February 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. Ana Ulloa asked whether the Academy would need to apply for a bridge loan for the upcoming school year if two months of additional revenue are already reflected in the budget. Lorilyn Coggins responded that she will review the financials and run the necessary projections to determine if a loan is required, noting that it may still be needed to ensure operations can continue until state aid funds are released.

Elizabeth Rodriguez was unable to attend the meeting. The Board of Directors reviewed the 21st CCLC report included in the board packet.

The Sanga Monthly Management Report was presented by Dr. Ali and Ana Ulloa. Dr. Ali discussed the process for supporting students identified as at risk of failing, including the development of academic improvement plans for all middle school students and the structure for a more formalized process to address skill gaps.

Professional development held on March 18, 2026 focused on M-STEP preparation, targeted group interventions, and K–8 math unit plan alignment to support horizontal planning. A curriculum audit was conducted to ensure students have been adequately exposed to the material in preparation for upcoming assessments. The summer program was also discussed as an opportunity to help students build and retain foundational skills in preparation for the next school year. Plans are in place to collaborate with the behavior team, and families will be formally notified if their child is identified as at risk through these processes.

WIDA ACCESS testing for multilingual learners has been completed. April marks the beginning of the testing season, with M-STEP assessments scheduled for grades 3–8. Eighth-grade students will take the PSAT in English Language Arts and Mathematics, as well as M-STEP assessments in Science and Social Studies. Instructional staff continues to support students through online practice tests, test-taking strategies, and initiatives designed to promote student engagement and confidence.

During March, the Academy celebrated Reading Month with a variety of activities to promote literacy, including student assemblies, mystery guest readers, and spirit week. The Board expressed appreciation to Ms. Faraj for leading the initiative and to all staff who supported daily activities. Special recognition was given to Elizabeth Rodriguez for her role in securing a donation from Scholastic Books, providing five books per student.

Ana Ulloa inquired about authorizer expectations regarding a 50% growth target for both NWEA and M-STEP. Dr. Ali explained that i-Ready and reading interventions are being used to help ensure students are exposed to necessary content prior to assessments. Given the wide range of student skill levels, further discussion took place regarding how assessment data is analyzed and used for grouping.

Ana Ulloa also raised concerns regarding low math scores. Dr. Ali shared that the curriculum has transitioned from Eureka Math to Eureka Math Squared and noted that i-Ready may not be the best instructional tool due to its rigidity. Jennifer Joubert advised that if i-Ready is not meeting the Academy’s needs, the team should not feel obligated to continue its use.

Board President Cristina Stamatin asked why NWEA Math Fluency had not been utilized previously. The discussion emphasized that consistent exposure to aligned materials and targeted interventions will support student academic progress. Board Treasurer Linda Chittum inquired whether there had been instances of students not being exposed to necessary materials prior to testing in the past. The summer program was noted as an opportunity to strengthen foundational skills.

Board President Cristina Stamatin also encouraged increased visibility within the community and on social media to support student recruitment and to build a strong waitlist. Ana Ulloa shared her perspective that the Academy may be better positioned as a K–5 model to more effectively support students. Door-to-door transportation is why families enroll their children.

None at this time. 

Jennifer Jourbert, Field Operations School Lead from the Governor John Engler Center for
Charter Schools at Central Michigan University thanked Cristina Stamatin and Linda Chittum for attending the CMU networking event. Members were reminded of the 2026 Annual Conference scheduled for August 19, 2026, at Huntington Place in Detroit, where educators may earn SCECHs and Board members may earn professional development credits.

Board Trustee Mariva Gonzalez shared that she enjoyed serving as a mystery reader for the kindergarten classes. Board Treasurer Linda Chittum apologized for missing a previous meeting and noted that she enjoyed attending the CMU networking event; she also confirmed that the financials are in order. Board Secretary Monica Barbour emphasized the importance of continuing to address the needs of a sensitive student population, noting the impact of trauma and challenges at home. A suggestion was made that future CMU events be scheduled from 6:00–8:00 p.m. to accommodate Board members' availability.

Board President Cristina Stamatin emphasized the importance of board members setting aside at least 24 hours each year for a board retreat. She noted that this time allows members to build stronger relationships and work together on both short- and long-term succession planning goals. She also shared that the Board is committed to supporting the Academy and is interested in being involved in leadership team committees.

Due to scheduling conflicts, the Board would like to move forward with changing the meeting date from April 28, 2026, to April 21, 2026, to better accommodate Board member availability, if possible.