December 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.

The Sanga monthly management report was presented to the Board of Directors by
Steven Elam, Chief Academic Officer, and Ana Ulloa, CEO. 

The academic team is concluding the first semester, with report cards scheduled for distribution on January 31, 2025, and an Honors Assembly planned for February 7, 2025. Preliminary NWEA assessment data growth goals were presented.

Ana Ulloa raised concerns regarding the inclusion of English Language Learners (ELLs) in testing and the effectiveness of the current English program. Additionally, concerns about middle school student disengagement due to boredom and ineffective instructional methods. Ana Ulloa emphasized the importance of thoroughly analyzing data from recent data reports to drive instructional strategies and enhance teaching effectiveness.

Ana Ulloa made note of the need for unpacked data assessment charts, emphasizing the need for a comparative analysis with previous school years, including WIDA data, which must be presented to the Board of Directors as soon as the data becomes available.

It was noted that Success for All (SFA) does not effectively teach reading skills. I-Ready provides individualized learning and is particularly beneficial for English Language Learners.

The Annual Education Report (AER) is due by February 5, 2025. Additionally, the authorizer has scheduled the academy for an Educational Program Review (EPR) and a Special Education Review (SER) in April 2025.

Special Education & Staffing Updates
Students receiving Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are currently receiving services as outlined in their plans, ensuring appropriate and timely special education support.

Staffing Updates included the recent hire of a 7th-grade teacher and the termination of employment for a middle school teacher due to the withholding of the school’s mission statement. This position has been filled with a long-term substitute teacher through Substitute Teacher Source.
Ana Ulloa informed the Board of Directors that the administration is actively collaborating with legal counsel to ensure that all measures uphold a safe and legally compliant environment. Additionally, FERPA training is required for staff and is being scheduled.

Following the new administration's directive regarding the removal of undocumented individuals, the academy has developed institutional protocols to address this matter. The Dean of Students Derrick Davis has been appointed to lead the response to inquiries or visits from authorities, ensuring all staff are trained and aware of the legal protocols to follow.

Legal counsel George Butler and Aimee Gibbs of Dickinson Wright PLLC have prepared a FERPA compliance letter for parents regarding this directive. Mr. Elam and the Dean of Students will oversee the implementation of these protocols and ensure that staff are properly trained.
Concerns were raised regarding low student attendance following recent events, with parents requesting transportation assistance. The importance of open dialogues with students, particularly older ones, was emphasized to address their concerns and stress the value of education despite external challenges. Staff training on student engagement and support is in development.

Board Trustee Mariva Gonzalez shared information on community support initiatives, including free notarization services for custody documents provided by a local individual and a tow truck company offering free towing services for vehicles if individuals are detained.

Board President Cristina Stamatin commended Ana Ulloa for ensuring that legal protocols are in place. Board Vice President Andreea Bordeianu acknowledged the complexity of the situation and emphasized the importance of student well-being.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on expanding community resources and fostering a supportive environment for students and families. 

Teachers are scheduled to meet with school leadership twice a week to focus on curriculum and assessment data, with discussions also incorporating Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) strategies.

The Exact Path data was presented to the Board, showing a positive impact on student improvement in both Math and Reading through the online intervention program.

To enhance math literacy, the academy has launched a Times Table Tournament, allowing students to compete, have their names displayed on the first-floor showcase, and win prizes.

Additionally, the academy is collaborating with Simmons Advantage, an educational consulting firm, and Ozzie Rivera, a former professor of social work, to explore Collaborative Organizational Framework training sessions for staff and focus groups for students to strengthen human connections. This initiative has been awarded a grant through the Detroit Children's Fund.

Ana Ulloa emphasized the importance of these discussions in fostering an understanding of neurodiversity and engaging students in meaningful, relevant learning experiences.

No extended public comments at this time.

Jennifer Joubert, Field Operations School Lead from the Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University, presented the Board of Directors with a Board Appreciation Month token from Central Michigan University.

Ms. Joubert will follow up on FERPA training information and provide details regarding the upcoming CMU Partnership Reception, scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Empire Kitchen and Cocktails, 3148 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI.

The Escuela Avancemos Academy Board of Directors emphasized the importance of being proactive in addressing immigration concerns while maintaining a strong focus on education. The Board commended the team for their dedication, acknowledging their hard work, resilience, and commitment to engaging students and overcoming challenges to achieve goals.

The Board expressed appreciation for the team's efforts in keeping students focused on learning and fostering a united school community. They reaffirmed that education is an invaluable asset that no one can take away and expressed confidence that the academy is moving in the right direction. Happy Board Appreciation Month acknowledgments were extended. 

Tuesday, February 25, 2025,  at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy.