Escuela Avancemos! Academy

Minutes

Escuela Avancemos Regular Board Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday March 18, 2025 at 6:30 PM

Location

Escuela Avancemos Academy

2635 Howard St

Detroit, MI 48216

Room 105

MISSION STATEMENT:  Prepare, educate, and inspire every child, every day to be lifelong leaders and learners in our 21st-century world.
 

Directors Present

C. Stamatin, L. Chittum, M. Barbour, M. Gonzalez

Directors Absent

A. Bordeianu

Guests Present

A. Ulloa, Alex Weberman, Elizabeth Rodriguez, L. Coggins, S. Johnson

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance and Guests

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

C. Stamatin called a meeting of the board of directors of Escuela Avancemos! Academy to order on Tuesday Mar 18, 2025 at 6:42 PM.

II. Approval of Agenda

A.

Approval of Agenda

M. Barbour made a motion to approve the Escuela Avancemos Academy Regular Board Meeting agenda on March 18, 2025.
M. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. Chittum
Aye
M. Gonzalez
Aye
A. Bordeianu
Absent
M. Barbour
Aye
C. Stamatin
Aye

III. Consent Agenda Item

A.

Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes

M. Gonzalez made a motion to approve the minutes from Escuela Avancemos Regular Board Meeting on 01-28-25.
L. Chittum seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
C. Stamatin
Aye
M. Barbour
Aye
A. Bordeianu
Absent
L. Chittum
Aye
M. Gonzalez
Aye

IV. New Business

A.

Resolution to Approve Audit 2024 Letter of Engagement from Wilkerson & Associates P.C.

M. Barbour made a motion to retain the firm of Wilkerson & Associate to represent the Academy in all accounting matters.
L. Chittum seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
A. Bordeianu
Absent
M. Gonzalez
Aye
L. Chittum
Aye
M. Barbour
Aye
C. Stamatin
Aye

V. Reports

A.

February Financials

February 2025 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. 

B.

21st Century Community Learning Centers

Elizabeth Rodriguez, the 21st CCLC Site Coordinator, presented the monthly
programming and budget report for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers.  

Regrettably, the afterschool program has experienced a decline in attendance due to 13 families being impacted by deportation. In response, the 21st CCLC team is actively supporting affected families while working to recruit additional students to maintain strong participation through the end of the school year.

To boost engagement, the team is introducing enriching activities such as an UNO game tournament and a Spelling Bee competition. These events are designed to celebrate student achievement, foster camaraderie, and promote sportsmanship within the program. The team remains committed to providing a positive and supportive environment for all students.

C.

Sanga Monthly Management Report

The Sanga Monthly Management Report was presented to the Board of Directors by Ana Ulloa, CEO, and Alex Weberman, MTSS, and SFA Coordinator.

Ms. Ulloa informed the Board that Steven Elam is currently on a leave of absence due to family reasons. Despite this, the leadership team has been exceptional in driving the academy’s mission of academic growth. Mr. Elam will continue conducting teacher evaluations during his leave. Weekly team meetings with Dr. Coggins and Sanga remain ongoing to ensure continuity in leadership and instructional support.

To further strengthen leadership at the academy, Ms. Ulloa has been issued a School Administrator Permit through the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and has enrolled in a leadership program. Dr. Coggins will also be enrolling in a leadership program. Shan’Ta Johnson continues to manage daily operations effectively.

Alex Weberman presented an overview of the academy’s academic data. During the discussion, Dr. Coggins inquired whether NWEA or i-Ready has a data comparison tool that benchmarks performance against local school districts. The academy recently met with Christopher White, Director of Assessment and Evaluation at The Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University, to discuss data analysis and collaborate on which diagnostic tool—NWEA or i-Ready—best meets the needs of the students. Madam President Cristina Stamatin noted that both assessments serve as parallel diagnostic tools.

The leadership team has completed preparations for the April 1st Educational Program Review conducted by CMU. Staff members have expressed confidence in the academy’s leadership team and feel well-supported.

 

The re-enrollment period is progressing well. Board Treasurer Linda Chittum inquired whether there had been any ICE presence at the academy. Ms. Ulloa confirmed that while ICE has been canvassing neighborhoods near the school, they have not attempted to gain entry into the building.

 

Wayne RESA conducted its Fall Pupil Accounting Audit on March 17, 2025, with no findings. Ana Ulloa acknowledged and thanked Mrs. Johnson for her diligence in ensuring compliance and accuracy during the audit process.

 

Section 41 Bilingual Application is still being reviewed. The 2025 allocation is $294,080. Escuela Avancemos has been approved for the Filter First/Healthy Hydration grant funds for $5,570.

VI. Extended Public Comment:

A.

This public comment section is reserved for all remaining comments.

No extended public comments at this time.

VII. Board Comments

A.

Authorizer Comments

Jennifer Joubert, Field Operations School Lead from the Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University, was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.

B.

Escuela Avancemos! Academy Board of Directors Updates

The Board of Directors commends the team for their dedication and hard work in driving academic growth. The data presentation was clear and informative and appreciated the insights shared. We look forward to learning more about the benchmark assessments and the continued progress of our students. It is inspiring to see the impact of these efforts on student learning. Congratulations to the entire team on a job well done!

Additionally, Ms. Ulloa introduced the possibility of a summer enrichment program with a strong emphasis on reading, including a Kindergarten Boot Camp to support school readiness. Dr. Coggins proposed that the team consider the necessity of administering the Winter NWEA assessment, given that it is not a requirement. 

 

VIII. Closing Items

A.

Reconfirmation of Next Board Meeting

Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy.

B.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:54 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
S. Johnson