Section 98c appropriates federal funds to address learning loss as part of the Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund and part of the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) II Fund.  The board presentation was presented by Dr. Lorilyn Cogins outlining how funding from the 98c will be used to address learning loss. The funds will be used to meet the following learning loss needs:  administering and using high-quality assessments; Implementing evidence-based activities; providing information and assistance to parents and families; and monitoring student academic progress to identify students who need more help. Ana Ulloa strongly suggested that the leadership team focus more on providing information and assistance to parents and families to aid in closing the learning loss gap. Board Treasurer Linda Chittum questioned what is the timeline for the release of funds. Dr. Coggins anticipates funds will be released by January 2023. Madam Vice President Andreea Bordeianu reminded the team of teacher preparation programs funding that should be explored to grow the academy staff from within.

Dahime Gordon, Site Coordinator for the 21st Century Learning Program (21st CCLC) presented the monthly programming and budget report. The 21st CCLC program is in jeopardy of losing the grant.  This stems from the 21st CCLC not meeting the required compliance for enrollment. As a whole, everyone is actively promoting the program and seeking ways to increase enrollment.  The lack of offering transportation is the number one barrier that is preventing students from signing up for the program.  Ana Ulloa requested that the 21st CCLC Program Directors, Management, and the School Principal set-up a meeting soon to brainstorm the following ideas: funding sources for buses; homework assistance; coaching to minimize behavior issues and build character; and plan a parent meeting dinner to discuss the benefits of the after-school program.  Board Treasurer Linda Chittum asked what is the deadline for meeting enrollment compliance.  Michelle-Kerry Khatib stated that the deadline to meet enrollment compliance is early December 2022.

Dr. Lorilyn Coggins presented the Charter School Program Grant current month and cumulative amounts to the Board of Directors as required to be presented monthly at each board meeting. A meeting with Ana Ulloa and Dr. Steven Ovares has been scheduled for October 28, 202 to finalize the funds that need to be utilized by November 2022.

September 2022 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 Sanga Monthly Management Report was presented by Dr. Steven Ovares (School Principal) and Ana Ulloa (CEO, Founder).  Data chats with teachers are ongoing. Homeroom teachers are responsible for reviewing their data, both quantitative and anecdotal, and are required to discuss the results. The Data Chats are tied to the academy's strategic plan and goals that are used by both the instructional leadership team as well as the individual teacher on where to focus the attention next at the classroom and individual student levels. The Detroit Children's Fund (DCF) visit was held onsite at the academy for the first time in three years.  The leadership team welcomed the academy's new leadership coach and provided the team with a tour of the building and classrooms. Much of the feedback received from the DCF team echoed what many visitors have seen and commented on at the academy. These comments include students being engaged in work, teacher-student relationships being warm and positive, and classrooms being student-led. 

NWEA and-STEP student growth trends reports were presented to the board that summarized growth from Fall 2021 to Fall 2022 testing sessions. Based on the results for 1st grade, the academy's MTTS Coordinator Joanne Formigan has been assigned to push into the first-grade classrooms for additional one-on-one student support. Board Treasurer Linda Chittum inquired if the leadership team was surprised by the results and if there was any evidence of summer loss. Dr. Lorilyn Coggins questioned, "What is the plan for increasing kindergarten students' growth in order for them to be at grade level next fall when entering first grade?" Ana Ulloa mentioned that low literacy in the home language has a lot to do with low kindergarten growth.  Early Childhood is well needed at the academy as opposed to having a high school. The academy needs to build a strong foundation for students in order to see years of academic growth success.  Dr. Ovares mentioned the academy is on target with Central Michigan University (CMU) requirements for NWEA growth. The academy's Responsibility Coordinator Kanesha Jones has transitioned into the School Social Worker position. The academy has also hired a Student Support Interventionist and is seeking to hire a Responsibility Coordinator replacement. Madam Vice President Andreea Bordeianu asked for a brief overview of the roles and responsibilities of the student support services department.   Dr. Ovares assured the Board of Directors that the leadership team's overall goal is to ensure that students are safe and healthy at all times. The academy currently has a full-circle support service team for all students.  

The academy is still waiting for the arrival of the HVAC rooftop unit delivery and installation schedule.  The St. Anne's Parish has informed management of a two-day installation process. The leadership team is working to identify possible dates for the installation to prevent the loss of daily instruction.   Due to cost factors, weekend and holiday hours are not an option for the academy's general fund budget.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

No extended public comments at this time. 

The Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools Central Michigan University
Field Operations School Lead, Jennifer Joubert, was unable to attend the board meeting due to a schedule conflict.  Madam President Cristina Stamatin reminded the Board of Directors and the leadership team of annual Michigan's Charter School Association (MAPSA) MI Charter Symposium on December 7-8, 2022 at the Detroit Marriott Troy.
 

Madam President Cristina Stamatin is very encouraged and excited about the academic growth results. As a team, continue brainstorming the possibilities of offering Early Childhood Development classes. Board members are encouraged to identify dates in January 2023 for board retreat planning. Please continue to invite the board members to school events as the board would like to get to know the staff and students. Students need to be informed of the board members' duties and responsibilities. Madam Vice President Andreea Bordeianu was very pleased with the CMU conversation with Jennifer Joubert and is looking forward to another exciting and rewarding term as a board member. Huge "thank you" to Dr. Lorilyn Coggins for keeping the financials in order. Board Treasurer Linda Chittum is definitely on board with brainstorming Early Childhood Development possibilities.  

Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy; 2635 Howard St Detroit, MI  48216.