Escuela Avancemos! Academy
Minutes
Board Meeting (Virtual)
Date and Time
Tuesday April 28, 2020 at 6:30 PM
Location
meet.google.com/kvp-mvuh-ich
+1 413-350-0157 PIN: 117 819 915#
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 (remote), C. Stamatin (remote), L. Chittum (remote), M. Barbour (remote), M. Gonzalez (remote)
Directors Absent
None
Directors who arrived after the meeting opened
M. Barbour
Guests Present
A. Ulloa (remote), Dahime Gordon, J. Joubert (remote), L. Coggins (remote), Michelle Hadous, S. Johnson (remote), S. Townsin (remote), S. Yassine (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C. Stamatin called a meeting of the board of directors of Escuela Avancemos! Academy to order on Tuesday Apr 28, 2020 at 6:39 PM.
II. Approval of Agenda
A.
Approval of Agenda
L. Chittum made a motion to approve April 28, 2020 board meeting agenda.
M. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
M. Barbour |
Absent
|
A. Bordeianu |
Aye
|
M. Gonzalez |
Aye
|
C. Stamatin |
Aye
|
L. Chittum |
Aye
|
III. Consent Agenda Item
A.
Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
L. Chittum made a motion to approve the minutes from Board Meeting on 02-25-20.
M. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
L. Chittum |
Aye
|
A. Bordeianu |
Aye
|
M. Gonzalez |
Aye
|
M. Barbour |
Absent
|
C. Stamatin |
Aye
|
IV. New Business
A.
Resolution Approving the Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 Response Plan (“Plan”), Budget Amendment Related To Plan and Other Agreements Referenced In Plan, And Approval of Charter Contract Amendment
A. Bordeianu made a motion to approve the Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 Response Plan (“Plan”), Budget Amendment Related To Plan and Other Agreements Referenced In Plan, And Approval of Charter Contract Amendment.
M. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
A. Bordeianu |
Aye
|
M. Barbour |
Aye
|
M. Gonzalez |
Aye
|
L. Chittum |
Aye
|
C. Stamatin |
Aye
|
B.
Resolution to Approve 2020-21 Enrollment Period and Lottery Amendment
A. Bordeianu made a motion to approve the 2020-21 Enrollment Period and Lottery Amendment.
L. Chittum seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
C. Stamatin |
Aye
|
L. Chittum |
Aye
|
M. Gonzalez |
Aye
|
A. Bordeianu |
Aye
|
M. Barbour |
Aye
|
C.
Resolution to Amended in order to use the Charter School Program (CSP) funds to support the Continuity of Learning Plan.
L. Chittum made a motion to amend the use of the Charter School Program (CSP) funds to support the Continuity of Learning Plan.
M. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call | |
---|---|
C. Stamatin |
Aye
|
A. Bordeianu |
Aye
|
M. Barbour |
Aye
|
L. Chittum |
Aye
|
M. Gonzalez |
Aye
|
V. Reports
A.
Charter School Program Grant Monthly Report
M. Barbour arrived.
Upon the arrival of Board Secretary Monica Barbour who joined the meeting by teleconference at 7:30 pm, she ratified the resolutions previously approved.
B.
FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2020 Financials
March 2020 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 Michigan Department of Education (MDE) announced the Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund portion of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that will assist local school districts to help meet the needs of students and staff during the pandemic. Dr. Coggins is actively checking the MDE website for more information regarding the application process.
hand, year-to-date revenues, year-to-date expenditures, and the current fund balance in a
summarized format. The financials are in order. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) announced the Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund portion of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that will assist local school districts to help meet the needs of students and staff during the pandemic. Dr. Coggins is actively checking the MDE website for more information regarding the application process.
C.
21st Century Community Learning Centers Monthly Report
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers monthly report was presented to the Board of Directors by Michelle Hadous, Project Director and Dahime Gordon, Site Coordinator. The program has now shifted to a Virtual Enrichment Plan that consists of one hour per day enrichment for participating students. Material and supplies are being delivered to program teachers and students as needed. Michelle Hadous posed a question to the board and leadership team regarding in-person or virtual summer school preference. The leadership quickly responded by expressing a strong desire and hope for students to return to school (small groups) for summer school. However, the final decision is based on the MDE's guidance and safety implementation. At this time, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Project Director announced that the program is still on track to receive federal funding for the remainder of 2019-20 and 2020-2021 school year.
D.
Sanga Monthly Management Report
The Sanga Monthly Management Report was presented by both Sean Townsin and
Stephanie Yassine. Sean Townsin, School Principal shared a heartfelt overview of how the academy has persevered to assure that the children are in good hands as we navigate through a transformed world together as a team. The detailed and approved Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 Response Plan maintains Spanish language instruction and supports predominantly Spanish-speaking students. In addition, the academy is actively working with its special education vendor to provide ongoing services for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Ana Ulloa, CEO, and Founder shared with the Board of Directors that the parents are also being supported during this challenging time. Currently, the academy is hosting Parent Literacy virtual classes to better assist families with emotional support and resources. Gleaners Community Food Bank bi-weekly food distribution has been secured until June 2020. United Way of Southeast Michigan awarded the academy a technology grant for the purchase of additional Chromebooks for students. Every effort is being made to maintain a high-security level for the student's data and pertinent information. Stephaine Yassine monitors the Google Platform security daily with the assistance of Macro Connect. Madame President Cristina Stamatin suggested that parents be made aware of the technology security requirements during a parent virtual meeting.
In preparation for the 2020-21 academic school year, recruitment efforts partnerships are ongoing with Lesley Redwine Consultants and EdFuel.
Stephanie Yassine. Sean Townsin, School Principal shared a heartfelt overview of how the academy has persevered to assure that the children are in good hands as we navigate through a transformed world together as a team. The detailed and approved Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 Response Plan maintains Spanish language instruction and supports predominantly Spanish-speaking students. In addition, the academy is actively working with its special education vendor to provide ongoing services for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Ana Ulloa, CEO, and Founder shared with the Board of Directors that the parents are also being supported during this challenging time. Currently, the academy is hosting Parent Literacy virtual classes to better assist families with emotional support and resources. Gleaners Community Food Bank bi-weekly food distribution has been secured until June 2020. United Way of Southeast Michigan awarded the academy a technology grant for the purchase of additional Chromebooks for students. Every effort is being made to maintain a high-security level for the student's data and pertinent information. Stephaine Yassine monitors the Google Platform security daily with the assistance of Macro Connect. Madame President Cristina Stamatin suggested that parents be made aware of the technology security requirements during a parent virtual meeting.
In preparation for the 2020-21 academic school year, recruitment efforts partnerships are ongoing with Lesley Redwine Consultants and EdFuel.
VI. Extended Public Comment:
A.
This public comment section is reserved for all remaining comments.
No extended public comments at this time.
VII. Board Comments
A.
Authorizer Comments
The Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools Central Michigan University Field Operations School Lead, Jennifer Joubert expressed the centers' gratitude for Madame President Cristina Stamatin always attending the events for board members. Escuela Avancemos expeditiously submitted a detailed Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 Response Plan to the center and was approved. The center will be hosting a Navigating School Finances and the Impact of COVID-19 Webex on Thursday, April 30, 2020.
B.
Escuela Avancemos! Academy Board of Directors Comments
The Board of Directors shared a heartfelt expression of gratitude and kudos to the leadership team on the hard work that is being exhibited during this transition in education.
VIII. Closing Items
A.
Reconfirmation of Next Board Meeting
Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy;
2635 Howard St Detroit, MI 48216
2635 Howard St Detroit, MI 48216
B.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
S. Johnson
APPROVED by the Board of Trustees on May 19, 2020.
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Board Secretary Date
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Board Secretary Date
School Program Grant data that will be presented monthly at each board meeting. The plan is exactly the same as previously reported with the exception of $8,000 allocated to the procurement of devices and hot spots for students to participate in the Continuity of Learning Plan.