The Oath of Public Office was administered to Linda Chittum, Treasurer of the Escuela Avancemos Board of Directors.

November 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. 

Representatives from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers were unable to attend the board meeting. The program report and expense report were included in the corresponding meeting materials distributed to the Board of Directors in advance of the meeting for review.

The Sanga Monthly Management Report was presented by Dr. Azra Ali, Dr. Lorilyn Coggins, and Shan’Ta Johnson.  Dr. Ali provided special recognition to Alex Weberman and Krista Helmore for leadership performance in their current roles. The school continues to closely monitor student academic progress through local assessment data and classroom performance. This data is regularly shared with families to support transparency and collaboration. Students identified as at risk of failing during the second marking period are being supported through academic improvement plans developed in collaboration with teachers and supported by targeted intervention systems. All students have been placed in appropriate MTSS intervention groups and receive daily support during the WIN (What I Need) block in both Math and ELA. 

School Improvement and Action Planning: Based on feedback from the CMU Educational Program Review (EPR), the school is developing a formal action plan with input from all staff members. This action plan will guide instructional priorities and professional development efforts to ensure alignment with identified goals and continuous improvement.

In alignment with EPR feedback, Escuela Avancemos implemented targeted professional development in December focused on WIDA assessment preparation, instructional data analysis, and Marzano Teacher Growth Plans.

The school is preparing for the January administration of NWEA and WIDA assessments. Students will have a three-week testing window to complete mid-year NWEA assessments to measure growth compared to beginning-of-year benchmarks. WIDA ACCESS testing will be administered to all K–8 students with an active English Learner (EL) designation to ensure compliance and monitor language development progress. Scope and sequences have been created with progression measurements to support modified lessons without watering down instruction. A student achievement and growth projection report will be shared with the Board of Directors.

Daily student attendance continues to remain above 90%.

Staffing and Organizational Update:  Ms. Johnson reported that Sanga remains fully committed to staff retention and internal growth. The organization prioritizes creating a supportive work environment through open communication, recognition of performance, and ongoing professional learning. There are no staffing changes to report at this time, and all positions remain consistent with previous reporting periods.

Staff Culture and Community Building: In December, Escuela Avancemos prioritized staff morale and community building. The Sunshine Committee, led by Sanga, organized a week of activities including shared meals, themed spirit days, creative activities, and celebrations to foster connection, appreciation, and a positive school climate.

Grant and Funding Update: Dr. Coggins reported that the Michigan Department of Education has approved the 2025–2026 Consolidated Application, and funds have been released.

Facilities Update: Ms. Johnson provided an update regarding significant flooding on the first and second floors caused by a defective component in a second-floor water bottle filling station. Due to the damage, classes were canceled for the week of December 1- December 5, while restoration efforts were completed.  Classes resumed on Monday, December 8, 2025. The building is insured through the property owner, St. Anne’s Basilica Parish de Detroit.  Ana Ulloa and Ms. Johnson coordinated repairs with St. Anne’s Church and the insurance adjuster. Modernistic conducted a comprehensive drying of ceilings, walls, and floors to prevent structural damage and mold. Replacement tiles have been installed on the second floor, and all walls and ceilings are fully dry.

During the holiday break, ceiling repairs and painting will be completed, second-floor flooring will be waxed, and first-floor molding will be replaced. Elkay provided a replacement water fountain at no cost, and the defective unit was returned to the manufacturer for evaluation. Birmingham Plumbing documented the defect with photos and a written statement. Photos of the damage were shared with the Board.

Juan Gonzalez, a former student and member of Escuela Avancemos Academy’s first graduating class, shared his experiences in high school and his goal of becoming a licensed welder. Mr. Gonzalez expressed interest in volunteering at the school and speaking with current students to share his experiences and future goals.

Jennifer Joubert, Field Operations School Lead from the Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University, was unable to attend the board meeting due to a scheduling conflict. Board President Cristina Stamatin reported that she has been invited to attend the Detroit Chamber Policy Conference on January 29, 2026, and will bring back materials for the Board of Directors to review.

The Board expressed appreciation for the development of a three-year stabilization plan and ongoing staff retention efforts, noting a strong sense of organizational stability.

Board Secretary Monica Barbour asked how students respond to the increased testing beginning in January. Dr. Ali explained that student response is largely influenced by how assessments are presented, noting that testing is not all day, and students generally view it as taking two tests.

The Board thanked staff for their continued hard work, with special recognition given to Shan’Ta Johnson, Ana Ulloa, Dr. Lorilyn Coggins, and the entire team.

Board President Cristina Stamatin expressed interest in planning a Board Retreat within the next month and suggested holding committee meetings with leadership.

Board Vice President Andreea Bordeianu proposed hosting a Career Day featuring trades, trade schools, and community colleges to expose students to future career opportunities.

The Board extended holiday wishes to the entire school community.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy.