January 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.

Elizabeth Rodriguez, 21st CCLC Site Coordinator, presented the monthly programming and budget report. She reported that enrollment in the after-school program has not increased and has been impacted by declining participation, including concerns from parents about driving after dark. Despite these challenges, the second round of enrichment activities beginning in February is expected to help improve enrollment.

Ms. Rodriguez also highlighted recent program accomplishments. Five students were selected for publication in the Young Authors “Silly Monster” contest in recognition of their artwork. Additionally, the after-school program was awarded a STEM grant. In March, students will have the opportunity to vote on a project option, choosing between creating a mini forecast station or a mini greenhouse.

Soccer season will begin soon, and a parent carpooling initiative is being organized to support participation.

Board President Cristina Stamatin expressed interest in viewing student artwork and photos from program activities. Ms. Rodriguez stated that she will provide pictures at a later date.

The Sanga Monthly Management Report was presented by Ana Ulloa and Dr. Azra Ali. Dr. Ali provided the Board of Directors with an overview of the academy’s academic performance and assessment data.

A formal process is being implemented to ensure that students identified as at risk of failing one or more subjects are placed on Academic Improvement Plans (Student Success Plans).

The academy has invested in Rubicon ATLAS, a comprehensive curriculum mapping and instructional planning platform designed to strengthen standards alignment, instructional coherence, and curriculum implementation. ATLAS centralizes the written curriculum and enables teachers to document instructional units, assessments, and standards alignment while promoting collaboration across grade levels and content areas. The platform is also expected to reduce lesson plan development time. System setup and onboarding are currently underway. ATLAS will be fully operational for teacher use at the start of the next school year, with professional learning scheduled for the spring and summer. The Board will receive ongoing implementation updates.

During the January Professional Development Day, staff participated in SIOP Series (3) training. SIOP remains the academy’s primary instructional framework to support English Learners and Multilingual Learners. Teachers also recently engaged in professional learning on the Marzano Teacher-Focused Instructional Model, the district’s updated evaluation framework. This model emphasizes fewer, more focused instructional indicators. Teachers will receive formal mid-year feedback, including a full classroom observation, a growth plan conference, and reflection on professional responsibilities and instructional practices.

In recognition of Black History Month, Escuela Avancemos launched a schoolwide instructional initiative aligned to this year’s theme, “I Made the World a Better Place!” Appreciation was extended to Ms. Faraj for conceptualizing and organizing the initiative, as well as to Mr. Knopf and Ms. Rivera for serving on the planning committee. The initiative reflects the academy’s continued commitment to culturally responsive teaching and meaningful student engagement.

Assessment Update:

Mid-year testing was completed during the first week of February. Winter 2026 NWEA MAP Growth results were presented to the Board. Mid-year data allows for predictive metrics and progress monitoring from fall to winter.

Overall, Escuela Avancemos is making measurable progress toward its end-of-year growth goals. Middle school reading and math demonstrated strong performance, with multiple grades meeting or exceeding the 65% growth benchmark. Upper elementary grades are trending positively and are approaching the target.

Early literacy (K–2) remains an area of concern, with growth rates below expectations. Given the academy’s high population of English Learners (88.5%) and economically disadvantaged students (99%), leadership emphasized the urgency of strengthening foundational literacy systems.

Board Secretary Monica Barbour inquired about kindergarten students’ attending Pre-K. Dr. Ali reported that approximately 30% of one kindergarten class attended Pre-K.

Grades 1–2 are receiving pull-out intervention services, and kindergarten will receive push-in support. Vertical alignment has been strengthened, guided math models expanded, and monthly leadership data reviews implemented to monitor progress. Instruction remains focused on standards to maximize instructional time.

Middle school reading growth was highlighted as a significant strength, reflecting the impact of structured literacy practices, consistent data use, and targeted interventions.

Using NWEA, WIDA, and teacher recommendations, students in grades 1–5 are placed into tiered intervention groups. Three interventionists, classroom teachers, and the EL teacher provide targeted small-group instruction. Students participate in a daily WIN (What I Need) Reading block, during which pull-out services occur. Students also engage in WIN Math time, working on iReady pathways while teachers provide small-group math intervention.

Teachers completed WIDA proctor training and administered practice assessments. Official WIDA testing is scheduled from February 4 through April 1.

Students in grades K–8 were recognized during grade-level assemblies for academic growth and exemplary citizenship, including meeting NWEA growth targets, earning Perfect Attendance, and achieving Honor Roll (All A’s). Jennifer Jourbert noted that winter MAP Growth testing is not required by the center; however, many schools administer it to monitor mid-year progress.

Escuela Avancemos was awarded $500,000 through the Summer Discovery Grant. The grant will fund a full-day (8+ hour) summer learning program for rising kindergarten through eighth-grade students. The program will provide academic instruction in English Language Arts and mathematics, along with enrichment experiences designed to prevent summer learning loss.

The program will be provided at no cost to families and will include meals and transportation.

Board Vice President Andreea Bordeianu expressed interest in providing each student with a Scholastic book in recognition of March is Reading Month. Dr. Ali noted that leveled reader books are currently being sent home with students.

A leadership adjustment was announced: Krista Helmore will now work directly with students to strengthen English Learner programming and accelerate language acquisition and academic achievement.

On January 17, 2026, Sanga was notified by St. Anne’s that the Upper Hall heating system would be shut off for approximately ten days. On January 22, the academy was informed that the boiler requires full replacement, with completion anticipated in April. Temporary heating has since been installed, allowing lunch service to resume in the Upper Hall. A filtered water station has been installed, and restroom access remains in the main building due to the temporary water shutoff.

The Board expressed appreciation for the flexibility of Keys Grace Food Service in adapting operations during this disruption.

Board President Cristina Stamatin and Board Secretary Monica Barbour inquired whether Catholic Charities is affiliated with St. Anne’s. Ana Ulloa will follow up with Monsignor.

Sanga announced a new partnership with the Detroit Police Department Community Officers Division. Officer Andrew Little and Officer Cory Gordon will support the academy through mentorship, education, and community engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening relationships between students and public service.

Ana Ulloa shared that the partnership will also support proactive student education in response to increased use of racially derogatory language among students.

Board Vice President Andreea Bordeianu requested that the academy explore D.A.R.E. program initiatives as a potential addition to student programming.

Krista Helmore addressed the Board and requested that the Escuela Avancemos Academy Board of Directors formally ask Sanga to investigate the circumstances surrounding the change in her job position after she provided documentation of her disability, noting that a Sanga representative was not present at the time of the change.

Jennifer Joubert, Field Operations School Lead from the Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University, presented the Board of Directors with a token of appreciation in recognition of Board Appreciation Month. She also shared several updates, including the Celebrating Our Partners Networking Reception scheduled for March 18, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Andiamo’s Restaurant (Downtown location). The CMU Annual Convening will be held on August 19, 2026, in Detroit, with a reception taking place the evening prior. Ms. Joubert also noted that March is Reading Month and that the Center participates in activities supporting literacy initiatives.

Board Trustee Mariva Gonzalez shared that she will ask her son, a former alumni student, to volunteer to read to students during March is Reading Month and stated that she would also be happy to participate as a guest reader.

Board Vice President Andreea Bordeianu expressed appreciation for the additional student support services and acknowledged the importance of ensuring that grant funds are being utilized appropriately. She also emphasized the need to remain vigilant regarding emerging epidemics affecting youth and to continue promoting education and awareness among students.

Board President Cristina Stamatin reminded the administration of the importance of providing information to the Board in a timely manner. She stated that a Board retreat is needed to discuss the Academy’s succession plan. She also noted that the National Charter Schools Conference will take place in June and suggested that a Board member attend if possible.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy