Escuela Avancemos! Academy
Minutes
Escuela Avancemos Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday March 21, 2023 at 6:30 PM
Location
Escuela Avancemos Academy
2635 Howard St
Detroit, MI 48216
Directors Present
A. Bordeianu (remote), L. Chittum, M. Barbour, M. Gonzalez
Directors Absent
C. Stamatin
Guests Present
A. Ulloa, Dahime Gordon (remote), J. Joubert, L. Coggins (remote), S. Johnson, S. Ovares
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
II. Approval of Agenda
A.
Approval of Agenda
Roll Call | |
---|---|
L. Chittum |
Aye
|
M. Gonzalez |
Aye
|
M. Barbour |
Aye
|
C. Stamatin |
Absent
|
III. Consent Agenda Item
A.
Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
Roll Call | |
---|---|
M. Barbour |
Aye
|
L. Chittum |
Aye
|
C. Stamatin |
Absent
|
M. Gonzalez |
Aye
|
IV. Reports
A.
21st Century Community Learning Centers Monthly Report
B.
February Financials
February 2023 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.
C.
Sanga Monthly Management Report
The Sanga Monthly Management Report was presented by Dr. Steven Ovares
(School Principal) and Ana Ulloa (CEO, Founder). Grades 3rd -8th are preparing to take the MSTEP and/or PSAT state assessments. The PSAT is scheduled for 8th-grade students in April. Starting the week of May 1st MSTEP testing will commence for grades 3rd-7th. A shift in instructional emphasis, coaching, and observations is currently taking place to ensure staff and students are ready for the MSTEP/PSAT assessments. WIDA assessments are almost complete across grade levels except for 3 students. The leadership team looks forward to sharing the results of the WIDA test once they become available to the Board of Directors.
On March 1, 2023, Ana Ulloa and Dr. Steven Ovares visited the Manoogian School. The school visit focused on classroom observations and discussion with the school leader on best practices for English Language Learner students. Ana Ulloa mentioned that the school pulls from different demographic populations. An interactive curriculum was noticed throughout the school. The school culture was very detailed and unique. The visit helped outline areas for restructuring goals within the academy surrounding curriculum and how students are grouped for next year. Board Secretary Monica Barbour inquired if paraprofessionals were used in supporting language gaps. Jennifer Joubert stated no the curriculum is designed to support the student's language. Ana Ulloa suggested that the team visit other schools with a similar population such as Escuela Avancemos Academy be scheduled. Board Trustee Mariva Gonzalez shared her experiences with speaking with families about what education standards look like to them. Many families believe that as long as their students can read and write at the minimum level is an advantage for their family.
While the academy leadership team prides itself on restorative systems and teaching students life skills and behavior regulation, unfortunately there are a few instances of persistent disobedience with a small number of students. Anytime student behaviors impact the safety of other students within the school community, the possibility of long-term suspension or expulsion from the academy may be required. Board Treasurer Linda Chittum inquired about the student's overall attendance at the academy. Ana Ulloa stated that the daily attendance average is 90% or higher. Door-to-Door transportation is the number one reason parents enroll their students at the academy.
V. Extended Public Comment:
A.
This public comment section is reserved for all remaining comments.
None at this time.
VI. Board Comments
A.
Authorizer Comments
Nothing to report at this time.
B.
Escuela Avancemos! Academy Board of Directors Updates
Nothing further to discuss.
VII. Closing Items
A.
Reconfirmation of Next Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy; 2635 Howard St Detroit, MI 48216.
Dahime Gordon, Site Coordinator for the 21st Century Learning Program (21st
CCLC), presented the monthly programming and budget report. To compensate for lost days, 21st CCLC is implementing virtual sessions for students to join and participate. The virtual sessions will continue to follow program hours. The program has lost a couple of students due to transportation challenges. The 21st CCLC plans to organize a soccer session during the weekends to increase enrollment and attendance. Board Secretary Monica Barbour inquired about the locations for students to play soccer. Dahime Gordon informed the Board of Directors of two nearby fields that will require transportation for the students. Board Treasurer Linda Chittum inquired if the salary between the Program Director and Site Coordinator is concerning at this time. Dahime Gordon stated that she doesn't believe so and will provide more information regarding this at a later time.