HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-09-11 Agenda PacketThe Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees will begin immediately following the conclusion of the Board
of Trustees Workshop but not prior to the posted start time.
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WESTLAKE ACADEMY
Mission / Vision Statement
Westlake Academy is a nurturing, community owned International Baccalaureate Charter
School whose mission is to achieve academic excellence and to develop life-long learners who
become well-balanced, responsible global citizens.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
AGENDA
May 9, 2011
WESTLAKE TOWN HALL
3 VILLAGE CIRCLE – 2ND
COUNCIL CHAMBERS/MUNICIPAL COURT ROOM
FLOOR
Workshop Session 5:30 p.m.
Regular Session 6:00 p.m.
Workshop Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FROM MAY 9, 2011, TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
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4. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board will conduct a closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code,
annotated, Chapter 551, Subchapter D for the following:
a. Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which
the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary
Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with
this chapter and Section 551.074(a) - Personnel Matters: Discussion of
Westlake Academy Education Foundation and associated personnel issues.
5. RECONVENE MEETING
6. TAKE ANY ACTION, IF NEEDED, FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS.
7. REPORTS
Reports are prepared for informational purposes and will be accepted as presented. (there
will no presentations associated with the report items) There will be no separate discussion unless
a Board Member requests that report be removed and considered separately.
a. Mandarin Chinese report. (Applicable Strategic Plan Desired Outcomes: High Student
Achievement; Strong Parent & Community Connections; and Student Engagement –
Extracurricular activities)
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Discussion of the Westlake Academy Parents Survey for the 2010-11 School Year.
(Applicable Strategic Plan Desired Outcomes: Strong Parent & Community Connections)
b. Discussion of Board of Trustee governance as illustrated in Dr. Brian Carpenter’s
Charter School Board University: An introduction to effective charter school
governance; Chapters 19-20.
9. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
10. ADJOURNMENT
Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: This is an opportunity for
citizens to address the Board on any matter whether or not it is posted on the agenda.
The Board cannot by law take action nor have any discussion or deliberations on any
presentation made to the Board at this time concerning an item not listed on the agenda.
Any item presented may be noticed on a future agenda for deliberation or action.
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3. CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of
Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of
items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be
removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence.
a. Consider approval of the minutes for the meeting held on April 4, 2011.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 11-10, Amending the Nepotism policy.
4. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board will conduct a closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code,
annotated, Chapter 551, Subchapter D for the following:
a. Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which
the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary
Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with
this chapter and Section 551.074(a) - Personnel Matters: Discussion of
Westlake Academy Education Foundation and associated personnel issues.
5. RECONVENE MEETING
6. TAKE ANY ACTION, IF NEEDED, FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS.
7. BOARD CALENDAR
- Bandana Bonanza
May 14, 2011, WA 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- BOT Planning Retreat
May 20, 2011, Embassy Suites (Outdoor World) 8:30 – 5:00 p.m.
- Decoration Day
May 30, 2011, 6:00 p.m. at the Westlake I.O.O.F Cemetery
- Senior Banquet
June 2, 2011, at the Petroleum Club, Fort Worth at 6:30 p.m.
- Senior Baccalaureate Program
June 3, 2011, at 10:45 a.m. in the WA Performance Hall
- End of Year Picnic
June 3, 2011, at 12:00 noon, WA on the green
- Graduation
June 4, 2011, Hurst Conference Center at 2:00 p.m.
- BOT Budget Retreat
June 9, 2011, Town Hall (8:30-5:00 p.m.)
- BOT Meeting
August 15, 2011, 4:30 p.m.
- First Day of School
August 22, 2011
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8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Any Board member may request at a workshop and / or
Board meeting, under “Future Agenda Item Requests”, an agenda item for a future
Board meeting. The Board member making the request will contact the Superintendent
with the requested item and the Superintendent will list it on the agenda. At the
meeting, the requesting Board member will explain the item, the need for Board
discussion of the item, the item’s relationship to the Board’s strategic priorities, and the
amount of estimated staff time necessary to prepare for Board discussion. If the
requesting Board member receives a second, the Superintendent will place the item on
the Board agenda calendar allowing for adequate time for staff preparation on the
agenda item.
- None
9. ADJOURNMENT
ANY ITEM ON THIS POSTED AGENDA COULD BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE
SESSION AS LONG AS IT IS WITHIN ONE OF THE PERMITTED CATEGORIES UNDER
SECTIONS 551.071 THROUGH 551.076 AND SECTION 551.087 OF THE TEXAS
GOVERNMENT CODE.
I certify that the above notice was posted at the Town Hall of the Town of Westlake, 3 Village Circle, on
May 4, 2011, by 5:00 p.m. under the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code.
CERTIFICATION
_____________________________________
Kelly Edwards, Town Secretary
If you plan to attend this public meeting and have a disability that requires special needs, please advise
the Town Secretary 48 hours in advance at 817-490-5710 and reasonable accommodations will be made
to assist you.
Westlake Academy
Item # 2 – Pledge of
Allegiance
Texas Pledge:
"Honor the Texas
flag; I pledge
allegiance to thee,
Texas, one state under
God, one and
indivisible."
CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of
Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of
items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be
removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence.
a. Consider approval of the minutes for the meeting held on April 4, 2011.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 11-10, Amending the Nepotism policy.
Westlake Academy
Item # 3 –
Review of Consent
Agenda Items
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board will conduct a closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code, annotated,
Chapter 551, Subchapter D for the following:
a. Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which the
duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary
Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this
chapter and Section 551.074(a) - Personnel Matters: Discussion of Westlake
Academy Education Foundation and associated personnel issues.
Westlake Academy
Item # 4 – Executive
Session
Westlake Academy
Item # 5 – Reconvene
Meeting
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board will conduct a closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code, annotated,
Chapter 551, Subchapter D for the following:
a. Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which the
duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary
Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this
chapter and Section 551.074(a) - Personnel Matters: Discussion of Westlake
Academy Education Foundation and associated personnel issues.
Westlake Academy
Item # 6 – Take any
Necessary Action, if
necessary
REPORTS
Reports are prepared for informational purposes and will be accepted as presented.
(there will no presentations associated with the report items) There will be no separate discussion
unless a Board Member requests that report be removed and considered separately.
a. Mandarin Chinese report.
Westlake Academy
Item # 7 –
Reports
Page 1 of 1
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP Meeting Date: May 9, 2011
Staff Contact: Jamie Schmitz Report
Subject: Chinese Mandarin as an extra-curricular activity in kindergarten
In response to a kindergarten family initiative, Westlake Academy has added Chinese Mandarin to its
roster of extra-curricular activities. At this juncture, this activity is available to interested kindergarten
families only, however, if demand grows in future years, then the opportunity to expand the offering is
aligned with the International Baccalaureate Organization’s philosophy on language learning beyond
one’s mother-tongue.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
High Student Achievement
APPLICABLE STRATEGIC PLAN DESIRED OUTCOME
Strong Parent & Community Connections
Financial Stewardship & Sustainability
Student Engagement – Extracurricular activities
Effective Educators & Staff
Academic Achievement
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum)
Caring Environment
Fiscal Stewardship
Communication/Transparency
Engaged Stakeholders
Maximizing Each Child’s Potential
Funded Not Funded N/A
FISCAL IMPACT
No action required, report presented for Board information and review.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
Report on Chinese Mandarin as an extra-curricular activity in kindergarten
ATTACHMENTS
4/18/11
In response to a kindergarten family initiative, Westlake Academy has added Chinese Mandarin to its
roster of extra-curricular activities. At this juncture, this activity is available to interested kindergarten
families only, however, if demand grows in future years, then the opportunity to expand the offering is
aligned with the International Baccalaureate Organization’s philosophy on language learning beyond
one’s mother-tongue. The lessons are taught by a qualified Chinese Mandarin instructor, and the
initiative is funded by user fees.
Chinese Mandarin as an Extra-Curricular Activity in Kindergarten
Please see below for a general summary of Westlake Academy’s rationale for supporting this extra-
curricular activity:
1. International-Mindedness:
Mandarin Chinese is the world’s most widely spoken language. China’s rise as a global superpower
means there is a need for more opportunities for American students to learn Chinese and about China.
Today’s students are the future leaders in all career paths and fields. Learning Mandarin Chinese and
being knowledgeable about China as a world power will allow our students to more fully understand
some of our world’s biggest challenges and how we can work together with other countries to make our
world a better place.
2. Careers:
China currently has the second largest economy in the world. China has become one of the largest
trading partners with the U.S., and over 16,000 U.S. companies sell products in China. Learning to speak
Chinese will benefit our students in this increasingly competitive, globalized business world.
3. Intellectual Development:
Mastering another language allows for a deeper understanding of the multicultural world in which we
live. Learning Chinese is particularly important for Americans to understand Chinese culture. Unlike
Europe and the U.S., which share linguistic and cultural heritages, there is no linguistic heritage shared
between China and the United States. So, it is almost impossible to get a deep and nuanced
understanding of China without learning the language. Furthermore, while learning Chinese is often
considered “hard,” the returns for the effort are many. Studies using brain scans have found that
Mandarin speakers use more areas of their brain than people who speak English. While English speakers
tend to use just one side of their brain, Mandarin speakers generally use both sides. So, mastering
Chinese provides a rigorous mental workout for our students as well!
Jamie Schmitz
Primary Principal/Campus Coordinator
Westlake Academy
DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Discussion of the Westlake Academy Parents Survey for the 2010-11 School
Year. (Applicable Strategic Plan Desired Outcomes: Strong Parent & Community Connections)
b. Discussion of Board of Trustee governance as illustrated in Dr. Brian
Carpenter’s Charter School Board University: An introduction to effective
charter school governance; Chapters 19-20.
Westlake Academy
Item # 8 –
Discussion Items
Page 1 of 2
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP/MYP/DP Meeting Date: May 9, 2011
Staff Contact: Tom Brymer, Superintendent Discussion
Subject: Discussion of the Westlake Academy Parents Survey for the 2010-11
School Year
This will be the third year we have conducted a Westlake Academy parents’ survey. By
conducting this survey annually we are now beginning to have a data base for multi-year metrics
on parents’ perceived quality of the Academy’s educational programs and services. The survey
has been administered by ETC Institute with input and direction from the Board and staff. It a
valuable metrics tool from both a governance and management vantage point to receive input as
well as to measure the Academy’s performance and satisfaction on a number of issues and
services from our parents’ perspective. In order to get this year’s survey underway before the
end of the current school year, the Board is being asked to review this year’s proposed survey
instrument and provide staff overall feedback and direction about it.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The survey has been a working tool for us to pursue continuous improvement for the Academy.
For example, in the previous year’s survey we reviewed areas of least satisfaction regarding the
methods of communication and maintenance of the Academy. We have adjusted the method of
communication to provide weekly updates to parents with comments from the programme
coordinators and links directly to additional information. The Academy has instituted the “Don’t
Walk By” program which has created a marked improvement in the campus environment’s
appearance. In addition, we have created two additional information meetings for all parents, an
on-boarding process for all new students entering the Academy, and opportunities for parents to
learn more about the International Baccalaureate programme. Survey feedback has also been
useful in consideration of direct changes at the Academy that have either been implemented or
are underway for the 2011-12 school year:
• Expanding the course offerings in the DP Programme
• Expanding the arts program (pottery)
• Expanding foreign language offerings
• Offering additional tutoring for Spanish and math, as well as introducing Rossetta Stone
software to enhance Spanish learning
• Offering access to online grades and attendance
High Student Achievement
APPLICABLE STRATEGIC PLAN DESIRED OUTCOME
Strong Parent & Community Connections
Financial Stewardship & Sustainability
Student Engagement – Extracurricular activities
Effective Educators & Staff
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Academic Achievement
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum)
Caring Environment
Fiscal Stewardship
Communication/Transparency
Engaged Stakeholders
Maximizing Each Child’s Potential
Funded Not Funded N/A
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding has been included in the 2010-11 WA Operating Budget for this survey.
Review the survey instrument and provide feedback to the staff. Please note that this year’s
parent survey includes legacy questions (i.e. questions we have asked previously, this is done to
build a data base and metrics) as well as new questions (shown in red).
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
Many of the new
questions are intended to “drill down” and get more specific information on parent perspectives
related to communication
.
1. Draft WA parents’ survey for 2010-11 school year
ATTACHMENTS
1
Westlake Academy / Board of Trustee Parent Survey
1. Satisfaction with Westlake Academy: Using a scale of 1 to 5 where 5 means “very satisfied” and 1 means “very dissatisfied,” please rate
your satisfaction with the following items:
How satisfied are you with: Very
Satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very
Dissatisfied
Don’t
Know N/A
A. PYP teachers/faculty 5 4 3 2 1
B. MYP teachers/faculty 5 4 3 2 1
C. DP teachers/faculty 5 4 3 2 1
D. IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum 5 4 3 2 1
E. Suitability of the campus for learning 5 4 3 2 1
F. The school lunch program 5 4 3 2 1
G. The school uniform vendor 5 4 3 2 1
H. The Security Check-In System at the Main Entrance 5 4 3 2 1
J. Extracurricular sports programs 5 4 3 2 1
K Academy website 5 4 3 2 1
L. Other extracurricular programs 5 4 3 2 1
M. Academic progress of your child 5 4 3 2 1
N. Social and emotional progress of your child 5 4 3 2 1
O. Communications regarding issues/problems related to your child 5 4 3 2 1
P. Opportunities for parental involvement 5 4 3 2 1
Q. Quality of communication from WA 5 4 3 2 1
R. Methods of communication from WA 5 4 3 2 1
S. The four House system for students (Thoreau, Wheatley, Whitman and Keller) 5 4 3 2 1
T. Effectiveness of the House of Commons (HOC) 5 4 3 2 1
U. Effectiveness of the Westlake Academy Foundation (WAF) 5 4 3 2 1
V. Effectiveness of the Westlake Academy Athletic Club (WAAC) 5 4 3 2 1
W. PYP Curriculum 5 4 3 2 1
X. MYP Curriculum 5 4 3 2 1
Y. DP Curriculum 5 4 3 2 1
Z. Overall, how satisfied are you with the quality of education provided by
Westlake Academy? 5 4 3 2 1
AA. The Primary Counseling department 5 4 3 2 1
BB. The Secondary Counseling department 5 4 3 2 1
CC. Maintenance of the Academy 5 4 3 2 1
DD. College preparation process 5 4 3 2 1
EE. Primary Grade Reporting System 5 4 3 2 1
FF. Secondary Grade Reporting System 5 4 3 2 1
GG Access to online grades 5 4 3 2 1
HH. Opportunities for parent input 5 4 3 2 1
II. The adopted five year strategic plan 5 4 3 2 1
2. Which THREE of the items listed above are the most important to you? [Write in the letters below using the letters from the list in
Question 1 above.] 1st ______ 2nd _______ 3rd _______
3. Communication and Outreach: Using a scale of 1 to 5 where 5 means “Strongly Agree” and 1 means “Strongly Disagree,” please rate the
following items:
How strongly do you agree with the following: Strongly
Agree Agree Neutra
l Disagree Strongly
Disagree
Don’t
Know
N/
A
A. The on-campus administrative staff is friendly and helpful 5 4 3 2 1
B. The Academy’s published statements of mission and philosophy align
with those of the IB 5 4 3 2 1
C. I would be interested in more parent education and training sessions 5 4 3 2 1
2
D. The Academy’s leadership and administrative structures ensure the
implementation of the IB programmes. 5 4 3 2 1
E. My child’s teacher(s) responds quickly to my inquiries 5 4 3 2 1
F. The Academy’s resources and support structures ensure the
implementation of the IB programmes. 5 4 3 2 1
G My child’s teacher(s) keep me informed about their progress 5 4 3 2 1
H Collaborative planning and reflection supports the implementation of the
IB programmes. 5 4 3 2 1
I. I am encouraged to volunteer at the Academy 5 4 3 2 1
J. The Academy’s written curriculum reflects IB philosophy 5 4 3 2 1
K. I am informed about what is going on in my child’s programme 5 4 3 2 1
L. The Academy’s teaching and learning reflects the IB Philosophy 5 4 3 2 1
M. Academy administrators respond to my questions in a timely manner 5 4 3 2 1
N. Email is my preferred method of communication with my child’s teacher 5 4 3 2 1
O. The Academy’s assessments reflects the IB assessment philosophy 5 4 3 2 1
P. Phone calls are my preferred method of communication with my child’s
teacher 5 4 3 2 1
Q. I receive information from my child’s school with enough time to be
involved in events, classroom or school-wide activities 5 4 3 2 1
4. Do you visit the Academy’s website? __________Yes_________ No
If no, why not? _________________________________________________________________________________________
If yes, how often to do you visit? _____Daily _______ Weekly _________Monthly _________Annually
Please answer the following: Using a scale of 1 to 5 where 5 means “Strongly Agree” and 1 means “Strongly Disagree,” please
rate the following items:
How strongly do you agree with the following: Strongly
Agree Agree Neutra
l Disagree Strongly
Disagree
Don’t
Know
N/
A
A. The Academy’s website is content rich (activities, mission, vision,
philosophy, resources, etc.) 5 4 3 2 1
B. The Academy’s website is well designed (content is easy to access, clear
design themes, quality graphics, and text is easy to read) 5 4 3 2 1
C. The Academy’s website is easy to navigate (consistent menu options,
links work well, user is never lost or stranded) 5 4 3 2 1
D. The Academy’s website is updated regularly (material is dated
accurately, contact info and staff pages are updated, current material) 5 4 3 2 1
E.
The Academy’s website provides parents multiple forms of input (phone,
email, suggestion forms, etc.)and information (newsletter, teachers sites,
etc.)
5 4 3 2 1
F. The Academy’s master calendar is always up to date and reliable, links
provide access to additional information 5 4 3 2 1
G. The Academy’s staff directory is current and contact information is
complete 5 4 3 2 1
H
The Academy’s website features student projects from a variety of
subject areas (art, writing, photography, science, exhibition, and personal
project, etc.)
5 4 3 2 1
I Westlake Academy’s should increase the use of social media such as
facebook and twitter to communicate with stakeholders 5 4 3 2 1
5. What do you primarily access the school website for?
Very Interested Interested Not Interested
A. Latest news
B. School lunch menu
3
C. Calendar of events
D. School closings
E. Access teacher/classroom websites
F. Access Academy publications (Parent/Student Handbook, etc.)
G. Access library and media resources
H. Read the homepage
I. View student work
J. Access information from the Board of Trustees
K. Read the school newsletter
L. Other
M. House of Commons Information
N. Westlake Academy Foundation Information
O. Westlake Academy Athletic Council Information
6. Westlake Academy’s Communiqué
How often do you read the Communique? ______ Weekly _________ Monthly ________Rarely ____________Never
How would you rate the Communique?
Excellent Very Good Average Poor
Provides important school information
Attractive and interesting
Easy to read
Which topics most interest you in the Communique?
Very Interested Interested Not Interested
Superintendent messages
Photographs from school events
Reminders of upcoming events
HOC updates
WAF updates
Calendar
Principal messages
How would you like to read the Communique? _____ PDF Version ______Online Version ______Paper Version _____No Preference
7. Does the Westlake Academy Communiqué keep you adequately informed? _______(1) Yes _______(2) No
7a. If you could make one change or suggestion to improve our Academy communication, what would it be?
8. Are you currently volunteering at the Academy? _____ (1) Yes _____ (2) No
8a. If not, how would you like to participate? ________________________________________________________________________
9. Which events did you attend this year?
Yes No
Back-to-School Night
Open House
Curriculum Night
Board of Trustee Meeting
4
HOC Meetings
Bandana Bonanza
Monster Mash
Gallery Night
Student led conference
Parent teacher conference
10. How many Board of Trustee meetings did you attend last year?
a) None b) One c) Two d) Three or more
11. How many parent teacher/student led conferences did you attend last year?
a) None b) One c) Two d) Three or more
11a. Have you had any problems scheduling parent-teacher conferences? ____________Yes ____________ No
11b. If so, what was the issue?
12. What is the best way(s) to communicate with you and/or your family?
a) Newsletter
b) Website
c) Direct contact (phone call, school/home visit, meeting)
d) Emails
e) Other – please specify: __________________________
13. Do you reference the Academy master calendar on a regular basis? _____(1) Yes_____(2)No
8a. If no, why not?
14. Is your child receiving tutoring? _____ (1) Yes _____ (2) No
14a. If yes, where? (e.g WA, Sylvan, Kumon, etc.) Please list __________________________________________________________
14b. What subject(s)?___________________________________________________ How many hours per week? ______________
15. Do you feel your child is emotionally safe at school? _______(1) Yes _______(2) No
16. Do you feel your child is physically safe at school? _______(1) Yes _______(2) No
17. Do you believe you have an adequate understanding of the IB curriculum? _______(1) Yes _______(2) No
18. Do you have a child with a learning disability that utilizes special education services? _______(1) Yes _______(2) No
18a. If yes, are you satisfied with the modifications/services provided by Westlake Academy? _______(1) Yes _______(2) No
18b. If no, why not? ____________________________________________________________________________________________
19. Planning for the Future: Using a scale of 1 to 5 where 5 means “extremely important” and 1 means “not important at all,” please rate how
important is it for Westlake Academy to do the following if resources are available.
How important is if for Westlake Academy to: Extremely
Important
Very
Important Important Somewhat
Important
Not
Important
Don’t
Know N/A
5
A. Provide additional campus facilities (Black Box Theater, Lunch Room,
Gym, etc.) 5 4 3 2 1
B. Expand the Arts program (music, drama) 5 4 3 2 1
C. Continue the Strings Program 5 4 3 2 1
D. Continue residential (overnight) field trips 5 4 3 2 1
E. Expand the new media educational opportunities (i.e., video
production, on-line journalism) 5 4 3 2 1
F. Have the Academy improve its website 5 4 3 2 1
G. Continue to offer tutoring outside of the classroom time 5 4 3 2 1
20. What do you like BEST about Westlake Academy? ___________________________________________________________________
21. If your child was not enrolled at Westlake Academy, where would your child most likely be attending school?
_____(1) A public school where I live
_____(2) A private school
_____(3) Home School
22. Do you make the full contribution to the Blacksmith Apprentice Program? _____(1) Yes _____(2) No
22a. If no, why not? ____________________________________________________________________________________________
22b. Would you be willing to increase your donation? _____(Yes) _____(5) No
23. Have you participated in residential trips at the Academy? _____(1) Yes _____(2) No
22a. If yes, were they affordable? __________________________________________________________________________________
22b. If no, why not? _____________________________________________________________________________________________
24. What ONE thing would you most like to improve at Westlake Academy?
DEMOGRAPHICS
25. If you live in the Town of Westlake, how important was Westlake Academy in your decision to move to Westlake?
____(4) Very important
____(3) Somewhat important
____(2) Not sure
____(1) Not important
26. Which of the following BEST describes your total annual household income?
___(1) Under $50,000 ___(3) $150,000 - $500,000
___(2) $50,000 - $149,999 ___(4) Over $500,000
27. For how many years have you had at least one child attending Westlake Academy? _______year(s)
28. In which grades do you currently have children enrolled at Westlake Academy? ______, _______, _______, _______
6
29. How many adults are in the home? ___________
30. How many adults in your home are employed full-time outside of the home? _____(0) None _____(1) One _____(2) Two
30a. How can we better accommodate the needs of a working parent or working parents?
UNDERSTANDING WHO WE ARE
31. Which of the following do you most closely associate with Westlake Academy?
a) Charter school
b) Private school
c) Public school
d) International Baccalaureate school
32. Do you feel that lottery applicants are adequately educated about the lottery process? ______(1) Yes ______(2) No
33. There are no scholastic requirements to attend Westlake Academy. The only entry requirement for the Academy is residency
within the approved primary or secondary boundaries. What was the main reason that you enrolled your student(s)?
34. If you have additional comments, please provide them in the space below:
BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Westlake Academy
Item #9
Board Recap /
Staff Direction
Westlake Academy
Item # 10 –
Workshop
Adjournment
Back up material has not
been provided for this item.
CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: This is an opportunity for citizens to
address the Board on any matter whether or not it is posted on the agenda. The Board cannot
by law take action nor have any discussion or deliberations on any presentation made to the
Board at this time concerning an item not listed on the agenda. Any item presented may be
noticed on a future agenda for deliberation or action.
Westlake Academy
Item # 2 – Citizens’
Presentations and
recognitions
CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of
Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of
items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be
removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence.
a. Consider approval of the minutes for the meeting held on April 4, 2011.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 11-10, Amending the Nepotism policy.
Westlake Academy
Item # 3 - Consent
Agenda Items
BOT Minutes 04/04/11
Page 1 of 5
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES WORKSHOP & REGULAR MEETINGS
April 4, 2011
PRESENT: President Laura Wheat and Trustees, Clif Cox, Carol Langdon, and Rick
Rennhack.
ABSENT: Tim Brittan
OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent, Tom Brymer, Board Secretary Kelly Edwards,
Secondary Principal Rod Harding, Primary Principal Jamie
Schmitz, Assistant to the Superintendent Ginger Awtry,
Administrative Services Coordinator Ben Nibarger, MYP
Coordinator Tracy Odom, Municipal Court and Special Projects
Director Amanda DeGan , Finance Director Debbie Piper, and
Facilities and Recreation Director Troy Meyer.
Workshop Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the workshop meeting to order at 5:09 p.m.
2. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FROM APRIL 4, 2011, TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
Discussion ensued regarding items b, c, and d of the consent agenda.
Administrative Services Coordinator Nibarger said we would not receive a response from
TEA regarding the calendar or the state waiver for several weeks.
Facilities and Recreation Director Meyer provided the bid tabulation summaries for
portable classrooms. Discussion then ensued regarding the location of the class rooms,
differences of leasing and building new, options for leasing and purchasing. Staff
recommends a three (3) year lease.
BOT Minutes 04/04/11
Page 2 of 5
Discussion also ensued regarding the bid for the removal and replacement of the
Academy gym floor. Superintendent Brymer stated this project will be covered by
insurance staff and will confirm with the insurance company regarding the difference
between the estimate and amount of the bidder.
3. REPORTS
a. Quarterly Financial “Dashboard” report for the quarter ended February 28th
, 2011 and
current Student Census.
Discussion ensued regarding the lower number of students participating in Athletics
due to the lower beverage funding, the collecting parking space fees and issuing
citations.
The board would like to review the numbers from last year to compare those with the
current year’s numbers.
b. Report on the results of the FY 2011-12 lottery.
No discussion.
c. Review and recommendations of Westlake Academy’s Membership of the Texas
Christian Athletic Fellowship League (TCAF).
Secondary Principal Harding provided an overview and answered questions regarding
the report.
Discussion ensued regarding participation in TCAF, UIL, sports offered at schools of a
similar size, class trips and International Mindedness.
d. International Baccalaureate visiting team’s oral report for Westlake Academy’s Middle
Years Program (MYP) evaluation.
MYP Coordinator Tracy Odom provided an overview of the process of the evaluation
and options that can be taken to make improvements
The Board thanked the efforts regarding the evaluation.
4. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Continuation of Presentation and Discussion of Various Multi-Year State Funding
Forecast Reduction Scenarios for Westlake Academy.
Superintendent Brymer provided an overview of the item and the Scenario 8 in the
report. He stated the House had approved a budget with a reduction in Public
Education funding.
BOT Minutes 04/04/11
Page 3 of 5
Discussion ensued regarding the class size, using money from the municipal general
fund, the on-boarding process, to add students or reduce expenditures, recruiting
students for various grades and deferring the transfer of the direct cost from the
Town.
b. Discussion of Upcoming Strategic Planning Retreat.
Superintendent Brymer provided an overview of the topics of discussion for the
retreat and to schedule a date and times.
c. Discussion of board of trustee governance as illustrated in Dr. Brian Carpenter’s
Charter School Board University: An introduction to effective charter school
governance; Chapter 18.
This item was discussed prior to items a and b. The Board reviewed and discussed
the questions in Chapter 18 as they relate to the academy and how to link the five (5)
standards and practices back to the strategic plan.
5. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Plan for a class size of 20 for the 11-12 school year to include residential growth.
The number of resident student growth over the last few years. – Rick
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat adjourned the
workshop at 8:04 p.m.
Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the Regular meeting to order at 8:04 p.m. with Trustee Brittan
absent.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Wheat led the pledge of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.
BOT Minutes 04/04/11
Page 4 of 5
3. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
No one addressed the Board.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Consider approval of the minutes for the meeting held on March 10, 2011.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 11-07, Adopting the 2011-2012 School Calendar
and approving request for state waiver.
c. Consider approval of Resolution 11-08, Authorizing the Town Manager to
execute agreements authorizing the Town Manager to execute agreements with
Mountain Home Company and Big Bear Electric for portable classrooms and
underground power distribution and amending the Academy’s FY 10-11 operating
budget to fund these costs.
d. Consider approval of Resolution 11-09, Authorizing the Town Manager to
execute an agreement for the removal and replacement of the Academy gym floor.
MOTION: Trustee Cox made a motion to approve items a through c and
item d to approve the bid from Bransom for removal and replacement of the
gym floor providing however, if that did not meet approval of the insurance
company, that the Board grants approval to use a contractor that meets the
insurance company’s approval. Trustee Langdon seconded the motion. The
motion carried by a vote of 3-0.
5. BOARD CALENDAR
- Athletic Banquet sponsored by (WAAC)
April 21, 2011
- Town Offices Closed
April 22, 2011 (Good Friday)
- WA Senior Dinner
June 2, 2011, Petroleum Club, Fort Worth - 7:00-10:00 p.m.
- WA Graduation
June 4, 2011, Hurst Convention Center - 2:00 p.m.
6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- None
BOT Minutes 04/04/11
Page 5 of 5
7. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Trustee Rennhack made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee
Langdon seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 3-0.
President Wheat adjourned the meeting at 8:11 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON MAY 9, 2011.
____________________________
Laura Wheat, Board President
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary
Page 1 of 1
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP/MYP/DP Meeting Date: May 9, 2011
Staff Contact: Todd Wood Consent
Subject: Consider a Resolution approving amendments to the Board Nepotism
Policy and directing the inclusion of this policy into the Westlake
Academy Personnel Manual.
The Board Nepotism Policy was originally adopted in April, 2010. The current policy contains
no provisions for married individuals to be employed concurrently at Westlake Academy. The
current policy could have an adverse effect in the future on recruiting and retaining top talent,
particularly in the international candidate pool.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed amendment would allow the Superintendent to approve married employees
working at Westlake Academy on a case-by-case basis. The proposed policy amendments
identify clear standards of eligibility for exception requests. These areas include segregation
of direct supervision, disciplinary matters, evaluation, and employee accountability. These
amendments would allow the Superintendent adequate flexibility to make staffing decisions
based on the best interests of the Academy, while also protecting the organization from
negative impacts often associated with nepotism.
High Student Achievement
APPLICABLE STRATEGIC PLAN DESIRED OUTCOME
Strong Parent & Community Connections
Financial Stewardship & Sustainability
Student Engagement – Extracurricular activities
Effective Educators & Staff
Academic Achievement
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum)
Caring Environment
Fiscal Stewardship
Communication/Transparency
Engaged Stakeholders
Maximizing Each Child’s Potential
Funded Not Funded N/A
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff recommends approval.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
Proposed Board Policy and Resolution (amendments highlighted in yellow)
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution 11-10
Page 1 of 3
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION NO 11-10
ADOPTING AN AMENDED BOARD NEPOTISM POLICY
WHEREAS, the Westlake Academy Board of Trustees adopted a Board Nepotism policy
on April 5, 2010, and has considered the following proposed policy amendments during the
regular meeting held on May 9, 2011; and
WHEREAS, the Westlake Academy Board of Trustees finds this policy will promote best
practices for staff recruiting and retention while preventing potential conflicts of interest within
the organization; and
WHEREAS, the Westlake Academy Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this
Resolution is in the best interests of the Academy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF WESTLAKE
ACADEMY:
SECTION 1:
That the Board of Trustees of Westlake Academy hereby adopts the
amended Board Nepotism Policy, attached to this resolution as Exhibit “A”., and directs the
inclusion of this policy into the Westlake Academy Personnel Manual.
SECTION 2
: If any portion of this resolution shall, for any reason, be declared invalid
by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions
hereof and the Council hereby determines that it would have adopted this Resolution without
the invalid provision.
SECTION 3:
That this resolution shall become effective from and after its date of
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 9th
DAY OF MAY 2011.
_______________________________
ATTEST: Laura Wheat, President
______________________________ _______________________________
Kelly Edwards, Secretary Thomas E. Brymer, Superintendent
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
L. Stanton Lowry, School Attorney
Resolution 11-10
Page 2 of 3
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 10-02:
Date Board Adopted: April 5, 2010
Date Board Amended: May 9, 2011
Effective Date
: May 9, 2011
Policy Category
: Faculty Attraction and Retention
Policy Name
: Westlake Academy Nepotism Policy
Policy Goal
: Establishing Guidelines for the prevention of Nepotism in the workplace and
ensuring best practices of employees in the performance of assigned duties.
Policy Description
: No person related within the second degree of affinity or within the third
degree by consanguinity to any elected officer of Westlake Academy, or to the Superintendent,
shall be appointed any office, position, or clerkship, or other service of Westlake Academy.
Relatives of all other persons employed by Westlake Academy may not be employed by the
Academy if the relative is within the second degree of affinity or within the second degree of
consanguinity. This policy applies to all Westlake Academy departments, and may not be
circumvented in cases where a relative would not be supervised by the existing employee. In
the event that two employees enter into a marital relationship while working in the same
department or section, one employee will be required to resign their employment with Westlake
Academy within thirty (30) days. Present or future employees may not be promoted nor
transferred to a position that would be in violation of this policy.
Exemptions to this policy may be made by the Superintendent, to the extent allowed by law, in
order to enhance the Academy’s recruitment and retention efforts. Consideration of applicable
exceptions must first require a clear and demonstrable separation in the chain-of-command,
appraisal, discipline, and job performance accountability between employees and their
immediate supervisor and/or supervising Principal.
The decision of the Superintendent under this policy is final and may not be appealed.
Resolution 11-10
Page 3 of 3
For the purposes of this policy, a relative is defined to include:
First degree affinity – spouse, spouse’s mother, spouse’s father, spouse’s son, spouse’s
daughter;
Second degree affinity – spouse’s brother, spouse’s sister, spouse’s grandmother, spouse’s
grandfather, spouse’s granddaughter, spouse’s grandson;
First degree of consanguinity – employee’s mother, father, daughter, son;
Second degree of consanguinity – employee’s brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather,
granddaughter, grandson;
Third degree of consanguinity – employee’s aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, great
grandmother, great grandfather, great granddaughter, great grandson.
All provisions of this policy apply to relatives and/or relationships established between
employees of the Town of Westlake and Westlake Academy.
** Note: The above definitions have been amended to comport with relationship
definitions contained in Chapter 19 of the Texas Administrative Code 100.1113(c).
The term “CEO” has been changed to “Superintendent”
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board will conduct a closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code, annotated,
Chapter 551, Subchapter D for the following:
a. Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which the
duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary
Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this
chapter and Section 551.074(a) - Personnel Matters: Discussion of Westlake
Academy Education Foundation and associated personnel issues.
Westlake Academy
Item # 4 – Executive
Session
Westlake Academy
Item # 5 – Reconvene
Meeting
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board will conduct a closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code, annotated,
Chapter 551, Subchapter D for the following:
a. Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which the
duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary
Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this
chapter and Section 551.074(a) - Personnel Matters: Discussion of Westlake
Academy Education Foundation and associated personnel issues.
Westlake Academy
Item # 6 – Take any
Necessary Action, if
necessary
BOARD CALENDAR
- Bandana Bonanza
May 14, 2011, WA 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- BOT Planning Retreat
May 20, 2011, Embassy Suites (Outdoor World) 8:30 – 5:00 p.m.
- Decoration Day
May 30, 2011, 6:00 p.m. at the Westlake I.O.O.F Cemetery
- Senior Banquet
June 2, 2011, at the Petroleum Club, Fort Worth at 6:30 p.m.
- Senior Baccalaureate Program
June 3, 2011, at 10:45 a.m. in the WA Performance Hall
- End of Year Picnic
June 3, 2011, at 12:00 noon, WA on the green
- Graduation
June 4, 2011, Hurst Conference Center at 2:00 p.m.
- BOT Budget Retreat
June 9, 2011, Town Hall (8:30-5:00 p.m.)
- BOT Meeting
August 15, 2011, 4:30 p.m.
- First Day of School
August 22, 2011
Westlake Academy
Item #7
Board Calendar
January 2011 1 February 2011 2 March 2011 3
S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa
1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 27 28 29 30 31
30 31
April 2011 4 May 2011 5 June 2011 6
S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa 5/2-5/4 Early Voting
1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5/14 Election Day
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 5/19 Election Canvass/Oath
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 5/17 New member
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 orientation (9-4)
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 5/20 BOT Planning Retreat
5/23 TC Planning Retreat
July 2011 7 August 2011 8 September 2011 9 6/9 WA Budget Retreat
S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa 9:00-1:00
1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8/12 TC Budget Retreat
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9:00-1:00
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 ICMA 9/18-9/21
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
October 2011 10 November 2011 11 December 2011 12
S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa
1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 TML 10/11-10/14
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
30 31
School Board School & Town Holiday Budget / Meeting Retreats
Town Council School Holiday Town Holiday
New Council/BOT Election Day /First/Last Day
Orientation Special Meeting to of School
Canvass Returns
Meeting Schedule
Town of Westlake
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Any Board member may request at a workshop and / or
Board meeting, under “Future Agenda Item Requests”, an agenda item for a future
Board meeting. The Board member making the request will contact the CEO with the
requested item and the CEO will list it on the agenda. At the meeting, the requesting
Board member will explain the item, the need for Board discussion of the item, the
item’s relationship to the Board’s strategic priorities, and the amount of estimated staff
time necessary to prepare for Board discussion. If the requesting Board member
receives a second, the CEO will place the item on the Board agenda calendar allowing
for adequate time for staff preparation on the agenda item.
- None
Westlake Academy
Item # 8 –
Future Agenda
Items
Westlake Academy
Item # 9 –
Adjournment
Back up material has not
been provided for this item.