Ana Ulloa informed the Board of Directors that the academy's leadership has changed. Ms. Ulloa has recently stepped down from leading the academy and has vetted and hired Stephanie Jackson as the Superintendent to guide the academy toward academic growth and stability. The new Superintendent will also assume the role of the Instructional Leader. Additionally, Philip Van Hooks is no longer with the academy.

Dahime Gordon, the 21st CCLC Site Coordinator, presented the 21st Century Community
Learning Centers monthly programming and budget report. 
Dahime Gordon shared the end-of-the-school-year highlights from the 21st CCLC afterschool program, which concluded on June 15th. The goal is to encourage more teachers to become interested in working with the afterschool programming. The afterschool program is scheduled to start on October 1, 2024, with student recruitment beginning the third week of school. Madam President Cristina Stamatin inquired if summer programming had been scheduled. Dahime Gordon shared that although there was not enough time to plan a summer program due to the timing of receiving the MDE grant, the good news is that the 21st CCLC was approved for eight schools.

May 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. The financials are in order. 

Ana Ulloa, CEO, presented the Sanga Monthly Management Report. The Board of Directors reviewed several data charts, including the iReady "End of Year" Reading and Math Diagnostic Growth, NWEA Reading and Math Growth & Achievement, and the Projected Proficiency Summary Report.

It was noted that, based on the Quarter 4 subject grade distribution, teachers seemed to be grading students more on participation rather than mastery proficiency. Some teachers had low expectations for English Language Learners, underscoring the need for a change in academic leadership at the academy. Despite these challenges, 1st grade exhibited the highest growth percentages this school year, largely due to the expertise of Kimberly Sedlmeyer, a first-grade teacher with extensive experience in the Success For All reading curriculum.

Due to 73 students receiving incorrect testing accommodations, only 336 students could be counted in the overall growth projections. Additionally, academic growth has appeared to decline after the former school principal, Sean Townsin, left the academy. The school is experiencing an influx of immigrant students on two-year work VISAs, whose home environments may not be academically focused. This "Generation Alpha" is often more engaged with technology than with traditional learning methods, indicating a need to shift instructional strategies to engage these students.

It has been disappointing to discover that teachers did not receive any classroom visits from the Instructional Leader or Coach, with only the Dean of Students and Beatriz Hill regularly visiting classrooms. This lack of support and guidance contributed to the previous leadership's departure.

The newly hired Superintendent from CS Partners, while not having an extensive ESL background, brings a wealth of experience as a Certified Teacher, Data Analyst, and School Administrator. Additionally, a bilingual Instructional Coach with ESL experience from Detroit Public Schools has been hired to support Kindergarten through 5th-grade instruction.

Escuela Avancemos Academy will undergo a complete turnaround for the 2024-2025 school year to improve the overall school culture, academic growth, and performance.

Behavior is under control, thanks to the Dean of Students. 

The academy has ended the 23-24 school year on a positive note with successful "End of Year" events for both students and staff. A picture slide show was shared with the Board of Directors highlighting the Career Day, Fire Safety Awareness & CPR Training, Promotion Ceremonies, and Field Day events.

No extended public comments at this time. 
 

The Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools Central Michigan University Field
Operations School Lead, Jennifer Joubert reminded the Board of Directors and School Leadership about the Revised School Code that impacts evaluation systems for teachers and school administrators effective July 1, 2024. CMU will monitor compliance by adding an item to certify that the mandatory training has been completed by September 1, 2024. The leaders of the academy and Sanga Management can also participate in this training.

The Escuela Avancemos Academy Board of Directors agrees that a semi-rigid framework is essential for the progression of the academy. Having a central person to oversee the daily operations at the academy is paramount to bridging the gaps. The Board of Directors is available to offer support and looks forward to meeting the new Superintendent and working together to enhance academic growth.

Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avanceoms Academy.