditures, and engaging partners.

IV. Public Hearing

A.

Public Hearing regarding the actions and expenditures proposed in each ECS schools' 24/25 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP)

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

V. Consent Items A-M

A.

Approve 5/2/2024 board minutes

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 05-02-24.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Herb Sims
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye

B.

Approve 6/14/2024 Finance Committee meeting minutes

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve the minutes from Finance Committee Meeting on 06-14-24.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Mason Williams
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye

C.

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

D.

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

E.

Approve 2024-25 Education Protection Act Plan and Resolution as recommended by Finance Committee

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve 2024-25 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
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye

F.

Approve Prop 28 Arts and Music in Schools Funding Annual Report as recommended by Finance Committee

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve Prop 28 Arts and Music in Schools Funding Annual Report as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
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. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Herb Sims
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent

H.

Approve 2023-24 revised Board & Committee Calendar

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve 2023-24 revised Board & Committee Calendar.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent

I.

Elect Dr. Betsy Hamilton as board president

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

J.

Approve 3-year board term renewal (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027) for Jenina Ramirez

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve 3-year board term renewal (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027) for Jenina Ramirez.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Herb Sims
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye

K.

Approve 2024-25 ECS Board Committees & Terms

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve 2024-25 ECS Board Committees & Terms.
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
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent

L.

Approve 2024-25 ECS Board & Committee Calendar

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve 2024-25 ECS Board & Committee Calendar.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Mason Williams
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Absent

M.

Approve revised ECHS-L 2023-24 Academic Calendar

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve revised ECHS-L 2023-24 Academic Calendar.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Herb Sims
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye

VI. Action Items

A.

Approve 2024-25 Local Accountability and Control Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

Mason Williams made a motion to approve 2024-25 Local Accountability and Control Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Herb Sims
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Mason Williams
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye

B.

Approve 2024-25 budgets for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G as recommended by Finance Committee

Zena Fong made a motion to approve 2024-25 budgets for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G as recommended by Finance Committee.
Dr. Madhu Chatwani seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Absent

C.

Approve 2024 California School Dashboard Local Indicators for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

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

D.

Approve 2024-25 Academic Calendars for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to approve 2024-25 Academic Calendars for ECHS-L, ECMS-G, ECMS-I, ECHS-G.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Mason Williams
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye

VII. Transition to Closed Session

A.

Adjourn to Closed Session

Tabled.

VIII. Closed Session

A.

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION

Tabled.

B.

CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Gov’t Code §54957.6)

Tabled.

IX. Report Out of Closed Session

A.

Report Out

Tabled.

X. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Dr. Madhu Chatwani made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:55 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. Betsy Hamilton