Environmental Charter Schools

Minutes

Board of Directors' Meeting

In-Person at ECS Home Office

Date and Time

Thursday February 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM

Location

In-person location: ECS Home Office - 2625 Manhattan Beach Blvd #100, Redondo Beach, CA 90278

 

Two-way teleconference locations: 723 Main Street Houston, TX 77002 | 13885 Dogleg Lane, Broomfield, CO 80023

ECS Board Members                              Term   and    End Date    
Dr. Betsy Hamilton, President...............3 years June 30, 2025
Dr. Denise Berger, ................................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 & English Language Development

Mr. Cesar Delgado, Director of Student Wellness
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, Anthony Jowid (remote), Dr. Betsy Hamilton, Dr. Denise Berger, Herb Sims, Jenina Ramirez, LESD Representative, Mason Williams, Zena Fong

Directors Absent

Dr. Madhu Chatwani, Kennedy Hilario

Directors who arrived after the meeting opened

Andrew Ellenbogen

Guests Present

Alison Diaz (remote), Danielle Kelsick, Dorothy Lee, Dr. Howard Ho (LESD Representative), Dr. Shalene Wright (remote), Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, Helen Izaguirre, Jen Fenton, Jeremiah David, Lauren Pell, Nicholas Darden, Sarah Jamieson, Taylor Zamora, 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 Feb 27, 2025 at 5:06 PM.

C.

Approve the agenda

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

D.

Opener

The board, staff and guests engaged in a brief opener in groups of two or three for the purpose to get to know one another.

II. Presentations from the Floor

A.

Presentations from the floor on non-agenda Items

Nicholas Darden from Environmental Educators United (EEU) gave public comment on the topic of the collective bargaining process in progress between EEU and ECS.

B.

Presentations from the floor on agenda items

None.

III. Discussion Items / Updates

A.

EdTec financial update

EdTec consultant Dorothy Lee presented the EdTec Financial Slides in the board packet:

 

  • 2024-25 budget forecast changes to 2nd Interim
    • ECHS-Lawndale: Operating Income decreased by $70k
    • ECMS-Gardena: Operating Income increased by $70k
    • ECMS-Inglewood: Operating Income increased by $70k
    • ECHS-Gardena: Operating Income increased by $2k
  • 2nd Interim Financial Reports were reviewed school by school in depth with questions and answers from the ECS board and staff.
Andrew Ellenbogen arrived.

B.

LCAP midyear update report

Director of Strategic Initiatives Jen Fenton, in collaboration with our EdTec consultant Dorothy Lee, presented the midyear update slides on the Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) for all ECS schools. They focused on the LCAP's framework of goals, actions, and expenditures for each school site and evaluated the progress of the sites in meeting these specified objectives.

IV. Consent Items A-H

A.

Approve 12/12/2024 board meeting minutes

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

B.

Approve check registers and credit card statements

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

C.

Approve private donations over $1,000

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

D.

Approve contracts

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

E.

Accept ECHS-Gardena LACOE Instructional Program Review

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

F.

Approve Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation MOA Amendment #1 to extend for an additional four years

Zena Fong made a motion to approve Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation MOA Amendment #1 to extend for an additional four years.
Mason Williams seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Herb Sims
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye

G.

Approve updated Comprehensive School Safety Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-I, ECMS-G, ECHS-G

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

H.

Approve revised ECS Academic Calendars 2024-25

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

V. Action Items

A.

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

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

B.

Approve contracts for ECS Environmental Leaders Pathway Program

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to approve contracts for ECS Environmental Leaders Pathway Program.
Anthony Jowid seconded the motion.

Contracts:

 

1. El Camino College - College and Career Access Pathways Partnership (CCAP) Agreement

 

2. Climate Action Pathways for Schools (CAPS) Agreement

 

3. South Bay Workforce Investment Board - Services Proposal for ECHS (contract term date: March 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026)

 

4. South Bay Workforce Investment Board - Youth @ Work Worksite Agreement

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

VI. Upcoming Dates/Announcements

A.

Next ECS Board Meeting

B.

Next ECS Committee Meetings

C.

Appreciations

Appreciations were shared among the ECS board, staff and EEU members in attendance.

VII. Transition to Closed Session

A.

Adjourn to Closed Session

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

VIII. Report Out of Closed Session

A.

Report Out

Board president Dr. Betsy Hamilton reported that the ECS Board of Directors has unanimously selected Danielle Kelsick as the new superintendent effective May 1, 2025 with an annual salary of $196,000.

B.

Appoint the selected candidate as Superintendent, effective on June 1, 2025.

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to appoint the selected candidate Danielle Kelsick as Superintendent, with a modification of the effective date to May 1, 2025.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Mason Williams
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Herb Sims
Aye
LESD Representative
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye

C.

Ratification of Superintendent's Employment Agreement, effective June 1, 2025

Mason Williams made a motion to ratify the Superintendent's Employment Agreement, with a modification of the effective date to May 1, 2025.
Dr. Denise Berger seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
Herb Sims
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Mason Williams
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye

IX. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Dr. Denise Berger made a motion to adjourn meeting.
Jenina Ramirez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Herb Sims
Aye
Dr. Denise Berger
Aye
Anthony Jowid
Aye
Dr. Madhu Chatwani
Absent
LESD Representative
Aye
Zena Fong
Aye
Kennedy Hilario
Absent
Mason Williams
Aye
Jenina Ramirez
Aye
Dr. Betsy Hamilton
Aye
Andrew Ellenbogen
Aye
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. Betsy Hamilton