June 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. 

Representatives from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) after-school program were unable to attend the meeting. However, the monthly program and budget reports were submitted to the Board of Directors for review. Ms. Ana Ulloa provided a summary of the monthly program activities based on the submitted reports.

Dr. Marquez Elem, Superintendent, and Ms. Ana Ulloa, Founder/CEO, presented the Sanga Monthly Management Report. During the presentation, the academy's newly established leadership team was formally introduced to the Board. Team members introduced included:

• Shannon Barnes, School Social Worker
• Beatriz Hill, Administrative Leader
• Julius Redden, Assistant to the Superintendent
• Alex Weberman, Instructional Leader (Grades 6–8)
• Saniqua Humes, Mathematics Coach and Eighth Grade Teacher
• Kaela Boyd, English Language Development (ELD) Coordinator (Grades K–2)

Dr. Elem explained that the restructured leadership team has been intentionally designed to build organizational capacity, strengthen instructional leadership, and improve student outcomes. During the past month, members of the administrative team participated in Marzano instructional leadership training to enhance classroom observation practices, instructional coaching, teacher effectiveness, and overall classroom readiness.

Additionally, five instructional staff members attended professional development focused on strengthening English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics instruction for the academy's Summer Discovery Program. Dr. Elem reported that approximately 84 students enrolled in the summer program, receiving 1.5 hours of ELA instruction and 1.5 hours of mathematics instruction daily. By comparison, students typically receive approximately 50 minutes per day in each subject during the regular academic year, averaging 17 instructional days per month. The 20-day summer program provides nearly three times the daily instructional time in both core subject areas. Dr. Elem expressed confidence that this expanded instructional model will contribute to measurable academic growth and increased classroom readiness for the upcoming school year.

Dr. Elem further reported that the Success for All curriculum was not included on the Michigan Department of Education's approved list. The Board discussed the importance of ensuring that all required contract amendment procedures are followed prior to implementing any new curriculum, instructional delivery model, or virtual/blended learning program.

Board President Cristina Stamatin inquired why the student assessment data previously requested by the Board had not yet been presented. In response, Dr. Elem provided the Board with the completed comprehensive academic needs assessment prepared by an independent external vendor. The assessment included an extensive review of the academy's academic performance and identified priority areas for improvement. Alex Weberman presented a summary of the academy's NWEA MAP assessment results, noting that official M-STEP results were not yet available.

Ms. Ana Ulloa discussed the current academic standing of Escuela Avancemos Academy, acknowledging that many students are performing approximately two to three grade levels below proficiency. She explained that these academic challenges were a significant factor in restructuring the school's leadership model to provide increased instructional oversight, coaching, and targeted intervention.

Board Vice President Andreea Bordianu requested that student assessment data become visible and that academic data walls be maintained throughout the building. The academy should be making data-driven decisions. 

Board President Cristina Stamatin requested that a dedicated Academic Data Review agenda item be added to future Board meeting agendas to allow for regular discussion of student achievement and academic progress. Board members emphasized that school leadership is expected to continuously monitor student performance data and provide regular progress updates to the Board.

Ms. Jennifer Jourbert informed the Board that she intends to request approximately five to ten minutes at a future Board meeting to provide a formal presentation on the academy's academic data. 

Dr. Elem reported that the Summer Discovery Program is progressing successfully, with approximately 84 students enrolled and daily attendance averaging in the upper 90 percent range. Site visits have yielded positive feedback regarding program implementation and instructional quality.

Additionally, 84 bicycles and helmets were purchased to support student participation in the summer programming and related enrichment activities.

Ms. Ana Ulloa reported that an impromptu meeting was held with representatives of St. Anne's Basilica, the academy's landlord, regarding ongoing campus renovations. During the meeting, management was informed that the parish hall would no longer be available for student lunch service due to construction activities.

Ms. Ana Ulloa expressed concern regarding the late notification and requested that an immediate alternative be identified, emphasizing that serving lunch in classrooms was not a viable option.

St. Anne's Basilica is currently exploring the installation of a temporary trailer in the parking lot to serve as a dedicated lunch facility for students and the academy's food service provider. The academy's monthly cost for use of the temporary facility will remain the same as the current parish hall agreement, with no additional expense.

None at this time.

The authorizer thanked Dr. Elem and Mrs. Johnson for ensuring that staff members are registered to attend the upcoming Central Michigan University Charter Schools Conference on August 19.

Board members were reminded of the upcoming "Understanding NWEA MAP Growth Spring 2026 Results: Achievement, Growth, and the New 2025 Norms" webinar scheduled for August 11, 2026.

Jennifer Jourbert reiterated that implementation of any virtual or blended instructional program requires prior approval through a formal contract amendment. Any modification to the academy's instructional delivery model must comply with the contract amendment process, and the Center maintains specialized departments to review amendments pertaining to each section of the academy's charter contract.

Board Treasurer Linda Chittum expressed appreciation for the successful implementation of the Summer Discovery Program and was pleased to hear that students are actively engaged and benefiting from the experience. She commended the leadership team for its ability to adapt quickly and effectively to operational challenges while maintaining a positive learning environment.

Board members also expressed appreciation for receiving the Escuela Avancemos Academy student publication featuring student writing and artwork.

Board President Cristina Stamatin and Board Vice President Andreea Bordianu shared positive reflections on their attendance at the National Charter Schools Conference and stated that they look forward to sharing valuable resources and best practices during the upcoming Board retreat once it has been scheduled.

Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos! Academy.