HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-08 BOT Min49
MINUTES OF THE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING
January 14, 2008
PRESENT: President Scott Bradley and Board Trustees Larry Corson, Kevin Maynard, Don
Redding, Pete Steger, and Bob Timmerman.
ABSENT: None.
OTHERS PRESENT: Head of School Barbara Brizuela, Secretary Kim Sutter, Finance
Director Debbie Piper, Executive Assistant Ginger Awtry, DPS
Director Don Wilson, and Facilities and Recreation Director Troy
Meyer.
1. CALL TO ORDER.
President Bradley called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
2. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS.
There was no one present wishing to address the Board.
3. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPOINTING A WESTLAKE ACADEMY
PARENT TO SERVE AS A MEMBER OF THE HEAD OF SCHOOL SEARCH
COMMITTEE AND APPOINT A WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD MEMBER
OR PARENT AND A WESTLAKE ACADEMY FACULTY MEMBER TO
SERVE AS ALTERNATE MEMBERS.
President Bradley introduced the item and read the names of the proposed committee
members. President Bradley explained that the committee would recruit, interview, and
identify a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of four (4) finalists to be considered by
the Board to serve as the new Head of School.
MOTION: Trustee Redding made a motion to approve Resolution No. 08-01, as
presented. Trustee Steger seconded the motion.
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Town of Westlake Board of Trustees Page 2 of 5
Regular Meeting
January 14, 2008
4. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FORMATION OF A
CAMPUS LEADERSHIP TEAM.
Head of School Brizuela advised that the school's charter requires the creation of a
campus leadership team. Ms. Brizuela outlined the composition of the leadership team
and advised that she will appoint the members to serve on the initial team. Ms. Brizuela
added that the team will meet on a bimonthly basis and at a time to be determined by the
leadership team.
MOTION: Trustee Steger made a motion to approve Resolution No. 08-02, as
presented. Trustee Redding seconded the motion.
Trustee Timmerman asked the Head of School to elaborate on the distinction between
the Campus Leadership Team and the House of Commons as they relate to interacting
with the Academy.
Head of School Brizuela responded that the House of Commons focuses on building
community and offers suggestions for improvement to the school, while the leadership
team would focus on how to promote the school and communicate with the community
concerning Westlake Academy.
Trustee Timmerman suggested the team might consider an orientation process for new
students and their parents.
Discussion ensued with regard to the purpose of the committee.
Alderman Maynard asked the Head of School if the leadership team is the group that
could be utilized to field complaints and/or review a proposed exit interview process.
Alderman Timmerman stated that he did not feel this team was the appropriate group for
that purpose. Mr. Timmerman inquired as to the status of the discussion concerning an
exit interview process, as well as an arbitration process.
President Bradley responded that a workshop will be held to discuss the process, and
also asked the Board to give some thought to a satisfaction survey that would include
receiving feedback from both the school population and the town in an effort to monitor
satisfaction issues on a regular basis.
Head of School Brizuela added that the Foundation is considering a survey tool that
could possibly be utilized for the purpose of obtaining feedback.
Alderman Corson inquired as to how the results would be reported.
President Bradley responded that the results should be reported on a recurring basis and
shared with the community.
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Town of Westlake Board of Trustees Page 3 of 5
Regular Meeting
January 14, 2008
VOTE ON
MOTION: The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
5. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE PROPOSED 2008-2009
SCHOOL CALENDAR.
Head of School Brizuela introduced the item and advised that surrounding school
districts were consulted when preparing the calendar. Ms. Brizuela added that the
calendar is pending TEA approval.
MOTION: Trustee Timmerman made a motion to approve Resolution No. 08-03, as
presented. Trustee Steger seconded the motion. The motion carried by a
vote of 5-0.
6. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN APPLICATION FOR AN
EXPANSION AMENDMENT TO THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY CHARTER
THAT WOULD ADD ADDITIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES FOR
TRANSFER STUDENTS.
Head of School Brizuela introduced the item to the Board and advised of the proposed
amendment. Ms. Brizuela stated that the expansion amendment includes the addition of
25 school districts.
MOTION: Trustee Timmerman made a motion to approve Resolution No. 08-04,
approving an application for an expansion amendment to the Westlake
Academy Charter. Trustee Redding seconded the motion.
Trustee Timmerman inquired if there were any known downsides to expanding the
transfer boundaries.
Head of School Brizuela responded that she has not identified any downsides related to
the expansion of the boundaries.
Trustee Corson stated that he does not oppose expanding the boundaries in the context
of a logical radius. However, he feels the expansion does not support the original
purpose of the creation of the Academy as it relates to creating a sense of community for
the town.
President Bradley stated that as Westlake continues to grow, there will not be room for
transfer students.
Alderman Steger stated that he is not opposed to expanding the boundaries, but is not
certain the boundaries need to be expanded to this degree.
Alderman Maynard stated that some of the proposed additions make sense while others
do not, and inquired if any of the proposed districts could be stricken from the
resolution.
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Town of Westlake Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting
January 14, 2008
Page 4 of 5
President Bradley responded that any of the proposed districts may be stricken from the
resolution.
Head of School Brizuela advised the Board that the Charter amendment deadline is
February 1, 2008.
Alderman Corson recommended the Board consider establishing an acceptable radius
from the school and identify districts that fall within the proposed radius.
President Bradley suggested the Board adopt the amendment and if any problems or
issues arise as a result, the Board can amend the boundaries next year.
Alderman Corson expressed his desire to take the opposite approach and identify a
smaller radius and consider expanding the radius next year, if needed.
Mrs. Rebecca Rollins, 13239 Roanoke Road, Westlake, stated that a federal law permits
employees to attend school in the district where they work.
President Bradley stated that the Board has been advised that the TEA is moving toward
a position that would require children of staff members to live within the transfer
boundaries to be eligible for enrollment.
VOTE ON
MOTION: The motion carried by a vote of 4-1, with Trustee Corson voting in
opposition.
7. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE 2008 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
SCHEDULE.
Mayor Bradley introduced the item and asked for a motion.
Head of School Brizuela advised the Board that she is requesting one additional meeting
to be held on June 23, 2008, to discuss the proposed FY 2008-09 budget.
MOTION: Trustee Redding made a motion to approve the 2008 Board of Trustees
meeting schedule as presented. Trustee Steger 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 meeting held on
December 10, 2007.
B. Review and approve minutes of the School Board of Trustees/Board of Aldermen
special meeting held on December 15, 2007.
Town of Westlake Board of Trustees Page 5 of 5
Regular Meeting
January 14, 2008
C. Review and approve any outstanding bills.
MOTION: Trustee Timmerman made a motion to approve the consent agenda as
presented. Trustee Maynard seconded the motion. The motion carried
by a vote of 5-0.
9. ADJOURNMENT.
There being no further business, President Bradley adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN ON FEBRUARY 11, 2008.
Scott Bradle , President
ATTEST:
Kim utter, TRMC, Town Secretary
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