Members of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers were not in attendance. The 21st CCLC board and budget report were included in the board packet for review by the Board of Directors. 

April 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. 
 

Dr. Steven Ovares (School Principal) and Ana Ulloa (CEO, Founder) presented the Sanga Monthly Management Report. The leadership team strives to finish the 2022-2023 school year strong.  Formal evaluations are ongoing for all teachers; a plan is in place to provide two official evaluations to teachers before the end of the school year. Grade-level planning for the remainder of the school year will focus on ensuring standards-aligned and curriculum-aligned instruction occurs until the end of the school year; while also making plans for the next school year regarding pacing, planning, and scope and sequences.  

A School Social Worker has been hired to support and service special education students whose IEP specifies social work services be rendered. The school improvement plan process is nearly complete and pending review; finalization should be completed by the end of the week. 

The teachers, student support team, and support leadership have scheduled meetings to review the potential cases of excessive disobedience in select grades and classrooms. Ana Ulloa noted that complete assessments were made to see what kind of support has been given to these students academically and behaviorally during their tenure at the academy. Many students were already in the low academic category before the pandemic.  Once the students returned to the brick-and-mortar setting, a significate increase in behavior infractions transpired.   A loss of knowledge occurred during the pandemic.  These students cannot be expelled because of a lack of systematic structures.  Therefore, management and the school leadership team have decided that these students be placed in in-school suspension.

Madam President Cristina Stamatin expressed the seriousness of these safety concerns for the entire school. The behavioral consequences and severity of intolerable actions should be presented to parents at Parent Teacher Conferences and or parent meetings.  The School Social Worker has made a connection with the Detroit Hispanic Development for professional support and resources for students to prevent inappropriate behavior actions. 

Madam Vice President Andreea Bordeianu suggested the team continue to reach out to community resources for students to access throughout the summer. Cultural sensitivity training for students and staff is needed.  

Board Trustee Mariva Gonzalez mentioned many parents lack understanding of oral or written English. Many parents rely on their children to translate for them.  Ana Ulloa agreed with the comment.  Immigration has significantly changed. Parents are overwhelmed because they don't speak English and are only here to make money for their families while they can. Beatrice Hill will move into the position of parent engagement next school year to coordinate parent workshops. The Student Code of Conduct needs restructuring also. Board Trustee Mariva Gonzalez inquired if the school had a cell phone policy.  Dr. Steven Ovares confirmed that a cell phone policy exists. 

The neighborhood police officers spoke with students on May 24, 2023, regarding making positive choices and avoiding peer pressure.  Upward Bound has partnered with Escuela Avancemos Academy students attending Western High School next year.

The Detroit Fire Department's Community Relations Division visited the academy on May 17th and May 18th for a Fire Safety and Arson Awareness Presentation for grades Kindergarten through 2nd.  

The leadership team thanked Mrs. Johnson for hosting a great "Career Day" event for the students.  

Ana Ulloa requested a closed session with the Board of Directors to share material exempt from disclosure under Section 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act.  

It was moved by Monica Barbour and seconded by Mariva Gonzalez that the Board of Directors go into closed session to consider material exempt from disclosure under Section 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act.   A roll call vote was taken.   The vote was unanimously in favor of the motion (AYES – Stamatin, Bordeianu, Barbour, Chittum, Gonzalez).   Motion passed.   The Board entered a closed session at 7:13 pm.

The Board of Directors re-entered the open session at 7:33 pm.   All board members were still in attendance. 

None at this time. 

The Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools Central Michigan University Field Operations School Lead, Jennifer Joubert left the board meeting before the authorizer comments agenda item.  Madam President Cristina Stamatin reminded the board members of the upcoming CMU "2023 Annual Conference" on August 15, 2023.

Conference registration is now open.

The 2023 National Charter Schools Conference in Austin, Texas, registration is now open; Madam President Cristina Stamatin encourages the board, management, and school leadership to attend the NCSC at least once. 

Madam President Cristina Stamatin thanked everyone for their support!  Board Trustee Mariva Gonzalez expressed "Career Day" enjoyment.

Madam President requested for the June 27th meeting to be canceled and rescheduled for June 20th. 

Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy; 2635 Howard St Detroit, MI  48216.