Dahime Gordon, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Site Coordinator, presented the monthly programming updates. The 21st CCLC goal is to offer a summer program; however, it's contingent upon receiving grant funds. The grant approval notification is slated for May 2024. The girl's volleyball team had another successful season. Rebecca Romaine is now listed as a vendor for the 21st CCLC due to the background check form submitted without listing the previous residence in Louisiana. This caused the background check form to be rejected by the State of Michigan.  
 

March 2024 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. Dr. Coggins informed the Board of Directors of the account function codes on the Budget Status by Level Report. Function 100 - Local Revenues, Function 300- State Revenues, and Function 400- Federal Revenue.  Wayne Resa is graciously sharing tax levy revenues with charter schools.  The academy has also received a transportation grant.

Ana Ulloa inquired about the budget percentage for the academy's salaries. A challenge to the budget is that the revenues remain the same but expenses continue to increase.   If the student aides are cut, the academy poses a risk of having students unsupervised on the bus. The drivers only speak English and the student's primary language is Spanish.  The aides provide supervision for the students. Reducing instructional staff support will affect the quality of the education for students. Small group instruction is very impactful for the students. Dr. Coggins informed everyone that currently, the salaries are absorbing 60% of the budget.  Board President Cristina Stamatin requested that a committee be formed to brainstorm possible strategies that can be implemented.  The brainstorming session should be scheduled in June or July with one or two board members, the education service provider, and Dr. Coggins.   The projected budget will be presented to the Board of Directors in June at the Budget Hearing Meeting. 

Philip Van Hooks presented the Sanga Monthly Management Report. 
The academy in the 21-22 school year, submitted a proposed curriculum and educational program to Central Michigan University.  In that proposal, Escuela Avancemos proposed offering the following courses: ELA; Mathematics; Science; Social Studies; Health; Physical Education; and Spanish to its students.  

Escuela Avancemos currently provides physical activity to its middle school students through our collaboration with the Roberto Clemente Recreation Center.  We are looking to expand this collaborative relationship next year to include our entire K-8 population. 

Based on our review of the academy's Educational Curriculum program and per Michigan law, the Academy will ensure each student in grade 7 is provided the opportunity to create an Educational Development Plan (“EDP”).  The EDP will be updated every year and includes student information, career goals, educational training goals, assessment results, and action plans that include high school course selections and potential career pathways.  The academy is exploring the Xello platform that will integrate with the academy's student information system PowerSchool and Clever student learning management system. The platform is available in Spanish and English. Board Treasurer Linda Chittum, asked Mr. Van Hooks his opinion of Xello and if he had ever used the platform. Mr. Van Hooks is very knowledgeable of the platform and has used it at other school districts where he has worked.  The platform is user-friendly and a great tool for students to use. 

The academy is exploring Social Studies curriculums. Atlas Rubican and Social Studies Weekly appear to be the most robust social studies curriculum.  The middle school Social Studies Teacher is included in exploring robust social studies curriculums. The master schedule for next school year will be revamped to ensure students are receiving the maximum amount of instruction down to the minute. 

Board President Andrea Bordieanu stated the importance of teachers receiving professional development throughout the school year on curriculums to maximize the resources available for teaching. 
Board President Cristina Stamatian would like to receive the 23-24 assessment data for students as soon as it becomes available. The Board of Directors needs to know how the students are performing.

Staffing updates- The Special Education Coordinator and one of the Resource Room Teachers have resigned. A Resource Room Teacher replacement has been filled through The Stepping Stones Group.  Students are now receiving resource support both face-to-face and through virtual platforms. Dr. Kiana Smith has years of experience with large school districts such as Detroit Public Schools as a Special Education Coordinator and Special Education Teacher.  Dr. Smith and Mr. Van Hooks have begun reviewing students IEP's to ensure that the service hours and accommodations are met.

Board Vice President Andreea Bordieanu expressed students' IEP services must be carried out as written on the IEP.  This includes accommodations,  modifications, and support that must be provided to the child. 

Jennifer Joubert inquired if the service hours were being met according to the IEP and the individual(s) responsible for overseeing Special Education.  Central Michigan University hosts "Coffee with Special Education" monthly podcasts that may be helpful.  Mr. Van Hooks oversees the Special Education Department with the assistance of Dr. Smith. IEP service hours are being fulfilled accordingly. Junior Achievement hosted "JA in a Day" at the academy on April 19th.  Pictures highlighting the great event were shared with the Board of Directors. 

None at this time.

The Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools Central Michigan University Field Operations School Lead, Jennifer Joubert shared that The Center for Charter Schools' 2024 Annual Conference on August 15, 2024 registration is now open. 

Madam Vice President Andreea Bordeianu would like to wish the children a "Happy Children's Day - el Dia del Nino" Also International Dance Dance is celebrated on April 29, 2024.  This is a great opportunity to promote the art of dancing to the students.  Madam Board President is interested in attending The Center for Charter Schools 2024 Annual Conference on August 15th, 2024. A committee meeting tentatively should be scheduled for June or July for strategic planning.  This is a "discussion" meeting only.  Thank you school leaders and educators for all the hard work.   

Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy.