Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

In-Person at ECS Home Office

Date and Time

Thursday December 12, 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 | 13885 Dogleg Lane, Broomfield, CO 80023 | 157 W. 111th St, New York | Malecon De La Reserva 615, Lima, Peru

ECS Board Members                              Term   and    End Date    
Dr. Betsy Hamilton, President...............3 years June 30, 2025
Dr. Denise Berger, Secretary.................3 years  June 30, 2026
Mr. Anthony Jowid.................................3 years June 30, 2025

Ms. Zena Fong.......................................3 years June 30, 2026
Ms. Jenina Ramirez................................3 years June 30, 2027
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 (remote), Kennedy Hilario (remote), Mason Williams, Zena Fong

Directors Absent

Andrew Ellenbogen, Herb Sims, Jenina Ramirez, LESD Representative

Directors who arrived after the meeting opened

Zena Fong

Directors who left before the meeting adjourned

Dr. Madhu Chatwani

Guests Present

Danielle Kelsick, Dorothy Lee, Dr. Shalene Wright, Jeremiah David, Monse Garcia, Remco Waller, 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 Dec 12, 2024 at 5:05 PM.

C.

Approve the agenda

Zena Fong arrived at 5:06 PM.
Mason Williams made a motion to Approve the agenda.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Jenina Ramirez
Absent

D.

Opener

Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Danielle Kelsick shared with the board an opener with the following prompt: "What advice would you give to the first graduating class of Environmental Charter High School - Gardena?"

 

 

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 shared a presentation with financial updates for each schoolsite. Operational costs was shared alongside enrollment and ADA information. 

B.

California School Dashboard Comparison

Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Danielle Kelsick shared with the board a presentation of the California School Dashboard comparing our schoolsites with schools across the state of CA. 

 

The board was given 5 minutes to review information on English Language Arts, Math, and Science and compare how Environmental Charter schoolsites performed compared to state averages.

 

The board was given 5 minutes to share their thoughts about the information they were given.

Dr. Madhu Chatwani left at 6:32 PM.

IV. Consent Items A-J

A.

Approve 11/21/2024 special board meeting minutes

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve the minutes from Special Board of Directors' Meeting on 11-21-24.
Mason Williams seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
LESD Representative
Absent
Herb Sims
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Mason Williams
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye

B.

Approve 9/19/2024 board meeting minutes

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Directors' Meeting on 09-19-24.
Mason Williams seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
LESD Representative
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Mason Williams
Aye

C.

Approve check registers and credit card statements

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

D.

Approve contracts

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve contracts.
Mason Williams seconded the motion.

Director of Compliance and Operations Jeremiah David clarified a correction to page 6 on the agenda regarding the TadHealth Education EHR Software 3-Year Contract. The program referenced should be the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative program, not the SMAA Medi-Cal Fee program as stated in the agenda.

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

E.

Approve revised 2024-25 Board & Committee Calendar

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

F.

Approve School Accountability Report Cards of School Year 2023-24

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve School Accountability Report Cards of School Year 2023-24.
Mason Williams seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Mason Williams
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
LESD Representative
Absent

G.

Accept LACOE Governance & Instructional Program Reviews

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to accept LACOE Governance & Instructional Program Reviews.
Mason Williams seconded the motion.

Director of Compliance and Operations Jeremiah David clarified a minor update regarding the Instructional Program Review for ECHSG. This instructional review was not available at the time of the meeting for review and discussion and therefore will be included at the following board meeting.

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

H.

Approve Special Education Individual Educational Evaluation (IEE) Policy

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve Special Education Individual Educational Evaluation (IEE) Policy.
Mason Williams seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Mason Williams
Aye
LESD Representative
Absent
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye

I.

Approve Alternate Diploma Pathway Policy

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

J.

Approve 12/9/2024 audit committee meeting minutes

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve the minutes from Audit Committee Meeting on 12-09-24.
Mason Williams seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
LESD Representative
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Mason Williams
Aye

V. Action Items

A.

Approve First Interim Financial Reports for ECHS-L, ECMS-I, ECMS-G, ECHS-G

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

B.

Approve ECS Fifth Amended Bylaws

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

C.

Approve FY 2023-24 Audit Report as Recommended by Audit Committee

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

VI. Upcoming Dates/Announcements

A.

Next ECS Board Meeting

Then next ECS regular board meeting will be on Thursday, February 27, 2024 at 5pm.

B.

Next ECS Committee Meetings

The next ECS committee meeting will be the Finance Committee on June 14, 2025, at 8:30 am through Zoom.

C.

Appreciations

The board opened the floor for appreciations:

 

Board Member Denise Berger expressed gratitude to Board President Betsy Hamilton for her leadership in guiding the meeting.

 

Board Member Kennedy Hilario shared appreciation for Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Danielle Kelsick, commending her for her enthusiasm and her ability to consistently guide the organization in the right direction.

 

Board Member Zena Fong recognized Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Danielle Kelsick for her supportive leadership during Superintendent Farnaz Flechner’s absence.

VII. Transition to Closed Session

A.

Adjourn to Closed Session

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

VIII. Report Out of Closed Session

A.

Report Out

The board returned from closed session with nothing to report out.

IX. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Mason Williams seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Absent
LESD Representative
Absent
Zena Fong
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Absent
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Herb Sims
Absent
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:59 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Jeremiah David