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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-09 BOT MinMINUTES OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES WORKSHOP April 6, 2009 PRESENT: President Laura Wheat and Trustees Tim Brittan Larry Corson, Carol Langdon, Don Redding, and Rebecca Rollins. ABSENT: None. OTHERS PRESENT: Chief Executive Officer Thomas Brymer, Head of School Mark Rosevear, School Attorney Michael Kallas, Secretary Kim Sutter, DPS Director Don Wilson, Head of Primary Jamie Schmitz, and Head of Secondary Robert Kai. 1. CALL TO ORDER. President Wheat called the workshop to order at 4:35 p.m. 2. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FROM APRIL 6, 2009, TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING AGENDA. President Wheat introduced the item and opened the floor for questions related to the consent agenda items from the April 6, 2009, regular meeting agenda. There were no questions regarding the consent agenda items. 3. HEAR AND DISCUSS PRESENTATION OF THE THREE IB PROGRAMMES. HOS Rosevear, Head of Primary Schmitz, and Head of Secondary Kai addressed the Board regarding the item. Head of Primary Schmitz presented a brief history on the IB programme. Mr. Schmitz explained that the PYP Programme includes students age 3 to 12, the MYP Programme ages 11 to 16, and the DP Programme for the final two years of school prior to entering a university. Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Workshop Meeting Minutes April 6, 2009 Page 2 of 3 Discussion ensued with regard to students entering the Programme and the benefits of students entering in their early years, testing for entrance into the programme, and orientation for new students entering the programme. Mr. Schmitz explained the PYP Programme to the Board, and added that the Programme focuses on the heart as well as the mind and addressses social, physical, emotional, and cultural needs as well as academic. Trustee Brittan inquired about the evaluation of hiring teachers that fit the IB Programme. HOS Rosevear responded that the letter of application, interview process, and observation of teaching techniques help identify potential teachers during the hiring process. Trustee Corson inquired as how to respond to parents who have pulled their student out of the programme and the perception that the student is educationally behind when entering other private or public schools. HOS Rosevear stated that the IB is a programme, and once completed the student will be on par or ahead of other students. Mr. Kai stated that being behind is in the eye of the judge as the measurements are not the same. Trustee Corson suggested that, during the orientation process, parents be made aware of what they can expect from year to year. Trustee Rollins suggested that parents be provided a copy of the curriculum and of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirement. Mr. Schmitz stated that semester reports show the conceptual progress of students and should be helpful to students and their parents. President Wheat suggested consideration be given to place the IB presentations on the Academy's website. HOS Rosevear advised that the MYP and Diploma Programme presentation will be presented at the next Trustee workshop. 4. REVIEW AND DISCUSS QUARTERLY FINANCIAL "DASHBOARD" REPORT FOR QUARTER ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2009. CEO Brymer addressed the Board regarding the item. Mr. Brymer advised the Board that the mid year reduction in state funding is shown in the estimated budget. Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Workshop Meeting Minutes April 6, 2009 Page 3 of 3 Mr. Brymer read a letter received today from the Texas Charter Schools Association regarding the Additional State Aid for Tax Reduction (ASATR) payments. Mr. Brymer advised the Board that the Texas Charter School Association (TCSA) recently met with the Texas Education Agency regarding the funding cut and the TEA has recalculated the ASATR based on the statewide average target revenue for school districts. Mr. Brymer added that this action will result in an increase in state funding for Charter schools. Mr. Brymer updated on the Board on the Black Smith apprentice program and stated that Leah Rennhack, President of the Westlake Academy Foundation, is preparing a newsletter to be sent to Westlake Academy families. Trustee Langdon stated that the Script program was a good way to earn money for the school and perhaps someone could step up to coordinate the program. HOS Rosevear advised that someone has volunteered. 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS. There were no items submitted for consideration. 6. ADJOURNMENT. There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat adjourned the workshop at 5:51 p.m. APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON MAY 4, 2009. ATTEST: Town Secretary ��2�-�.n� Laura Wheat, President MINUTES OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING April 6, 2009 PRESENT: President Laura Wheat and Trustees Tim Brittan, Larry Corson, Carol Langdon, Don Redding, and Rebecca Rollins. ABSENT: None. OTHERS PRESENT: Chief Executive Officer Thomas Brymer, Head of School Mark Rosevear, Town Attorney, Michael Kallas, Secretary Kim Sutter, Assistant to the Town Manager Ginger Awtry. 1. CALL TO ORDER. President Wheat called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. President Wheat led the pledge of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags. 3. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS. Mrs. Debra Ledak, 2200 Mt. Gilead, Keller, addressed the Board regarding recent college campus visits and the contacts made as well as support for the IB Programme. 4. CONSENT AGENDA. President Wheat introduced the item and asked for a motion. a. Review and approve minutes of the School Board of Trustees workshop and regular meeting held on March 9, 2009. MOTION: Trustee Redding made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Trustee Langdon seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0 Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Page 2 of 5 Regular Meeting Minutes April 6, 2009 5. HEAR AND DISCUSS HEAD OF SCHOOL UPDATE: a. Mexico Student Exchange Westlake Academy student Isaac Cavazos (G5) addressed the Board regarding a recent visit by a student exchange student from Monterrey, Mexico and his experience with the exchange student. b. Baseball and Softball Update HOS Rosevear addressed the Board regarding the baseball and softball program and added that the program has expanded over the past year to three (3) baseball and two (2) softball teams playing regularly two to three times per week. President Wheat shared a recent experience regarding a recent baseball game and expressed appreciation to Mr. Kenny Rogers, former pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, for his assistance in helping coach a couple of teams. c. MYP Personal Projects MYP Personal Projects: Kyle Herbst (G9), Tommy Grover (G9) addressed the Board regarding a project in their Areas of Interaction (AOI) class. The students explained that the project included the creation of a human sized pinata utilizing the design cycle. The students built a tank out of recycled material that shoots candy, and explained the process for acquiring the materials and the trials and errors of constructing the tank. d. Black Cow Awards HOS Rosevear announced that the following students were recently recognized for their contributions to The Black Cow from the 26th Annual Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award Program: Nigel LaRue (G11) won first place in the Sport Cartoons category Katie Forbes (former G11 student) and Nick Ford (G10) were awarded commendations in two other categories. 6. HEAR UPDATE REGARDING STAFFING NEEDS FOR THE 2009-10 SCHOOL YEAR. HOS Rosevear addressed the Board regarding the item. Mr. Rosevear advised the Board that there is a shortage of secondary teachers at the school. Discussion ensued regarding the student/teacher ratio. HOS Rosevear reviewed the proposed funding through program cuts and reorganization of staff. Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes April 6, 2009 Page 3 of 5 Board discussion ensued regarding increasing the student/teacher ratio for the Diploma Programme grade level. Trustee Corson commended HOS Rosevear for bringing this item before the Board and presenting a funding solution. Trustee Langdon asked if additional counselor positions are needed. HOS Rosevear advised the Board that he would recommend adding the equivalent of 1 counselors at the secondary school. Mr. Rosevear added that an IT Assistance is recommended as the current individual supports 450 students, 60 staff members as well as the parent portal. However, the IT Assistant position can be considered during the Budget process. Trustee Brittan inquired if more coaches are needed for the sports programs. HOS Rosevear responded that parent coaches are currently utilized; however, current priority is placing teachers in classrooms. President Wheat recommended the Board discuss the development of the athletic programs at the school at a workshop. It was the consensus of the Board to accept the recommendation of the HOS regarding teacher staffing needs for the 2009-10 school year, and the Board will review the request during the 2009-2010 budget process. 7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS. There were no items submitted for consideration. 8. BOARD CALENDAR. President Wheat reviewed the Board calendar. - 12th Annual Charter School Conference o April 13- 15th, 2009; San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Hotel - Bandana Bonanza o May 2, 2009, Westlake Academy Campus - TEA Charter School Orientation Session II o May 4-6,2009; Austin - Board of Trustees Meeting o Monday, May 4, 2009 Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes April 6, 2009 9. EXECUTIVE SESSION. Page 4 of 5 President Wheat recessed the meeting to discuss the following items in executive session at 6:48 p.m. 1. Section 551.071(1) and (2) to (i) seek advice of counsel on legal matters involving pending or contemplated litigation, settlement offers, or other legal matters not related directly to litigation or settlement, and (ii) Consultation with attorney on matters in which the duty of the attorney under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code -Texas Government Code 551.071(2) regarding the following: A. Westlake Academy Charter document. B. Westlake Academy admissions policy. 2. Section 551.074(a)(1) of the Texas Government Code to deliberate the evaluation and duties of public officers: The Head of School President Wheat convened the executive session at 6:53 p.m. The executive session adjourned at 7:58 p.m. 10. RECONVENE MEETING President Wheat reconvened the meeting at 7:59 p.m. 11. TAKE ANY NECESSARY ACTION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION, IF NECESSARY. President Wheat announced that no action is required regarding items discussed in executive session. 12. ADJOURNMENT. There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat asked for a motion to adjourn. MOTION: Trustee Redding made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Rollins seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0. President Wheat adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Page 5 of 5 Regular Meeting Minutes April 6, 2009 APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON MAY 4, 2009. &"' A,,& Laura Wheat, President ATTEST: Sutter; TRMC, Town Secretary