August 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. Coggins informed the Board that the academy has not been financially impacted by the recent government shutdown. All operations and funding streams remain stable. Dr. Coggins presented the State of Michigan 2025–2026 State Aid Financial Status Report, dated November 20, 2025, providing an overview of the academy’s current year funding and allowances. She noted that the State Aid membership count will be adjusted next month to reflect the 390 students reported in the Fall 2025 Count. 

Elizabeth Rodriguez, 21st CCLC Site Coordinator, presented the monthly programming and budget report. Enrollment has decreased by three students due to transportation challenges; however, several new enrollment forms have been submitted, and participation is expected to increase after the Thanksgiving break.

Program highlights included:

The Detroit Zoo launched its “Explorer’s Club” for grades K–3, engaging students in hands-on learning about differences in wing structure.

CMU tutors continue to provide strong remote academic support through one-on-one tutoring sessions, successfully engaging students and building rapport.

The Sanga Monthly Management Report was presented by Ms. Ana Ulloa, Dr. Azra Ali, and Mr. Alex Weberman. Ms. Ulloa informed the Board of the recent resignation of Erika Reed, noting that although it was a difficult decision for her, the transition to another school district was conducted smoothly and professionally. Management expressed appreciation for Ms. Reed’s contributions to the academy and extended best wishes for her continued success in her new role. Ms. Ulloa proceeded to introduce Dr. Azra Ali as the academy’s Superintendent. Dr. Ali brings extensive experience in urban charter school administration and conveyed her gratitude for the opportunity to advance academic excellence and student achievement at Escuela Avancemos Academy. Additional leadership updates included the appointment of Mr. Alex Weberman as Building Administrator and Ms. Krista Helmore as Instructional Coach.

Dr. Ali reported that the first marking period has concluded, and Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November 19, 2025. During these meetings, teachers will review key learning goals and share student progress using NWEA, i-Ready, and classroom assessment data. Leadership is developing a targeted coaching model to strengthen instructional consistency. MTSS interventions continue to be implemented schoolwide and will be enhanced with additional reading and math supports. The academy is also strengthening its Spanish biliteracy goals by expanding language development, literacy instruction, and cultural learning aligned with future opportunities for students to pursue the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy.

WIDA data graphs were presented to the Board for review. Mr. Weberman reported that while students demonstrate the ability to communicate in English, there are noticeable gaps in comprehension and speaking proficiency. Dr. Ali expressed concerns regarding the Success for All (SFA) curriculum, specifically noting gaps in writing, phonics, student engagement, and alignment to student needs. Leadership is conducting a comprehensive review of three research-based English Language Arts curriculum options to pilot as a possible replacement. Upon completion of the pilot, data and recommendations will be presented to the Board for further action. In response, Jennifer Joubert emphasized that any curriculum change must be approved by the Board through a public meeting and require submission of a Contract Amendment Request Resolution and questionnaire to the charter authorizer. Board President Cristina Stamatin recommended including Board members on committees to ensure authorizer procedures and expectations are fully met. During the discussion, Ms. Joubert inquired about the academy’s previous reporting of SFA as a factor in academic growth, and Ms. Ulloa clarified that improvements were primarily due to i-Ready usage and student incentive programs rather than the curriculum itself. President Stamatin encouraged additional academic incentives and celebrations, particularly for WIDA exit success and overall learning growth.

Dr. Ali also shared updates related to special education supports. The academy has partnered with Parallel Learning to ensure ongoing compliance with IEP requirements and to provide specialized academic services, particularly in the resource room environment. The current special education caseload consists of 27 students, most of whom qualify for Speech and Language services.

The academy’s current enrollment as of November 18, 2025, is 387 students. Leadership noted that changes in enrollment are related to the broader political and governmental climate. Board Vice President Andreea Bordieanu requested that an updated organizational chart be provided during the next Board meeting.

Dr. Ali informed the Board that a $500,000 grant proposal has been submitted through the Ballmer Group and United Way to support a five-week, full-day Summer Discovery Program for up to 250 students. The program would include transportation and meals, and funding would prioritize staffing to support high-quality instruction. Students would participate in hands-on STEM and arts enrichment, along with community-based field trips such as roller-skating, bowling, and rock climbing. Grant award recipients are expected to be announced on December 19, 2025. The Board inquired whether this grant would impact the 21st CCLC summer program, and it was clarified that both may run concurrently, allowing families to select either half-day or full-day options.

School spirit day and field trip photos were shared with the Board. 

None at this time.

No authorizer updates were reported by Jennifer Joubert at this time.

The Board expressed appreciation for Dr. Ali’s leadership and renewed focus on instructional improvement. Treasurer Linda Chittum shared her positive impression from her recent campus tour and looks forward to a successful school year. President Stamatin expressed interest in scheduling a Board retreat to support strategic planning and future succession planning priorities.

Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy.