HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-02-09 BOT MinMINUTES OF THE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES GOVERNANCE RETREAT
July 2, 2009
PRESENT: President Laura Wheat and Trustees Tim Brittan, Larry Corson, Carol Langdon,
Rick Rennhack, and Rebecca Rollins.
ABSENT: None.
OTHERS PRESENT: Chief Executive Officer Thomas Brymer, Secretary Kim Sutter,
Finance Director Debbie Piper, Director of Human Resources and
Administrative Services Todd Wood, Facilities and Recreation
Director Troy Meyer, Court Administrator Amanda DeGan,
Assistant to the Town Manager Ginger Awtry, and Westlake
Academy staff: Mark Garcia, Stacy Stoyanoff, Tracy Odom, Terri
Watson, Jamie Schmitz, and Administrative Coordinator Darcy
McFarlane,
1. CALL TO ORDER.
President Wheat called the retreat to order at 8:30 a.m.
2. UNDERSTANDING GOOD GOVERNANCE PRESENTED BY DR. BRIAN L.
CARPENTER, CEO OF NATIONAL CHARTER SCHOOLS INSTITUTE.
3. GENERAL DISCUSSION OF WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
GOVERNANCE, INCLUDING POLICIES, FINANCES, AND RELATED
MATTERS.
Dr. Carpenter presented and led a discussion regarding Charter School Governance:
o The three purposes of a Board
o Two easy -to -remember key words that readily distinguish whether almost any
issue before the board is one of governance or management
o The role of policy in good governance.
o The only three ways to monitor compliance with policy
o The three key aspects of fiduciary responsibility
Westlake Academy Board of Trustees
Workshop Meeting Minutes
July 2, 2009
Page 2 of 2
o Five things research tells us about failed charter schools
o How the "seniority of documents" concept applies to charters
o How to use a four-sided model that enables the board to strategically establish
and evaluate student outcomes
o The 30/30/30 board agenda structure
o The 80/20 principle as it applies to boardroom discussions
o The proper use of committees
o Why approving operational processes weakens the board
o What it means for a board to "speak with one voice"
o How the board knows that it has spoken.
o The board's role in resolving parental complaints or concerns.
4. ADJOURNMENT.
There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat adjourned the retreat at
5:00 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON AUGUST 3, 2009.
i
Laur Wheat, President
ATTEST:
' Ki Sutter, TRMC, Town Secretary