May 2026 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.

Members of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) after-school program did not attend; however, they submitted the monthly program and budget report for the Board’s review.

The Sanga Monthly Management Report was presented by Dr. Marquez Elem and Ana Ulloa. It was reported that the Michigan Department of Education approved Escuela Avancemos Academy for a pre–Labor Day start date of August 31, 2026, for the next three academic years. This early start is intended to mitigate learning loss by expanding extended learning opportunities and maximizing instructional time prior to the administration of standardized assessments.

Dr. Elem respectfully shared that the final Needs Assessment Data Report will be presented to instructional staff prior to being shared with the Board of Directors at a public meeting, ensuring that teachers are fully informed of the data findings. A comprehensive needs assessment has been completed, with findings indicating the need to strengthen core instruction and implement consistent, evidence-based supports across all tiers of intervention. Identified priority areas include mathematics proficiency across grades K–8, English language proficiency with an emphasis on grades 6–8, and early literacy development in grades K–2.

Dr. Elem emphasized that insufficient staffing contributes significantly to existing learning gaps. He reported that Sanga has successfully secured a certified mathematics teacher and a math interventionist, which will strengthen mathematics instruction and expand opportunities for student achievement. Additional efforts will focus on expanding instructional support and building staff capacity to improve outcomes for multilingual learners, as well as strengthening literacy instruction across grade levels.

The Summer Discovery Program will begin July 6, 2026, and will serve approximately 90 students. The program is open to all students, including those recommended for additional academic support. The primary goal of the program is to reduce summer learning loss. The incorporation of Imagine Learning will provide literacy and math tutoring during the instructional day, with additional access to live tutors outside of the school building.

Board Vice President Andreea Bordeianu inquired whether Dr. Elem was aware of the math coaching supports offered by Wayne RESA. Dr. Elem confirmed familiarity with Wayne RESA resources but noted that sustained improvement requires qualified, invested in-house staff who can support daily instruction through co-teaching and embedded coaching models. He emphasized the importance of leadership and instructional teams being actively present in classrooms to close learning gaps.

Ms. Bordeianu also inquired about biliteracy needs. Ms. Ulloa shared that Kelly Alvarez, Section 41 Bilingual and Title III English Learner and Immigrant Consultant, supports the proposed instructional model to strengthen English Language Development in grades K–2 as a foundation for literacy growth. Ms. Ulloa and Board President Cristina Stamatin both emphasized the importance of developing critical thinking skills across grades K–8, noting the need to refocus on foundational academic skills to strengthen overall instructional outcomes.

Dr. Elem shared that members of the leadership team will be present in classrooms daily for approximately 30–45 minutes to support instruction and provide feedback. He further noted that finalized assessment data will be shared prior to the next board meeting, acknowledging that students may experience testing fatigue or frustration, which can impact performance. Board President Cristina Stamatin suggested administering assessments in smaller increments rather than condensed testing sessions.

Dr. Elem expressed optimism that with the appropriate instructional structures, committed teachers, and strong leadership, the academy is positioned to exceed the 50 percent growth benchmark required by the authorizer. Board President Stamatin inquired whether the academy has received any communication from Central Michigan University regarding recent assessment data.

It was also shared that a Special Education needs assessment will be completed by September and will include detailed progress monitoring and a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework to provide targeted academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports with fidelity. Board members noted that the State of Michigan offers specialized training for special education staff. Ms. Ulloa added that the use of Parallel Learning has helped reduce the historical overrepresentation of students receiving speech and language services at the academy.

Board Vice President Andreea Bordeianu emphasized that all available free state-provided trainings and resources should be fully utilized before engaging external vendors. Board President Cristina Stamatin asked whether students have received training on the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence as part of digital citizenship instruction. Dr. Elem encouraged board members attending the National Charter Schools Conference to attend a breakout session led by Paul Balance, noting his expertise in artificial intelligence and digital citizenship in education.

Dr. Lorilyn Coggins shared the estimated allocations for 26/27 have been published, and Escuela will receive the following:

Title I - $293,613

Title II - $25,124

Title III - $26,442

Title IV - $19,594

In addition, we were just notified that we will receive $153,150 from the Grow Your Own program. 

The Academy continues to prioritize the maintenance of a safe, comfortable, and effective learning environment. Installation of new Variable Air Volume (VAV) units is currently underway in two classrooms that previously experienced heating and cooling deficiencies. These upgrades will improve classroom climate, enhance student and staff comfort, and support uninterrupted instruction.

 End-of-the-year pictures were shared with the board members.

 

None at this time. 

Jennifer Jourbert, Field Operations School Lead with the Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University, was unable to attend the meeting due to travel related to the National Charter Schools Conference.

The Board of Directors expressed interest in the possibility of hosting an Escuela Avancemos Academy alumni event on campus. Board members also shared enthusiasm regarding the summer programming designed to address summer learning loss, noting that the budget presentation was thorough, detailed, and informative. The Board reflected positively on the conclusion of the school year and expressed confidence that the academy is positioned for a strong start to the upcoming academic year.

Board Vice President Andreea Bordeianu was recognized for being nominated for and receiving the Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership Award. The Board of Directors and school leadership extended their congratulations on this achievement.

Board President Cristina Stamatin shared her belief that the academy is moving in a positive direction and requested that a Career Day be scheduled, with at least one month’s advance notice to allow Board members adequate time to request time off from work to attend. She emphasized the importance of continuing to expose students to a wide range of career pathways.

Ana Ulloa suggested that members of the Board of Directors spend a half-day at the academy engaging with staff and students. Ms. Ulloa also expressed appreciation for Dr. Marquez Elem’s leadership and commitment to Escuela Avancemos Academy.

Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy.