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