July 2025 financial reports were presented by Dr. Lorilyn Coggins, highlighting cash on
hand, year-to-date revenues, year-to-date expenditures, and the current fund balance in
a summarized format. The financials are in order. Dr. Lorilyn Coggins reported that the State of Michigan budget had not yet been approved at the time of the meeting.

The monthly CCLC programming and budget report was submitted to the Board of Directors for review ahead of the board meeting.  Members of the 21st CCLC were not in attendance.

Ms. Reed has an upcoming meeting with Elizabeth Rodriguez to discuss after-school initiatives for the new school year. Michelle-Kerry Khatib also reached out to Ms. Reed to schedule a meeting to strategize ways to increase programming enrollment and literacy support.

Kindergarten Bootcamp was held on August 25th and 26th (full days). The event was successful, helping students learn school expectations and procedures.

Mr. Weberman and Ms. Helmore will devote 70% of their time to instructional coaching using the Get Better Faster 2.0 coaching model. This evidence-based approach will support the implementation of the academy’s Educational Program and ensure rigorous learning in a safe and caring environment. Staff have engaged in various professional development sessions designed to foster collaboration, strengthen instructional practices, and increase academic growth. Training also included First Aid/CPR and Bloodborne Pathogens certification. 

The SEL program will focus on three guiding principles:

Respect Yourself

Respect Others

Respect the Environment/Property

i-Ready assessments: scheduled for the first and second weeks of September. NWEA assessments: scheduled to begin in the third week of September. 

Academic Performance Report (2024–2025)

Growth: Reading: Increased from 36% (2023–2024) to 54% (2024–2025), an 18% gain.

Math: 52% of students met growth norms. Academics remain an area for improvement: 20% of students met national achievement norms in Math. 25% of students met national achievement norms in Reading.

2025–2026 Academic Goals: 65% of students will meet growth norms in Reading and Math.

65% of students will meet achievement norms in Reading and Math. The academy is committed to stretching its academic goals for this school year.

A full review of Special Education services has been completed. A Resource Room teacher is on-site, reviewing IEP goals and developing targeted lesson plans. All requested instructional materials for progress tracking have been provided. Speech and Language services will be provided through Parallel Learning. An on-site Social Worker has reviewed student IEPs and will finalize her schedule once the Resource Room and SLP schedules are complete.

Current Resource Room caseload: 13 students.

The Board Secretary inquired about the number of English Language Learners receiving resource room services.  Dr. Coggins will present Child Study Find professional development to staff this week. Jennifer Joubert inquired whether the Child Study Find process has been reviewed, given the small special education caseload.

Total enrollment for 2025–2026: 401 students (applications are still being accepted).

A few students withdrew due to immigration raids, with some families moving to their home countries or relocating to other states due to legal status concerns.

The academy is fully staffed for the 2025–2026 school year.

Ms. Ana, Dr. Coggins, Ms. Reed, and Mr. Weberman attended the CMU Annual Conference.

Ms. Reed also attended the NWEA Data-Dash Webinar: Lifting Language Learners, Inside the Test, Into the Classroom.

Building updates include:

Repaired playground equipment and added additional rubber mulch for safety.

Fresh paint and new wall decorations.

Other enhancements to create a more welcoming environment.

These improvements are expected to foster a vibrant, student-centered atmosphere, with clear expectations displayed on each floor.

None at this time.

Jennifer Jourbert expressed her gratitude to the Board of Directors, school leadership, and staff for their participation in the Annual Conference. She shared that at the next board meeting, she will present the 2024–2025 Academic Performance Report. The reappointment of Linda Chittum was acknowledged, and the Escuela Avancemos Academy Board of Directors voiced their excitement for the opportunities and growth anticipated in the upcoming school year. Well wishes were extended to all for a successful year ahead.

During the discussion, Board Trustee Mariva Gonzalez inquired whether academy staff had received training on seizures and suggested the Epilepsy Foundation as a valuable resource. Board Secretary Monica Barbour expressed her appreciation that the academy now has a school social worker on-site, noting the tremendous benefit this provides to students dealing with trauma, particularly in a community like Southwest Detroit.

Board President Cristina Stamatin commended the school leadership team, stating that they appear to be a cohesive unit and the right individuals to guide the academy this year. She also noted that the Annual CMU Conference was an excellent event with a diverse range of meaningful topics.

The Board emphasized the need for a retreat next month to develop strategies and establish plans that will help avoid reactive decision-making. It was agreed that the Board of Directors should play a more active role in the interview process for appointed school leaders, rather than being informed only after decisions are finalized. While recognizing that Sanga, the Education Service Provider, serves as the employer of record for school staff, the Board expressed their commitment to maintaining strong collaboration.

The Board recommended that retreats take place three times each year—in September, January, and at the end of the school year—to ensure continuous feedback to the management company and to support ongoing committee work. Additionally, the Board discussed the importance of creating a one-page document that highlights the story of Escuela Avancemos Academy, which could be shared within the community to strengthen awareness and engagement.

Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos! Academy.