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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-04-09 BOT MinMINUTES OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES WORKSHOP May 4, 2009 PRESENT: President Laura Wheat and Trustees Tim Brittan Larry Corson, Carol Langdon, Don Redding, and Rebecca Rollins (arrived at 5:20 p.m.) ABSENT: None. OTHERS PRESENT: Chief Executive Officer Thomas Brymer, Head of School Mark Rosevear, Town Attorney Michael Kallas, Secretary Kim Sutter, Head of Primary Jamie Schmitz, Head of Secondary Bob Kai, Finance Director Debbie Piper, Court Administrator Amanda DeGan, and Assistant to the Town Manager Ginger Awtry. 1. CALL TO ORDER. President Wheat called the workshop to order at 4:32 p.m. 2. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FROM MAY 4, 2009, TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING AGENDA. President Wheat introduced the item and opened the floor for questions related to the consent agenda items from the May 4, 2009, regular meeting agenda. There were no questions regarding the consent agenda items. 3. HEAR AND DISCUSS REPORT FROM WESTLAKE ACADEMY HOUSE OF COMMONS (HOC) SPEAKER REGARDING 2008-2009 ACTIVITIES AND THE 2009-2010 ACTIVITIES. Mr. John Awtry, Speaker of the Westlake Academy House of Commons, and Ms. Charlotte Ryan, Speaker -elect, addressed the Board regarding activities of the HOC during the 2008-2009 school year and plans for the 2009-2010 school year. Mr. Awtry and Ms. Ryan expressed their satisfaction with the HOC's relationship with the HOS and the direction of the HOC over the past year and upcoming school year. Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Workshop Meeting Minutes May 4, 2009 Page 2 of 4 President Wheat expressed appreciation to Mr. Awtry and Ms. Ryan for their continued efforts in serving on the HOC. 4. DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION OF POSSIBLE CHARTER REVISION/UPDATE PROCESS FOR WESTLAKE ACADEMY. No discussion. 5. DISCUSSION OF PARENT INVOLVEMENT AT WESTLAKE ACADEMY, INCLUDING THE CAMPUS LEADERSHIP TEAM. No discussion. 6. HEAR AND DISCUSS PRESENTATION OF THE THREE IB PROGRAMMES. Mr. Jamie Schmitz, Head of Primary, presented a summary of the Primary Years Program (PYP), reviewed the IB Learner Profile, and addressed questions from the Board regarding the Primary Years Program. Board discussion ensued regarding TEKS requirements and communicating with parents regarding the requirements, scope and sequence reports and whether the reports follow students to the next grade level, and the development of the IB Programme. Presentations regarding the MYP and DP will be scheduled for the next Board of Trustees workshop. President Wheat recessed the workshop at 6:08 p.m. to convene the Board of Trustees Regular meeting. President Wheat reconvened the workshop at 9:42 p.m. 7. DISCUSSION OF WESTLAKE ACADEMY CURRENT AND FUTURE ATHLETIC PROGRAMS. No discussion. 8. DISCUSSION OF WESTLAKE ACADEMY FINE ARTS PROGRAMS/CURRICULUM. No discussion. 9. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION CONCERNING PRESENTATIONS OBSERVED AND INFORMATION OBTAINED AT THE RECENT ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE TEXAS CHARTER SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION (TCSA) AND HOW THAT INFORMATION APPLIES TO WESTLAKE ACADEMY AS WELL AS THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES' GOVERNANCE MINUTES OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING May 4, 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, Head of Primary Jamie Schmitz, Head of Secondary Bob Kai, Finance Director Debbie Piper, Court Administrator Amanda DeGan, and Assistant to the Town Manager Ginger Awtry. 1. CALL TO ORDER. President Wheat called the meeting to order at 6:24 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. President Wheat led the pledge of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags. 3. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS. There was no one present wishing to address the Board. 4. CONSENT AGENDA. President Wheat introduced the consent agenda and asked for a motion. a. Review and approve minutes of the School Board of Trustees workshop and regular meeting held on April 6, 2009. Trustee Corson referred to Item #6 related to staffing needs and requested that it be made clear that the Board agreed to accept the recommendation of the Head of School Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes May 4, 2009 Page 2 of 6 related to the proposed teacher staffing needs and the request is subject to consideration during the budget process. MOTION: Trustee Redding made a motion to approve the April 6, 2009, workshop and regular meeting minutes as amended. Trustee Langdon seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0. 5. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A BOARD POLICY UNDER TEXAS EDUCATION CODE REGULATIONS APPROVING CRITERIA AND REQUIREMENTS FOR PROOF OF RESIDENCY AND FOR ADMISSION OF GRANDCHILDREN OF WESTLAKE RESIDENTS TO WESTLAKE ACADEMY, AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO SUBMIT THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO THE TEXAS EDUCATION AGENDA (TEA) FOR APPROVAL. CEO Brymer introduced the item and advised the Board that the proposed policy would allow, under certain guidelines, grandchildren of residents to attend the Academy. Mr. Brymer reviewed the proposed policy as it relates to the proof of residency requirements and advised that the policy states that the student must be in the care of the grandparent(s) a minimum of ten (10) hours per week. CEO Brymer stated that Legal Counsel has advised that the policy does not have to be submitted to TEA as the provision is not addressed in the Charter and simply requires the Board to adopt a policy enacting Chapter 25 of the Texas Education Code. CEO Brymer added that the policy would be subject to an administrative process and staff would rely on proof of residency as outlined in the policy. MOTION: Trustee Brittan made a motion to approve Resolution No. 09-09, establishing a policy enacting Chapter 25 of the Texas Education Code and providing for proof of residency requirements and criteria for after- school care provided by a grandparent for admission purposes. Seconded by Trustee Langdon. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0. 6. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING VARIOUS AMENDMENTS TO WESTLAKE ACADEMY'S ADMISSIONS POLICY, ADOPTING THESE ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS AS A BOARD POLICY, AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO SUBMIT THESE DOCUMENTS TO THE TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY (TEA) FOR APPROVAL. CEO Brymer introduced the item to the Board and advised that this resolution would add language to the admission policy to exempt Westlake Academy founder's children, current Town of Westlake employees, and Westlake Academy faculty from the lottery process. Mr. Brymer added that a Charter Amendment is required as the Admissions policy is part of the Charter document on file with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Trustee Corson asked for the definition of faculty as related to the policy. Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes May 4, 2009 7. Page 3 of 6 Ms. Janet Bupert, Legal Counsel, advised that faculty applies to staff who meet the requirement of a full time teacher in accordance with TEA regulations. Discussion ensued regarding the equivalency of a full-time teacher and if the equivalency could be applied to a volunteer coach. HOS Rosevear questioned the relevance of the start year related to Westlake Academy faculty member's right to re -enrollment for their children. Discussion ensued related to paragraph two (2) of the policy regarding Westlake Academy faculty and the right to re -enrollment and whether or not a school year should be defined in the policy. It was the consensus of the Board to amend the proposed policy related to Westlake Academy faculty's students right to re -enrollment to begin the 2009-2010 school year. MOTION: Trustee Corson made a motion to approve Resolution No. 09-10, adopting the admission requirements as a Board Policy and authorizing staff to submit documents to the TEA for approval. Seconded by Trustee Langdon. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0. AMENDED MOTION: Trustee Brittan requested the motion be amended to change the beginning year related to right to re -enrollment to begin in school year 2009-2010. Seconded by Trustee Rollins. Trustee Corson and Langdon accepted the amended motion. VOTE ON AMENDED MOTION: The motion carried by a vote of 5-0. HEAR AND DISCUSS HEAD OF SCHOOL UPDATE: a. G10 Personal Projects HOS Rosevear advised that the G10 Personal Projects went very well and 21 of the 36 students received scores of a 6 or 7, while five (5) students received a grade of 3 or below. b. Sports Update - Junior High softball team finished second in the CSAF Regional Tournament. - Junior High baseball team was the 2009 District Champions and finished second in the CSAF Regional Tournament. - Varsity baseball team did not qualify for any of the leagues' tournaments and finished the season with 3 wins and 8 loses. Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes May 4, 2009 Page 4 of 6 - Varsity softball team made it to the playoffs but had to withdraw due to the swine flu threat. - Varsity Golf o Kent Bordelon finished 7th in the State and 5th in the District. o Tyler Tews finished 4th in District. o Nicole Stevens finished 4th in District. o Junior High boys team finished 3`d in District and in the Regional Tournament. c. Book Fair Report Reading Together Week included an on-site book fair and a visit from storyteller Tom McDermott. d. Arts & Science Center A large part of the roof has been added to the structure. e. Bandana Bonanza Bandana Bonanza has been postponed to May 9, 2009, due to inclement weather. f. Update on Personnel for 2009-10 Head of Secondary — Mr. Mark Garcia MYP Coordinator — Tracy Odom IB Diploma Coordinator, Director of Studies/Biology, Stacy Stoyanoff Spanish Teacher — Mrs. Claudia Simonetti English Teacher — Mrs. April Harrell Science/Math Teacher — Mrs. Elizabeth Golden 5th grade to 7/8th grade — Mrs. Livia Miller HOS Rosevear announced that the 2010 Graduation Date has been confirmed for May 23, 2010, at the Marriott Solana. HOS Rosevear announced that The Black Cow staff won a total of 55 awards, which included 13 first place prizes from the Texas State Scholastic competition. S. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS. There were no items submitted for consideration. 9. BOARD CALENDAR. President Wheat reviewed the Board calendar. - G8 Drama production — Alice in Wonderland Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes May 4, 2009 o May 8, 2009, 6:30 p.m., Florence Elementary, Keller - PYP Exhibitions o May 27, 2009 - Black Cow Banquet o May 31, 2009, 4-6 p.m., the Bradley residence - Last day of school o June 3, 2009 - Westlake Academy Graduation o May 23, 2010 10. EXECUTIVE SESSION. Page 5 of 6 President Wheat recessed the regular meeting at 7:17 to discuss the following in executive session: 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: A. The Chief Executive Officer. B. The Head of School. President Wheat convened the executive session at 7:22 p.m. The executive session adjourned at 9:39 p.m. 11. RECONVENE MEETING President Wheat reconvened the meeting at 9:41 p.m. 12. TAKE ANY NECESSARY ACTION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION, IF NECESSARY. President Wheat announced that no action is required regarding items discussed in executive session. Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Regular Meeting Minutes May 4, 2009 13. ADJOURNMENT. Page 6 of 6 There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat asked for a motion to adjourn. MOTION: Trustee Corson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Langdon seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0. President Wheat adjourned the meeting at 9:41 p.m. APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON MAY 4, 2009. Laura Wheat, President ATTEST: im Sutter, TRMC, Town Secretary Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Page 3 of 4 Workshop Meeting Minutes May 4, 2009 ROLE OF WESTLAKE ACADEMY. No discussion. 10. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY PARENTS' SURVEY. CEO Brymer introduced the item to the Board and reviewed the draft survey and advised that the survey should be sent out to parents in May 2009 prior to the last day of school. Discussion ensued regarding the content of the survey, and several suggested changes were agreed upon by the Board. CEO Brymer summarized the changes to the survey: - Move Leadership of Trustees to top of question 1 with Administration and Faculty; - Question 1 - add Grading System; - Question 1 - Add College Preparation Process; - Question 1 — add exit/entrance process for student pick up; - Question 10 - add row offering N/A as an option; - Reword preface of draft survey question #10 to make clear that no funding is currently available; - Delete question related to classroom size; - Questions related to Blacksmith Apprentice Program should emphasis that the program is critical to the financial health of the Academy; - Modify draft survey question #16 to read "Would you contribute more to the Black Smith Apprentice Program for expanded services; - Combine draft survey questions #19 and 19A to read "If you live in the Town of Westlake, how important was Westlake Academy in your decision to move to the Westlake? ",- - ;- Add a question "Do you have school age children not enrolled at Westlake Academy" Yes or No, please indicate grade level Grades K-6, 7-9, 10-12. "; - Delete draft survey question 22A related to parents working outside of the home; - Cover letter will go out under President Wheat's signature; - Change title of survey to Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Parent Survey. 11. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS. There were no items submitted for consideration. 12. ADJOURNMENT. There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat adjourned the workshop at 10:35 p.m. Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Page 4 of 4 Workshop Meeting Minutes May 4, 2009 APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON JUNE 8, 2009. Laura Wheat, President ATTEST: i Sutter, TRMC, Town Secretary