None at this time.

August 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. 

The 21st CCLC team was unable to attend the meeting but provided a written report for the Board's review.

The interim leadership team was introduced to the Board. The team includes:

• Kaela Boyd – K–3 Instructional Leader; administrator certification and ESL endorsement.
• Dawn Carrillo – 4–8 Instructional Leader and Interim Lead Building Administrator; administrator certification and more than 20 years of teaching experience.
• Shannon Barnes – School Social Worker with an administrator permit and building administration responsibilities.
• Beatriz Hill – Administrative Leader.
• Ahmed Bitar – K–8 Spanish/Biliteracy Coach; bilingual Spanish and Spanish K–12 teaching certification.
• Saniqua Humes – K–8 Math Coach; Mathematics K–8 teaching certification.

The Sanga Monthly Management Report was presented by Dr. Coggins, Ms. Ana Ulloa, and Ms. Carrillo. Management reported that the Board-approved curriculum is being implemented daily across classrooms. The Academy has maintained a 99% staff retention rate, with only two new members joining the instructional team.

All necessary classroom materials and supplies have been ordered and distributed. Instructional coaches are supporting teachers through model lessons, observations, feedback cycles, and grade-level meetings. K–8 instructional coaching meetings began September 21, 2026.

Academic and Instructional Updates

Management reported that the Academy is completing i-Ready Inform assessments to establish baseline academic data, support student grouping, differentiate instruction, and develop individualized WIN-time pathways. Success for All (SFA) groups have been established for K–8 students based on identified instructional needs.

The Academy completed an onboarding meeting with Imagine Learning on September 17, 2026. Imagine Learning will provide small-group English Language Development (ELD) instruction to identified middle school English Learners, with groups organized according to WIDA proficiency levels.

Ms. Boyd provided an overview of the Academy’s tiered instructional model and noted increased ELD needs among students in Grades K–2. Management will continue working with MDE representative Kelly Alvarez to ensure compliance with applicable ELD instructional requirements and to address the needs of the Academy’s student population.

Following the collection and review of NWEA, i-Ready, and WIDA data, the MTSS team will use the results to determine appropriate interventions. The Reading Specialist has been offered the opportunity to pursue an ESL endorsement through the Grow Your Own grant. Interventionists will utilize a push-in model to provide targeted academic support.

Spanish Heritage Month and Biliteracy

Mr. Bitar reported that the Academy will celebrate Spanish Heritage Month in October. Students will have opportunities to showcase their culture through videos, music, dance, poetry, food, posters, and artwork. Mr. Bitar also invited Board members to view student artwork displayed in his classroom.

Management reported that the daily schedule was adjusted to provide additional instructional time for Spanish and adequate preparation time for Spanish teachers.

Academic Performance

Dr. Coggins presented the assessment portion of the Management Report. Management reported improvement in 10 of 14 grade/subject assessments, with mean scale scores increasing in 13 of 14 assessments. The number of students reaching proficiency increased from 73 to 86, representing an 18% increase despite a smaller tested population.

Management reported that the percentage of students identified as Not Proficient decreased across all subject areas, while Proficient and Advanced performance increased in three of four subject areas. Advanced performance increased across all subject areas, with Social Studies demonstrating the largest gain.

English Learner reading proficiency in Grades 3–7 increased from 6.1% to 10.4%, compared with 10.9% among DPSCD English Learners during the same period.

NWEA benchmark testing is scheduled for October 5–23, 2026. WIDA screeners are currently being administered to kindergarten students and qualifying newcomer students in higher grades.

The Board discussed assessment fatigue among students and the importance of maintaining appropriate supports during testing periods. Jennifer Joubert reported that CMU’s academic performance report is expected to be presented at the October Board meeting.

Management identified mathematics and science as areas requiring continued attention. Mathematics performance remains below DPSCD for the overall student population and among English Learners. Grade 3 mathematics performance declined during the reporting period, while Grade 3 reading performance improved.

Grade 8 science performance also declined, while Grade 5 science performance improved. Management reported that benchmark assessment data will be used to identify instructional needs, appropriately group students, and provide differentiated instruction.

The Board discussed the use of Success for All (SFA) and considerations regarding its ability to simultaneously support grade-level content and ability-based intervention groups. Management is exploring curriculum options that more effectively support biliteracy and grade-level academic content.  Management reported that letters will be sent to families regarding SFA’s status as a non-approved ELA curriculum under applicable MDE requirements.

Management reported that student enrollment is currently 376 students, with daily attendance averaging above 95%.

Special Education

The Academy continues to utilize Parallel Learning Services for virtual speech, language, psychological, specialized instruction, and related services. Approximately 20 students currently receive IEP services, and two students receive 504 accommodations. The School Social Worker manages the IEP/504 process and coordinates services with the Academy's providers.

The Board was reminded that October 7, 2026, is Count Day.

The Board also discussed the potential academic impact of summer school. Ms. Barnes reported that summer programming provided students with valuable support related to social-emotional learning, routines, structure, and familiarity with school expectations.

Facilities and Operations

Management reported that the Academy is not moving forward with the proposed additional modular classroom at this time due to installation, inspection, approval timelines, traffic considerations, and the long-term financial investment. The required process could take up to one year.

The Academy will continue its current classroom breakfast and lunch model while renovations to the Parish Hall proceed. Upon completion, the renovated Parish Hall is expected to provide additional dining space and improved facilities to support lunch operations.

The Board was also informed of significant facility improvements made possible through the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, Mr. Pulte, and Resendes Design Group. Planned improvements include:

• Replacement of classroom carpeting;
• Hallway flooring improvements;
• Renovation of the small interior kitchen; and
• New flooring in Room 110

None at this time. 

Jennifer Joubert provided guidance regarding public comment procedures under the Open Meetings Act to ensure that the Board remains informed of the requirements governing public participation during Board meetings.

Jennifer Joubert provided several updates regarding upcoming CMU and Board-related activities. She shared that Monica Barbour’s reappointment meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2026. She also reported that Board Vice President Andreea Bordeianu has completed the requirements for reappointment. The formal recommendation is expected to proceed to the CMU Board of Trustees meeting in Mount Pleasant on November 19, 2026, at which time the reappointment paperwork will be formally presented.

Ms. Joubert also informed the Board of upcoming CMU opportunities, including a Board President Roundtable, Board Roles and Responsibilities workshop, and the Fire Up Chips event, which provides schools with an opportunity to visit the CMU campus. Information regarding these events has been distributed by email, and additional event information is available through the CMU website.

Ms. Joubert requested approximately five minutes during the October Board meeting to present the Academy’s NWEA and overall academic performance data. She noted that the academic performance data reflects positive trends and that a more comprehensive report will be shared with the Board.

Vice President Andreea Bordeianu shared that the goals established during the Board retreat have been documented in BoardOnTrack to ensure that the feedback and established priorities are captured and available for ongoing review. She reiterated that the Board remains available to support the Academy and expressed anticipation of the upcoming Hispanic Heritage Celebration video.

Board President Cristina Stamatin stated that the Escuela Avancemos Board of Directors is aware that concerns have been raised regarding alleged workplace issues at the Academy. The Board acknowledged the importance of reviewing such concerns appropriately, thoughtfully, and in a manner that respects the individuals involved and the integrity of the process.

Ms. Ana Ulloa noted that the matters raised have affected the management company and employees involved. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to the entire Escuela Avancemos community, including students, teachers, administrators, staff, families, and other stakeholders.

The Board emphasized the importance of maintaining a school environment where concerns can be raised and addressed responsibly while allowing educators, administrators, staff, and families to remain focused on supporting students.

The Board further affirmed its commitment to the long-term success, stability, and well-being of Escuela Avancemos and its school community. The Board will continue to support appropriate steps to address concerns that have been raised while supporting the Academy’s mission, continued success, and partnership with the management company.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy