Environmental Charter Schools
Minutes
Board of Directors' Meeting
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
C.
Approve the agenda
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Andrew Ellenbogen |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
D.
Opener
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.
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
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Aye
|
Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
B.
Approve check registers and credit card statements
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
C.
Approve private donations over $1,000
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Herb Sims |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
D.
Approve contracts
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
E.
Accept ECHS-Gardena LACOE Instructional Program Review
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Aye
|
F.
Approve Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation MOA Amendment #1 to extend for an additional four years
Roll Call | |
---|---|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
G.
Approve updated Comprehensive School Safety Plans for ECHS-L, ECMS-I, ECMS-G, ECHS-G
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
H.
Approve revised ECS Academic Calendars 2024-25
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Herb Sims |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
V. Action Items
A.
Approve Second Interim Financial Reports for ECHS-L, ECMS-I, ECMS-G, ECHS-G
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Herb Sims |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
B.
Approve contracts for ECS Environmental Leaders Pathway Program
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
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
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
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Aye
|
Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
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.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
C.
Ratification of Superintendent's Employment Agreement, effective June 1, 2025
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Aye
|
Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
IX. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Roll Call | |
---|---|
Jenina Ramirez |
Aye
|
Andrew Ellenbogen |
Aye
|
Anthony Jowid |
Aye
|
Dr. Betsy Hamilton |
Aye
|
Dr. Madhu Chatwani |
Absent
|
Mason Williams |
Aye
|
Zena Fong |
Aye
|
Dr. Denise Berger |
Aye
|
Kennedy Hilario |
Absent
|
LESD Representative |
Aye
|
Herb Sims |
Aye
|
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.