HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-07 BOT MinMINUTES OF THE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 12, 2007
PRESENT: President Scott Bradley and Trustees Buddy Brown, Larry Corson, Fred Held,
Don Redding, and Bob Timmerman.
ABSENT: None.
OTHERS PRESENT: Head of School Barbara Brizuela, Secretary Kim Sutter, Town
Manager Trent Petty, and Finance Director Debbie Piper.
1. CALL TO ORDER.
President Bradley called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
2. DISCUSS THE ADOPTED BUDGET FOR 2006-2007.
President Bradley introduced the item and stated that the purpose of the discussion is to
receive a status report on the current year budget. He stated that he spoke with Mr. Bill
Greenwood and was told that the Westlake Academy Foundation is eager for the Town to
hire an architect to design the arts and science center.
Head of School Barbara Brizuela presented the status of the 2006-2007 Budget to the
Board and addressed questions of the Board regarding the budget as well as future
offerings.
President Bradley asked Town Manager Trent Petty to discuss the status of the funding
for the arts and science center.
Town Manager Petty advised that staff will bring a delegated pricing ordinance to the
Board on February 26, 2007 that will provide for the refund of approximately $7.5
million in bonds and drop the interest rate approximately 121 basis points, resulting in a
savings of approximately 6 percent over the life of the refunded bonds. This will give the
Board the ability to authorize approximately $10 million in debt. He added that the
Board of Trustees Workshop
February 12, 2007
Page 2 of 3
Board could adopt a reimbursement resolution that will allow the immediate funding for
an architect and/or a construction management plan for the arts and science center.
He further advised that the Town has been cautious in utilizing a refunding resolution for
this purpose in the past because the school was funded primarily by the 4A fund and the
legislature later precluded using 4A funds for this purpose. He advised that if it is the
intent of the Board to have a facility opened by February 2008, he feels it is not possible
to hold an election for the issuance of General Obligation bonds due to the requirement to
hold elections on uniform election dates in May and November.
Trustee Corson asked if the scenario is independent of the use of hotel occupancy tax.
Town Manager Petty responded yes. However, he added that he and the Town Attorney
feel the Board has the ability to utilize hotel occupancy funds for a variety of uses that
include tourism.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed funding options for a regional facility.
Trustee Corson stated that the question, independent of the timeline, is if this is a bond
issuance that should go before the voters.
President Bradley asked Town Manager Petty to think about a plan that would allow the
hiring of an architect and still reserve the ability to hold a public election in November
2007.
Trustee Corson expressed his support to move forward with the reimbursement
agreement, and still consider the possibility of holding an election in November to meet
the desire of the voters.
President Bradley expressed his support to adhere to a critical timeline that preserves as
many options as possible, while not missing any deadlines to reach the ultimate goal.
Trustee Corson stated that he wants to make sure there is proper and appropriate
deliberation on the issue.
3. IDENTIFY ANY SUBJECTS FOR FUTURE WORKSHOPS.
President Bradley introduced the item and opened the discussion.
Trustee Timmerman stated that he would like to discuss the International Baccalaureate
requirement of an arts and science program, and additionally the vision of extracurricular
sports at the Academy.
Head of the School Brizuela stated that she feels the school has more sports teams than
most schools, but the founding fathers did indicate that American Football will not be a
part of the school's programs.
Board of Trustees Workshop
February 12, 2007
Page 3 of 3
President Bradley stated that the reasoning behind the decision is because the Town did
not want to imply an image of a traditional school and it was believed that the school
could not financially support a football program and the necessary facilities.
Trustee Timmerman stated that it is believed that the support of athletic programs would
augment the long-term support for the school.
Head of School Barbara Brizuela added that the topic could include items she would like
to discuss regarding the long-term plans of the school.
Trustee Don Redding added that the priority of additional soccer facilities should also be
discussed.
President Bradley stated that a workshop will be held to discuss the extracurricular
activities of the school, including athletics.
Trustee Corson recommended that the booster club president be extended an invitation to
attend the workshop.
President Bradley requested the board members to submit any additional items for
discussion to him that they would like to be included on a future agenda.
4. ADJOURNMENT.
There being no further business before the Board, President Bradley declared the
workshop adjourned at 4:13 pm.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON MARCH 26, 2007.
Scott Bradley, Mayor/Schon oard President
ATTEST:
"Kipi Sutter, TRMC, Secretary
MINUTES OF THE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
FEBRUARY 12, 2007
PRESENT: President Scott Bradley and Board Trustees Buddy Brown, Larry Corson, Fred
Held, Don Redding, and Bob Timmerman.
ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Head of School Barbara Brizuela, and Secretary Kim Sutter.
1. CALL TO ORDER.
President Scott Bradley called the meeting to order at 6:20 p.m.
2. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS.
There was no one present wishing to address the Board.
3. PRESENTATION BY ACADEMY STAFF REGARDING INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE WORKSHOP.
Head of School Barbara Brizuela introduced the item and stated that due partly to
donations from the House of Commons, ten teachers have been able to attend Advanced
International Baccalaureate Workshops. Ms. Brizuela introduced Mr. Bob Kai, MYP
English and Humanities teacher, and added that Mr. Kai received training for the IB
Diploma program.
Mr. Kai presented a PowerPoint presentation to the Board regarding the IB Diploma
program and its requirements.
Westlake Academy Trustees
Regular Meeting
February 12, 2007
Page 2 of 4
Following Mr. Kai's presentation, Ms. Brizuela introduced Ms. Claudia Ourthe-Cabale,
PYP teacher and IB Workshop leader. Ms. Brizeula explained that Ms. Ourthe-Cable
was selected by the IB program to serve as a workshop leader.
Ms. Ourthe-Cabale presented the Board an update as follow-up to her attendance at an IB
Workshop held in Los Angeles, California.
On behalf of the Board, President Scott Bradley commended Mr. Kai and Ms. Ourthe —
Cabale on their presentations.
4. STATUS REPORT FROM THE HEAD OF THE SCHOOL REGARDING
ACADEMY LOTTERY PROCESS.
Head of School Barbara Brizuela gave the report. She stated that the lottery drawing will
be held only to establish places on the waiting list for Kindergarten as the other grade
levels have a waiting list derived from the original lottery in 2003, and as applications are
received they are added to the existing waiting lists. She stated that the Texas Education
Agency governs the rules for the public lottery, including rules for the advertisement and
the acceptance of the applications. She announced that the lottery will be held on
February 20, 2007, at 7 p.m. She further advised that 127 applications have been
submitted for the 2007-2008 school year.
Ms. Brizuela reported that the Kindergarten class will consist of 26 students, and
provided the following breakdown of the students: 16 residents, 5 meeting the definition
of "primary boundary area"; and 5 siblings from secondary boundary areas. She added
that no openings exist and the lottery drawing will be held to establish the order of the
waiting list.
5. DISCUSS AND TAKE NECESSARY ACTION TO ESTABLISH A REGULAR
SCHEDULE FOR THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING DATES.
President Scott introduced the item and opened the discussion.
Following discussion by the Board, President Bradley asked for a motion.
MOTION: Trustee Larry Corson moved to establish a regular meeting date of the
second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. Trustee Don Redding seconded
the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
6. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSED 2007-2008
SCHOOL CALENDAR.
President Scott Bradley introduced the item and stated the proposed calendar meets the
minimum state requirements.
Westlake Academy Trustees
Regular Meeting
February 12, 2007
Page 3 of 4
Head of the School Barbara Brizuela added that the calendar closely matches the school
calendars from our neighboring school districts so as to accommodate siblings that might
be enrolled in other schools.
There being no further discussion, President Bradley asked for a motion.
MOTION: Trustee Buddy Brown moved to approve Resolution 07-01, accepting the
proposed 2007-2008 School Calendar. Trustee Fred Held seconded the
motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
7. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE ADDITION OF THE
QUESTION "WHY ARE YOU APPLYING TO WESTLAKE ACADEMY?" TO
THE STUDENT APPLICATION.
President Bradley introduced the item and opened the discussion.
Head of School Brizuela stated that this question is often asked of the Academy and
believes the data will be of interest to the community and the Board of Trustees.
Trustee Bob Timmerman recommended including a disclaimer stating the information is
used for demographics and planning purposes only.
MOTION: Trustee Bob Timmerman moved to approve Resolution 07-02, approving
the addition of the Question "Why are you applying to Westlake
Academy?" to the student application, with the recommended disclaimer.
Trustee Don Redding seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote
of 5-0.
8. CONSENT AGENDA.
President Bradley introduced the item and asked for a motion.
A. Review and approve minutes of the School Board of Trustees workshop held
January 22, 2007; and
B. Review and approve any outstanding bills.
MOTION: Trustee Buddy Brown moved to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Trustee Fred Held seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of
5-0.
Westlake Academy Trustees Page 4 of 4
Regular Meeting
February 12, 2007
8. ADJOURNMENT.
There being no further business, President Bradley asked for a motion to adjourn.
MOTION: Trustee Fred Held moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Larry Corson
seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN ON MARCH 26, 2007.
i -V - --5 _
ScottBradBradfey, Mayor
ATTEST:
i utter, TRMC, Secretary