Escuela Avancemos! Academy
Minutes
Escuela Avancemos Special Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday September 2, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Location
Escuela Avancemos Academy
2635 Howard St
Detroit, MI 48216
Room 105
MISSION STATEMENT: Prepare, educate, and inspire every child, every day to be lifelong leaders and learners in our 21st-century world.
Directors Present
A. Bordeianu, C. Stamatin, L. Chittum, M. Barbour, M. Gonzalez
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
A. Ulloa, Ahmed Bitar, Aimee Gibbs, Alana Hubbell, Aleida Zepeda, Alina Lawson, Alina Lawson, Arianna Carrillo, Ayatt Faraj, Beatriz Hill, Dawn Carrillo, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Elsy Cruz, Fatima Gomez, Greg Meihn, J. Joubert, Julis Redden, Kaela Boyd, L. Coggins, Lydia Botsoe, Rebecca Romaine, S. Johnson, Sanjuanita Alvarez, Shannon Barnes
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
II. Approval of Agenda
A.
Approval of Agenda
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| M. Gonzalez |
Aye
|
| M. Barbour |
Aye
|
| L. Chittum |
Aye
|
| C. Stamatin |
Aye
|
| A. Bordeianu |
Aye
|
III. Consent Agenda Item
A.
Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| L. Chittum |
Aye
|
| C. Stamatin |
Aye
|
| A. Bordeianu |
Aye
|
| M. Gonzalez |
Aye
|
| M. Barbour |
Aye
|
B.
Public Comment
IV. New Business
A.
Motion to Enter Closed Session
Close Session Began: 6:55 pm.
No Board action was taken during the closed session.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| L. Chittum |
Aye
|
| M. Barbour |
Aye
|
| M. Gonzalez |
Aye
|
| A. Bordeianu |
Aye
|
| C. Stamatin |
Aye
|
B.
Motion to Return to Open Session
Time Returned to Open Session: 7:28 pm.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| L. Chittum |
Aye
|
| M. Barbour |
Aye
|
| A. Bordeianu |
Aye
|
| C. Stamatin |
Aye
|
| M. Gonzalez |
Aye
|
C.
Board Action, if any, arising from Closed Session
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| A. Bordeianu |
Aye
|
| M. Gonzalez |
Aye
|
| M. Barbour |
Aye
|
| C. Stamatin |
Aye
|
| L. Chittum |
Aye
|
V. Board Comments
A.
Authorizer Comments
None at this time.
B.
Escuela Avancemos! Academy Board of Directors Updates
None at this time.
VI. Closing Items
A.
Reconfirmation of Next Board Meeting
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy.
Board President Cristina Stamatin reviewed the Board’s meeting procedures and public comment policies in accordance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act, including the established guidelines and time limits for individuals addressing the Board of Directors.
Sharon Barnes, School Social Worker, shared her perspective regarding her experience working within the Escuela Avancemos Academy school community. Ms. Barnes emphasized that serving the school community should not be centered on personal egos, but rather on a commitment to service and the best interests of the community. She requested the opportunity to perform her duties and to have her concerns and perspective heard by the appropriate parties.
Ayatt Faraj declined the opportunity to address the Board. Ms. Faraj indicated that she may or may not provide support for a formal letter to the Board Liaison.
Julius Redden spoke on behalf of a community member and encouraged the Board to conduct a thorough review of applicable Board and management policies, particularly those addressing discrimination, harassment and retaliation.