HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-16-10 BOT Agenda PacketThe Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees will begin immediately following the conclusion of the Board
of Trustees Workshop but not prior to the posted start time.
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WESTLAKE ACADEMY
Mission / Vision Statement
Westlake Academy is a nurturing, community owned International Baccalaureate Charter
School whose mission is to achieve academic excellence and to develop life-long learners who
become well-balanced, responsible global citizens.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
AGENDA
August 16, 2010
WESTLAKE TOWN HALL
3 VILLAGE CIRCLE – 2ND
COUNCIL CHAMBERS/MUNICIPAL COURT ROOM
FLOOR
Workshop Session 4:30 p.m.
Regular Session 6:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Workshop Session
2. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FROM MAY 10, 2010, TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
3. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION FROM THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY HOUSE
OF COMMONS SPEAKER REGARDING THE ACTIVITIES FROM THE 2009-2010
SCHOOL YEAR AND UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR THE 2010-2011 YEAR.
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4. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY
FOUNDATION’S 2010 BLACKSMITH CAMPAIGN.
5. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE ESTIMATED YEAR-END
ACADEMIC SERVICES BUDGET FOR WESTLAKE ACADEMY FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2010 AND ADOPTING THE PROPOSED BUDGET
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2011.
(ensuring that operationally inappropriate things are not occurring.)
Is everything occurring appropriately?
6. DISCUSSION OF THE PROPOSED BOARD OF TRUSTEE POLICIES FOR 2010 –
2011 ACADEMIC YEAR.
(ensuring that the right student outcomes are being achieved – focus is on student outcomes and not
processes)
How well are the students doing?
7. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF DIPLOMA PROGRAMME/ADVANCED
PLACEMENT RESULTS FROM THE 2009-10 ACADEMIC YEAR.
8. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
9. ADJOURNMENT
Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: This is an opportunity for
citizens to address the Board on any matter whether or not it is posted on the agenda.
The Board cannot by law take action nor have any discussion or deliberations on any
presentation made to the Board at this time concerning an item not listed on the
agenda. Any item presented may be noticed on a future agenda for deliberation or
action.
4. CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of
Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of
items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be
removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence.
a. Consider approval of the minutes for the meeting held on May 10, 2010.
b. Consider approval of the minutes for the joint workshop held on June 7, 2010.
c. Consider approval of the minutes for the workshop held on June 18, 2010.
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d. Consider approval of Resolution 10-10, Amending the discipline policy.
e. Consider approval of Resolution 10-11, Amending the trips policy.
f. Consider approval of Resolution 10-12, Amending the parent – student
handbook signature page.
g. Consider approval of Resolution 10-13, Amending the academic honesty policy.
h. Consider approval of Resolution 10-14, Amending the technology usage policy.
i. Consider approval of Resolution 10-15, Adopting a transportation policy.
j. Consider approval of Resolution 10-16, Adopting an electronic communication
policy.
k. Consider approval of Resolution 10-17, Adopting a community learning
commitment policy.
l. Consider approval of Resolution 10-18, Approving additions to the Westlake
Academy Personnel Manual.
5. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER RESOLUTION 10-19,
APPROVING THE ESTIMATED YEAR-END ACADEMIC SERVICES BUDGET FOR
WESTLAKE ACADEMY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2010 AND
ADOPTING THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST
31, 2011.
6. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
7. BOARD CALENDAR
- First Day of School
August 23, 2010
- Board Meeting
September 13, 2010
- Arbor Day
September 25, 2010
- Westlake Baja at Vaquero
September 27, 2010
8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Any Board member may request at a workshop and / or
Board meeting, under “Future Agenda Item Requests”, an agenda item for a future
Board meeting. The Board member making the request will contact the CEO with the
requested item and the CEO will list it on the agenda. At the meeting, the requesting
Board member will explain the item, the need for Board discussion of the item, the
item’s relationship to the Board’s strategic priorities, and the amount of estimated
staff time necessary to prepare for Board discussion. If the requesting Board member
receives a second, the CEO will place the item on the Board agenda calendar allowing
for adequate time for staff preparation on the agenda item.
President Wheat: discussion of BOT policy for seat belts in bus seats including
contracted bus services for WA student trips.
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9. ADJOURNMENT
ANY ITEM ON THIS POSTED AGENDA COULD BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE
SESSION AS LONG AS IT IS WITHIN ONE OF THE PERMITTED CATEGORIES UNDER
SECTIONS 551.071 THROUGH 551.076 AND SECTION 551.087 OF THE TEXAS
GOVERNMENT CODE.
I certify that the above notice was posted at the Town Hall of the Town of Westlake, 3 Village Circle, on
August 11, 2010, by 5:00 p.m. under the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government
Code.
CERTIFICATION
_____________________________________
Kelly Edwards, Town Secretary
If you plan to attend this public meeting and have a disability that requires special needs, please advise
the Town Secretary 48 hours in advance at 817-490-5710 and reasonable accommodations will be made
to assist you.
REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FROM MAY 10, 2010, TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
a. Consider approval of the minutes for the meeting held on May 10, 2010.
b. Consider approval of the minutes for the joint workshop held on June 7, 2010.
c. Consider approval of the minutes for the workshop held on June 18, 2010.
d. Consider approval of Resolution 10-10, Amending the discipline policy.
e. Consider approval of Resolution 10-11, Amending the trips policy.
f. Consider approval of Resolution 10-12, Amending the parent – student
handbook signature page.
g. Consider approval of Resolution 10-13, Amending the academic honesty
policy.
h. Consider approval of Resolution 10-14, Amending the technology usage policy.
i. Consider approval of Resolution 10-15, Adopting a transportation policy.
j. Consider approval of Resolution 10-16, Adopting an electronic communication
policy.
k. Consider approval of Resolution 10-17, Adopting a community learning
commitment policy.
l. Consider approval of Resolution 10-18, Approving additions to the Westlake
Academy Personnel Manual.
Westlake Academy
Item # 2 –
Review of Consent
Agenda Items
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Memo
Westlake Academy
To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees
From: Thomas Brymer, Superintendent
Subject: Workshop Meeting of August 16, 2010
Date: August 2, 2010
Presentation and discussion from the Westlake Academy House of Commons Speaker regarding
the activities from the 2009-2010 school year and upcoming activities for the 2010-2011 year.
ITEM
Westlake Academy is a nurturing, community owned International Baccalaureate Charter School whose
mission is to achieve academic excellence and to develop life-long learners who become well-balanced,
responsible citizens.
WESTLAKE ACADEMY MISSION/ VISION STATEMENT
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program of work will be discussed within the context of the organization’s program of
work carrying out the TC’s/BOA’s strategic plan for both the Town and Westlake
Academy. All funding requests should be submitted not later than the July 1st
3.) Review fund raising activities underway or planned to support the current or proposed
plan of work.
prior to the
upcoming fiscal year. Requests received after that time will not be considered until the
following fiscal year.
4.) The chair of each advisory board, committee, and/or affiliate organization shall schedule
this annual meeting (or more frequent if needed) through the Town Secretary’s office.
The TC/BOT may choose to hold these meetings one or two times per year.
5.) All affiliates of Westlake Academy, prior to meeting with the TC/BOT, will meet with
the Head of School to make sure they their proposed efforts are coordinated through the
Head of School and his/her designates.
N/A
FUNDING
N/A
RECOMMENDATION
None
ATTACHMENTS
Memo
Westlake Academy
To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees
From: Tom Brymer, Superintendent
Subject: Workshop Meeting of August 16, 2010
Date: August 10, 2010
Presentation and Discussion of the Westlake Academy Foundation’s 2010 Blacksmith
Campaign
ITEM
Westlake Academy is a nurturing, community owned International Baccalaureate Charter School
whose mission is to achieve academic excellence and to develop life-long learners who become
well-balanced, responsible citizens.
WESTLAKE ACADEMY MISSION/ VISION STATEMENT
Academic Achievement
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum
Caring Environment
Fiscal Stewardship
Communication/Transparency
Engaged Stakeholders
Maximizing Each Child’s Potential
BACKGROUND (including policy implications and options):
Leadership from the Westlake Academy Foundation Board has requested an opportunity
to visit with the Board of Trustees regarding the upcoming 2010 Blacksmith Campaign to
fund raise for Westlake Academy’s operating budget.
N/A
FUNDING
Hear report, engage in discussion and provide requested feedback/direction to the WAF
Board leadership.
RECOMMENDATION:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
Memo
Westlake Academy
To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees
From: Tom Brymer, Superintendent
Subject: Workshop Meeting of August 16, 2010
Date: August 2, 2010
Presentation and Discussion of the estimated year-end Academic Services budget for Westlake
Academy for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2010 and adopting the proposed budget for the fiscal
year ending August 31, 2011.
ITEM
Westlake Academy is a nurturing, community owned International Baccalaureate Charter School whose
mission is to achieve academic excellence and to develop life-long learners who become well-balanced,
responsible citizens.
WESTLAKE ACADEMY MISSION/ VISION STATEMENT
Academic Achievement
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum)
Caring Environment
Fiscal Stewardship
Communication/Transparency
Engaged Stakeholders
Maximizing Each Child’s Potential
In accordance with State law, the staff has prepared the FY 2010-2011 budget outlining the
anticipated revenues and expenditures of all funds. The budget will be presented at the workshop to
follow-up on direction given to staff at the Board’s June 18, 2010 WA Budget retreat.
BACKGROUND
N/A
FUNDING
Staff recommends approval
RECOMMENDATION
Proposed FY 10-11 WA Budget (to be sent under separate cover)
ATTACHMENTS
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Memo
Town of Westlake
To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees
From: Tom Brymer, Superintendent
Subject: Workshop Meeting of August 16, 2010
Date: August 5, 2010
Discussion of the proposed Board of Trustee Policies for 2010 – 2011 academic year.
ITEM
Westlake Academy is a nurturing, community owned International Baccalaureate
Charter School whose mission is to achieve academic excellence and to develop life-long
learners who well balanced, responsible citizens.
WESTLAKE ACADEMY MISSION/VISION STATEMENT
Academic Achievement
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum)
Caring Environment
Fiscal Stewardship
Communication/Transparency
Engaged Stakeholders
Maximizing Each Child’s Potential
The Board has directed staff to either amend or continually develop policies which will
foster the type of learning environment necessary for student success at Westlake
Academy. In pursuit of this goal, a series of previously adopted Board polices related to
discipline, school sanctioned trips, and the Parent/Student Handbook (Handbook) have
been amended and are being submitted for approval. Broader topics covering, electronic
communication, academic honesty, technology use and statements of support necessary
to develop a learning community have also been drafted. Staff has identified the amended
vs. new policy documents and prepared a synopsis of applicable changes and/or
explanations necessary for the Board to make an informed decision.
BACKGROUND
Amended Policies:
1. Parent/Student Handbook
Additions/Revisions: A paragraph has been added encouraging parents to sign an
– the previous policy directed staff to develop, maintain
and publish the Handbook on an annual basis; amend as necessary according to
changes in policy and publish on the Academy web site.
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acknowledgement form stating they have read and understand the Handbook
provisions on an annual basis. Students will be required to sign the
acknowledgment form indicating they have read and understand the items
contained in the document and the revision provides for student consequences if
they fail to sign/return the paperwork.
2. Discipline
– the policy, in general, outlined the need to develop a discipline
related policy to ensure a safe and productive learning environment; the statement
also outlined the due process procedures and identified the ‘serious offenses’
recognized by the Board as detrimental to the students, staff and faculty.
Additions/Revisions: In amending the policy, our attorney for Westlake Academy
suggested the list of ‘serious offenses’ be moved to the Handbook, that our
progressive discipline procedures be clearly delineated and additional language be
included to cover the mandatory legal notices regarding drugs, felony offenses,
assaults, alcohol, guns, etc.
Staff also suggested the implementation of an alternative Saturday school option
as a step which could be used for various purposes, which was not previously
contained in the policy.
3. Board Parameters for School Sanctioned Trips
– the stated purpose of the policy
was to affirm the Board’s desire to support residential trips as a component of the
IB curriculum and provide the Staff with general directives on planning and
executing the events.
Additions/Revisions: Revisions to the document began with the Board’s direction
to establish a schedule whereby parents could receive prior notification of trip
destinations and/or monetary requirements so they could prepare in advance for
the student’s travel. As such, the following items are identified in the revision:
a. A proposed trip ‘schedule’ for both primary and secondary is included
b. General procedures to organize and plan trips are outlined
c. Explanations that trips are a privilege is expanded to include
consequences for discipline issues that arise while student’s are
traveling
d. Vendor identification and Request for Proposal processes are identified
e. Staff training outlining the responsibilities of each chaperone is
required; along with the identification of a group staff leader for each
trip
f. Setting a minimum number of students necessary for each trip to be a
viable learning experience for the group has been established with
parameters allowing for the Superintendent (or designee) to determine
the number
g. Non-sanctioned school trips are addressed with the requirement that
the parent obtain prior approval from the respective Principal, prior to
the student’s absence in order to receive an excused absence.
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In addition, language has been included requiring that all out-of-state trips receive
Board approval as the immunity laws for each destination location may place
additional liability burdens on the governing body/Academy which differ from
Texas. Our attorney advised this should be included in the policy document.
New Policies:
4. Technology Use and Computer System Responsibilities
– as the school has
expanded the Staff has identified the need to create a Board policy covering the
approved and appropriate use of the technology resources available on the school
campus. The proposal is designed to establish that the electronic communication
system/technology resources are a privilege the students and staff are afforded
and as such, are subject to limitations and consequences for the abuse of the
system.
The policy covers general user guidelines and safety measures for both students
and staff.
5. Learning Community Commitment Statement
– the policy covers the
establishment of separate statements for parents, students, and faculty/staff, which
will serve to reinforce their commitment to the learning environment at Westlake
Academy. The ideals found in the statements are based on the mission, vision and
values established by the Board for the Academy and also incorporate the traits
found in the IB Learner Profile.
Parents will be encouraged to sign the statements to indicate their support of their
child’s education on an annual basis. Students, in grades 5 – 12, will be required
to sign the pledge as a condition of attending the school and parents of the
younger students will be asked to read the information to the child. Staff/faculty
will also be required to sign a support statement designed to foster and create an
effective learning atmosphere.
6. Electronic Communications and Faculty Responsibilities
- provides for
parameters under which communication should occur between the stakeholders of
the Academy community, such as parents, Board members, students, staff, etc.
In an effort to comply with privacy measures as it relates to student information,
the Academy has certain responsibilities as to when electronic communication is
acceptable and when a personal meeting is the best course of action. The
following is delineated in the document:
a. Electronic communication should be used for short discussions to
schedule meetings, answer factual/logistical questions about
homework, tests, projects, etc. and/or to provide for trip
announcements
b. Electronic communication should not be used for discussion regarding
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behavior, academic performance considered to be confidential
according to state or federal law (special needs, learning disabilities,
etc.) and/or to discuss training methods, subject content or discipline.
The policy also contains a statement designed to prohibit the use of social media,
personal email or third-party website use to communicate with parents or students
about school matters.
7. Academic Honesty and Honor Code
– the policy provides for a definition of
academic dishonesty and states the Board’s support of the use of an Honor Code
pledge to develop the student’s character as it relates to completing their own
work and properly citing the material used in research papers and homework
assignments.
In addition, the policy provides for consequences if a student violates the pledge,
fails to adequately document their materials, commits plagiarism, collaborates on
tests or assignments when prohibited or uses other aids during an assessment
which are not authorized.
8. Vehicle Transportation Policy
– establishes standards and definitions for the use
of school owned, leased, or rented vehicles in order to transport the students. The
policy is drawn from the applicable state law and procedures customarily found in
surrounding ISD’s.
Upon review of the policies and approval by the Board, these items will be included in
the Handbook (as necessary) prior to the coming school year.
Not applicable at this time.
FUNDING
For the Board to review and discuss the policy proposals for Westlake Academy.
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS:
• Board policy proposals covering these related and categories and topics:
Student Achievement Board Parameters for School Sanctioned Trips
Governance Discipline
Parent, Student and Faculty Parent/Student Handbook
Relations and Expectations: Academic Honesty & Honor Code Electronic
c Communications & Faculty Responsibilities
Technology Use & Computer System RResp.
onsibilities
Learning Community Comm. Statement
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TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 09-04
Date Board Adopted: February 9, 2009
Date Board Amended: August 16, 2010
Effective Date
: August 16, 2010
Policy Name
: Parent –Student Handbook
Policy Category
: Parent, Student and Faculty Relations and Expectations
Policy Goal
: Effective communication of Parent-Student Expectations and
Standards
Policy Description
:
The purpose of this policy is to outline the Board of Trustees’ desired outcome to
have a Parent/Student Handbook to facilitate communication to Westlake
Academy parents and students of the various aspects of the Academy’s
operations, student expectations, and student standards.
In that light, the Westlake Academy staff is charged with drafting, updating, and
publishing, at least annually prior to the start of the school, a Parent/Student
Handbook (Handbook). A copy of the current Handbook will be placed on the
Academy’s web site. During the course of the school year, the Academy staff is
responsible for identifying amendments that may need to be made to the
Handbook due to changes in Board policy or Academy procedures. If any
amendments are made, they shall be communicated in a timely fashion to all
Academy parents and students prior to their effective date.
Parents and students will be expected to sign an acknowledgment form stating
they have read and understand the policies and procedures outlined in the
Handbook for each applicable school year. A student that fails to provide a
signed acknowledgment within the allotted time frame may be subject to
expulsion from the Academy.
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TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 09 - 14
Date Board Adopted: August 3, 2009
Date Board Amended: August 16, 2010
Effective Date
: August 16, 2010
Policy Name
: Discipline
Policy Category
: Governance
Policy Goal
: Description of the discipline policy
Policy Description
Our primary belief is that no student or member of the Westlake Academy
community has the right to impede the education of another student. Any
behavior, which is disruptive to the learning environment, will not be tolerated
and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, as necessary, to ensure the
integrity of the learning environment. The Academy encourages parents to work
with their children and school personnel to establish clear expectations for
student behavior.
:
Staff and students will use the IB learner profile attributes as a basis for the
development of a constructive behavior environment. Every effort will be made
to develop positive consequences, which can be applied to individual students as
well as classrooms. Consistency is important and will be a priority in decisions
involving student behavior and discipline in order to establish firm and consistent
limits for students. The IB program also establishes a positive educational
environment for both the student and teacher. Generally, the following levels will
be used to determine consequences for disregarding school and classroom
rules:
Parent/Student Handbook
Each year, Westlake Academy shall make available the Parent/Student
Handbook, which shall describe the acceptable standards of student conduct and
:
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the disciplinary consequences applicable to violations of the standards of
conduct or other school or classroom rules. Both parents and students are
expected to sign acknowledgement of the receipt and review of the
Parent/Student Handbook for each year in which the student is enrolled in the
Academy. A student that fails to provide a signed acknowledgment within the
allotted time frame may be subject to expulsion from the Academy. Revisions to
the Handbook that are made during the school year shall be made available
promptly to students, parents, teachers, administrators, and others.
Generally, consequences for disregarding acceptable standards of conduct or
school and classroom rules will include one or more of the following:
Progressive Discipline:
1. Warning from teacher or any member of school staff and reflection by
student
2. Disciplinary action from classroom teacher or Head of Section and
reflection by the student
3. For more serious offenses, Head of Section Principal disciplinary action
and reflection by the student
4. For repeated infractions or serious offenses, Serious infractions, Head of
Section disciplinary action by the Principal or Superintendent, parent
notification and reflection by the student
Disciplinary action may include:
1. Detention
2. In-school Suspension
3. Saturday School
4. Out-of-school Suspension
5. Expulsion
6. Or other consequences determined by the Principal or Superintendent to
be appropriate in compliance with the procedures identified in the
Parent/Student Handbook
Depending on the severity of an offense, school personnel may request
immediate intervention by the Principal or Superintendent in any disciplinary
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matter. Parents will be notified promptly if a student’s behavior may result in a
disciplinary consequence that includes detention for which the parent may need
to make alternative transportation plans for the student, in-school suspension,
out-of-school suspension, or proposed expulsion. Severe infractions of the Code
of Conduct or disruption considered serious by school personnel will warrant
immediate teacher or Head of Section intervention. Parents will be notified of
serious behavior problems immediately.
Guidelines for Discipline Procedure
:
Westlake Academy personnel shall adhere to the following general guidelines
when imposing discipline:
1. A student shall be disciplined when necessary to improve the student’s
behavior, to maintain essential order, or to protect other students, school
employees, or property.
2. Students shall be treated fairly and equitably. Discipline shall be based on
a careful assessment of the circumstances of each case. Factors that may
be considered include:
a. Seriousness of the offense;
b. Student’s age;
c. Frequency of misconduct;
d. Student’s attitude;
e. Potential effect of the misconduct on the school environment;
f. Provisions of the Parent/Student Handbook.
3. When applicable, the following steps will be taken to ensure Westlake
Academy students receive appropriate due process:
• The student will be informed of the prohibited conduct or rule
violation that he/she is alleged to have committed.
• The student will be provided information related to the factual
basis for the allegations.
• The student will have an opportunity to respond to the
allegations and provide any additional information relevant to
the allegations, including any defenses or other mitigating
factors.
1. Must be informed of accusations against them.
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2. Must have explained to them the factual basis for the accusations.
3. Must have a chance to present an alternative factual position if the
accusations are denied.
Serious offenses include:
• Defiance of authority
• Verbal or physical threat or action against another person i.e. bullying
• Fighting
• Drugs - using, possessing, giving or selling any dangerous, illegal or look-
alike drugs or drug paraphernalia,
• Students can not use, without permission, or misuse any
prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications.
• Alcohol – using, possessing, giving or selling any alcoholic or look-alike
alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco – using, possessing, giving or selling any tobacco or tobacco
products
• Gambling - wagering or betting money or other stakes on the outcome of
any activity
• Theft - stealing property of another person or of the school
• Weapons dangerous items - bringing items to school that are considered
dangerous as decided by the Head of Section
• Willfully damaging or destroying school property
• Possession and or distribution of printed, audio or video material deemed
inappropriate by school authorities
• Downloading offensive or inappropriate material from the internet
• Visiting offensive or inappropriate sites on the internet
• Cheating and/or plagiarism; which includes the dishonest use of electronic
media.
• Three detentions
The consequences for a violation of the serious offenses policy may result in
expulsion on the first offense for any of the above.
4. Discipline for serious offenses:
A student may be removed from class if the student engages in conduct involving
a public school that contains the elements of the offense of false alarm or report
under Texas Penal Code 42.06, or terroristic threat under Texas Penal Code
22.07.
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A student may be removed from class if the student commits the following on or
within 300 feet of school property, as measured from any point on the school’s
real property boundary line or while attending a school-sponsored or school-
related activity on or off school property:
a) Engages in conduct punishable as a felony,
b) Engages in conduct that contains the elements of assault, under Penal
Code 22.01(a)(1),
c) Sells, gives, or delivers to another person, or possesses, uses, or is under
the influence of:
a. Marijuana or a controlled substance, as defined by the Texas
Controlled Substances Act, Health and Safety Code Chapter 481,
or by 21 U.S.C. 801, et seq;
b. A dangerous drug as defined by the Texas Dangerous Drug Act,
Health and Safety Code, Chapter 483.
d) Sells, gives, or delivers to another person an alcoholic beverage, as
defined by the Alcoholic Beverage Code, 1.04, or commits a serious act or
offense while under the influence of alcohol, or possesses, uses, or is
under the influence of an alcoholic beverage,
e) Engages in conduct that contains the elements of an offense relating to an
abusable volatile chemical under Health and Safety Code, 485.031
through 485.034,
f) Engages in conduct that contains the elements of the offense of public
lewdness under Penal Code, 21.07,
g) Engages in conduct that contains the elements of the offense of indecent
exposure under Penal Code, 21.08.
h) Students shall not smoke, use or possess tobacco products,
Any conduct by a student that poses a risk to the safety of the student, other
students, school employees or school property may be treated as a serious
offense and may result in the student’s removal from class and other appropriate
discipline, up to and including expulsion.
The consequences for a serious offense may result in disciplinary action up to
and including expulsion on the first offense. Serious offenses may also include
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other prohibited behaviors as identified in the Parent/Student Handbook based
on the circumstances and severity of the offense.
5. Prior to expulsion from Westlake Academy, a student will have an
opportunity for a hearing before the appropriate Principal. The student’s
parent shall be notified in advance of the hearing. If the Principal
recommends expulsion, the student may appeal that decision to the
Superintendent. If the Superintendent upholds the recommendation for
expulsion, the student may appeal that decision to the Board of Trustees.
Gun-Free Schools Act
In accordance with the Gun-Free Schools Act, Westlake Academy shall expel,
from the student’s regular program, for a period of one (1) year, any student who
is determined to have brought a firearm, as defined by federal law, to school.
The Superintendent may modify the term of expulsion for a student or assess
another comparable penalty that results in the student’s exclusion from the
regular school program, on a case-by-case basis. 20 U.S.C. § 7151; Tex. Educ.
Code §§ 12.104(b)(1), 37.007(e).
For purposes of this policy, “firearm” means:
A. Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will, or is designed to, or which
may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an
explosive;
B. The frame or receiver of any such weapon;
C. Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer;
D. Any destructive device. “Destructive Device” means any explosive,
incendiary, or poison gas bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant
charge of more than four (4) ounces, missile having an explosive or
incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, mine, or device similar
to any of the preceding described devices. It also means any type of
weapon (other than a shotgun shell or a shotgun that is generally
recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes) by whatever
name known which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a
projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, and which has
any barrel with a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter; and any
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combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any
device into a destructive device as described in this item, and from which
a destructive device may be readily assembled.
18 U.S.C. § 921.
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TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 09-08:
Date Board Adopted: March 9, 2009
Date Board Amended: August 16, 2010
Effective Date
: March 9, 2009
Policy Name
: Board Parameters for School Sanctioned Trips
Policy Category
: Student Achievement
Policy Goal
: Students Who Become Well Balanced, Life Long Learners
Policy Description
: The Board of Trustees supports Academy sanctioned trips
as a means to pursue, promote, and enhance IB learning goals for Academy
students as set out in the IB Learner Profile. As such, all school sanctioned trips
should fit and promote this IB Learner Profile, the IB curriculum, as well as be of
direct educational value for the student participants of these trips. In an effort to
provide the safest possible environment for the students of Westlake Academy,
this policy for student trips will be enforced on any and all trips that require
students to be away from the property located at 2600 J. T. Ottinger Road,
Westlake, TX 76262.
Board Approval for Out-of-State Trips
The Board shall approve all out-of-state, school-sponsored trips. Such approval
shall consider the immunity laws applicable for the destination, District and
employee liability for damages arising from accidents and/or injuries that may
occur during the trip, the stated educational value of the trip, and whether
participation results from advancement in a regional or national competition.
The following grade level(s) and trip formats have been identified as consistent
with the IB curriculum and Learner Profile and thereby, effective as of the
2011/2012 school year, approved as to a standing schedule for the Academy.
Grade Trip Format/Location Date of Occurrence
Primary
2
4 Team Building (Local destination) Spring
5 Domestic or International Trip (Location subject to approval) Spring
Secondary
7 Team Building (Domestic) Fall
8 Historical/Boston, Washington D.C. (Domestic) Spring
9 Language Immersion (Domestic) Fall
10 International Trip (Location subject to approval) Fall
11 Team Building (Local destination) Fall
12 Senior Trip (Location subject to approval) Spring
All other policy directives contained in this document will begin with the
2010/2011 school year as it relates to, requests to organize student trips, staff
training and chaperone responsibilities, non-school sanctioned trips, conduct
expectations and consequences, and student participation.
Requests to Organize Student Trips
Other than the previously identified trips associated with each grade level, trip
requests within the contiguous 48 states must be submitted to the Principal of
each section for review, prior to Board approval.
Requests for student trips to locations outside the United States will be submitted
to the Superintendent for review, prior to Board approval.
Student trips should coordinate with the Academy’s school calendar as much as
possible. If any part of the requested trip will occur during scheduled instructional
time, the request should adequately address how the academic needs will be
met for any students not participating in the trip. The Superintendent or his/her
designee is responsible for establishing required chaperone ratios that address
safety needs.
All student trips must be organized in accordance with the requirements
established in the Parent-Student Handbook, other applicable administrative
procedures, and any requirements imposed by the Superintendent. The
Superintendent shall review the request and, if applicable under this policy,
forward it to the Board for approval.
All student trip decisions are the sole purview of staff and faculty, subject to the
restrictions of this policy. As such, parent input on such trips will be encouraged
and utilized as appropriate however all final decisions on Westlake Academy
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student trip destinations and trip logistics will be made by Superintendent
designated staff and faculty subject to the parameters of this policy.
To that end, student trips should be planned to coordinate as much as practical
with the Academy’s school calendar. A school planned trip that occurs during the
time the Academy is in session should also adequately address the academic
needs of the students that cannot attend the trip. The Head of School or his
designate is responsible for establishing chaperone ratios that address safety
needs. All trips must be planned in accordance with requirements established in
the Parent-Student Handbook or other administrative procedures and
requirements approved and set out by the Head of School.
Any trip taken away from the school is a privilege, not a right, and as such,
students are required to represent our school in a responsible manner. This
privilege could be revoked as a disciplinary measure if deemed necessary by the
school administration. Students who violate the code of conduct or directives
given by school staff during a school trip, will be subject to the disciplinary
processes contained in the Parent/Student Handbook. Serious conduct
violations that occur during a school trip may result in expulsion in accordance
with Academy policies and Parent/Student Handbook.
Vendor Identification
Staff shall utilize a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to identify and select a
vendor to provide the school sponsored trips on an annual basis. All trip
locations will be coordinated through the selected vendor who will work with the
Superintendent or his/her designee to schedule the events.
Staff Training and Chaperone Responsibilities
Any staff member who participates in a school sponsored trip will be required to
undergo a training process which explains the trip guidelines and responsibilities
associated with serving as a chaperone. The foremost duty of all chaperones
shall be the care and supervision of the students. All written and implied rules of
conduct in the Employee Manual or found in the Parent/Student Handbook will
be followed.
Additionally, trips will have a designated Group Leader, assigned by the
appropriate Principal, to serve as the staff member who will coordinate the
logistics, recruit additional chaperones, communicate with parents and make any
necessary decisions which concern the welfare of the students while away from
the Academy.
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Chaperones are not permitted to bring a spouse or other children who are not
otherwise eligible for participation in a school trip as their guests, even at their
own expense.
Participation in Student Trips
The Academy shall obtain written parent permission before any student may
participate in any school-sponsored student trip or other activity away from
school. Participation is subject to any pre-requisites that may be set in
compliance with the Parent/Student Handbook.
Students who participate in school-sponsored trips shall be required to ride in
transportation arranged or provided by the school to and from the event. An
exception may be made if the student’s parent or guardian personally requests
that the student be allowed to ride or travel with the parent or presents a written
request to the office. The Academy shall not be liable for any injuries that occur
to students being transported/traveling outside the school arranged
transportation.
Each school sponsored trip will be subject to a minimum number of student
participants that will be deemed necessary to continue with the event. The Board
has established 2/3 as the minimum number of student participation rate for each
grade level trip. However, should a simple majority of 50% be achieved, the
Superintendent, or his/her designee, is directed to review the educational
benefits of the trip and determine if the trip should proceed as planned.
Non-residential trips will require the Principal’s approval for both location and the
minimum number of student participants necessary to plan the event.
The following are the Westlake Academy Residential Trips Policy Rationale and
Learning Outcomes:
Rationale:
Non-school Sanctioned Trips
As school attendance, participation in the classroom environment and exposure
to the appropriate educational material is vital to the success of the student,
families are encouraged to refrain from removing their child(ren) for family trips
during the school term.
5
Parents who schedule trips during the school year, which are not officially
sanctioned by the Academy, subject their student(s) to unexcused absences.
Any absences of this nature must be submitted to the Principal for review and
approval prior to the withdrawal of the student. Approved trips will be given an
excused absence and conversely unapproved trips will be given an unexcused
absence, which will follow the guidelines in the Parent/Student Handbook for
make-up work and attendance consequences.
Residential Trips
At Westlake Academy, we believe that residential trips give the students greater
opportunities for experiential learning within an appropriate, relevant and
authentic context, as well as the chance to develop their independence and self-
management skills.
Time away from home helps cement and forge friendships, as well as
strengthening the bonds that they have with their teachers.
In addition to the aforementioned, residential trips afford students with the
opportunity of experiencing different perspectives and cultures, thus promoting
and developing greater understanding and international-mindedness.
The following are the Learning Outcomes for Residential Trips:
DEVELOPING KEY SKILLS
• Using and applying knowledge, skills and understanding in different,
realistic and exciting contexts
• Developing the ability to work co-operatively
• Developing the ability to communicate successfully
• Showing initiative and a positive attitude
• Showing greater independence, moving towards self-reliance
• Becoming increasingly risk aware and increasing understanding and
independent action
RAISING ACHIEVEMENT BY BOOSTING SELF-ESTEEM AND MOTIVATION
• Raising self-esteem through successful participation and enjoyment
• Developing a positive attitude to learning
• Helping demonstrate strengths and understanding of limitations
• Encouraging responsibility
• Improving behavior
• Addressing disaffection
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DEVELOPING SOCIAL EDUCATION AND CITIZENSHIP
• The ability to work with others, accept and support them, building
relationships
• Learning to tolerate others and respect their views – understanding equal
opportunities
• Learning to accept the consequences of their own actions
• Learning to defend their own point of view
• Encouraging a commitment to voluntary service
• Exploring attitudes and values they will carry into adult life
PROMOTING EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
• An appreciation of the natural world as a source of interest and challenge
• A concern for living things
• An understanding of the need for interdependence between people and
the environment
• Recognition of the effect of present actions on the future
• An increasing ability to access evidence and make personal decisions
PROMOTING HEALTH AND FITNESS AND A POSITIVE USE OF LEISURE
(where applicable)
• Developing a positive attitude to physical activities and a healthy lifestyle
• Developing and experiencing physical fitness and well-being
• Achieving success in physical activities
• Developing self-respect and self-discipline and the ability to cope with
adversity
Revised 080210
1
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 10-
Date Board Adopted: August 16, 2010
Date Board Amended: N/A
Effective Date
: August 16, 2010
Policy Name
: Technology Use and Computer System Responsibilities
Policy Category
: Parent, Student and Faculty Relations and Expectations
Policy Goal
: To establish accountability standards and parameters for the use
of technology at Westlake Academy congruent with the Academy’s academic
honor and employee/student conduct codes and expectations.
Policy Description
:
In an effort to promote to appropriate use of technology in the classroom and
within the broader learning environment, the Board of Trustees approves the
following policies and procedures for Westlake Academy.
Technology Resources Access
Access to the Academy’s electronic communications system and/or technology
resources is a privilege, not a right. All users shall be required to acknowledge
receipt and understanding of all Board policies and administrative regulations
governing use of the system and shall agree in writing to allow monitoring of their
use and to comply with all policies, regulations and guidelines.
Noncompliance may result in suspension of access or termination of privileges
and other disciplinary action consistent with Academy policies, any applicable
employee policies or procedures, and the Parent/Student Handbook. Violations
of law may result in disciplinary action by the Academy, in addition to any action
taken by law enforcement.
2
Access to the Academy’s electronic communications system/technology
resources will be governed as follows:
1. Students in Kindergarten–Grade 12 will be assigned individual student
login/access ID’s to utilize the Academy’s system by parental permission,
as appropriate.
2. As appropriate and with the written approval of the immediate supervisor
and completion of relevant training, Academy employees will be granted
access to the Academy’s technology resources as necessary.
3. A staff member may apply for a generic email account and in doing so will
ultimately be responsible for use of the account.
4. The Academy will require that all passwords be changed when necessary.
All passwords must remain confidential and may not be shared.
5. Any system/resources user identified as a security risk or as having
violated Academy and/or campus technology use guidelines may be
denied access to the Academy’s technology resource system.
6. All users will be required to sign a user agreement annually each August
for issuance or renewal of an account. Academy employees that violate
the user agreement or the Academy’s Technology Policy may be subject
to an adverse employment action up to and including termination of
employment. Academy students that violate the user agreement or the
Academy’s Technology Policy may be subject to disciplinary action in
accordance with the Academy’s discipline policies and the procedures
outlined in the Parent/Student Handbook.
7. All Academy technology resource systems are business assets and are
not private. The Academy may access and review any use of technology,
including, but not limited to, all Web pages and e-mails sent to and from
employees, during transmission or storage.
Technology Resources User Responsibilities
The following standards will apply to all users of the Academy’s technology
resources systems:
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1. The individual in whose name a user ID/login is issued will be responsible
at all times for its proper use.
2. The technology resources system may not be used for illegal purposes, in
support of illegal activities, or for any other activity prohibited by Academy
policy or guidelines.
3. Users may not disable, or attempt to disable, a content/media filtering
device on the Academy’s technology resources system.
4. Encryption methods other than those used and approved by the
administrator may not be utilized.
5. System users may not use another person’s user ID/login without written
permission from the campus administrator or Academy coordinator, as
appropriate.
6. Students may not distribute personal information about themselves or
others by means of the technology resources system; this includes, but is
not limited to, personal addresses and telephone numbers.
7. Students should never make appointments to meet people whom they
meet online and should report to a teacher or administrator if they receive
any request for such a meeting.
8. System users must purge and/or make hard copies of electronic mail and
file such in accordance with established retention guidelines.
9. System users may not redistribute copyrighted programs or data except
with the written permission of the copyright holder or designee. Such
permission must be specified in the document or must be obtained directly
from the copyright holder or designee in accordance with applicable
copyright law, Academy policy, and administrative regulations.
10. System users should avoid actions that are likely to increase the risk of
introducing viruses to the system, such as opening e-mail messages from
unknown senders and loading data from unprotected computers.
11. System users may not install public domain programs to the technology
resources system. Users may not download public domain programs for
their own use nor non-commercially redistribute a public domain program
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and are responsible for determining whether a program is in the public
domain.
12. System users may not use the Academy’s technology resources to send
or post messages that are abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually
oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or
illegal.
13. System users may not purposefully access materials that are abusive,
obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing,
damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal.
14. System users should be mindful that use of school-related electronic mail
addresses might cause some recipients or other readers of that e-mail to
assume they represent the school, whether or not that was the user’s
intention.
15. Users may not waste Academy technology resources related to the
system.
16. System users may not gain unauthorized access to resources or
information.
17.
System users understand and agree that all documents and
communications are the property of the Academy. As such, a system user
may not copy, download, disseminate, e-mail or disclose Academy
property to third parties not directly related to Academy business without
the express written authority of the Academy Superintendent.
Information from Third Parties
System users and parents of students with access to the Academy’s technology
resource system should be aware that, despite the Academy’s use of technology
protection measures as required by law, use of the system may provide access
to other electronic communications systems in the global electronic network that
may contain inaccurate and/or objectionable material.
Any user and/or student who gains access, or knows of others accessing such
material is expected to discontinue the access as quickly as possible and to
report the incident to the supervising teacher/administrator(s).
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A student knowingly bringing prohibited materials or media into the school’s
electronic environment will be subject to suspension of access and/or revocation
of privileges on the Academy’s system and will be subject to disciplinary action in
accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
An employee knowingly bringing prohibited materials or media into the school’s
electronic environment will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with
Academy policies.
Disclaimers
Opinions, advice, services, and all other information expressed by system users,
information providers, service providers, or other third-party individuals in the
system are those of the providers and not necessarily the Academy.
The Academy will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any
investigation concerning or relating to misuse of the Academy’s technology
resources system.
Revised 080210
1
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 10-
Date Board Adopted: August 16, 2010
Date Board Amended: N/A
Effective Date
: August 16, 2010
Policy Name
: Learning Community Commitment Statement
Policy Category
: Parent, Student and Faculty Relations and Expectations
Policy Goal
: To pursue shared commitment between faculty, students and
parents to build and nurture a flourishing learning community at Westlake
Policy Description
:
For quality education to occur, a partnership between parents, students, and
faculty must unite towards a common vision and goals. As such, the Board of
Trustees has established vision, mission, and values statements for Westlake
Academy all grounded in Westlake Academy’s strong roots in the International
Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and the IB Learner Profile.
In order to bring this vision into the daily school life of our students, tools must be
in place to connect the vision by emphasizing and cultivating the development of
a learning community. This commitment is contained in the Westlake Academy
Learning Community Commitment. There is much written in educational literature
about schools as “learning communities”, centered on the faculty/staff, student
and parents creating a learning community, which is often characterized as
having these attributes (SEDL):
• supportive and shared leadership
• collective creativity
• shared values and vision
• supportive conditions
• shared personal practice
The Academy’s Learning Community Commitment is intended to help chart,
reinforce and communicate to the parents, students, and faculty, not only the
2
clear path necessary toward achieving a student’s successful graduation, but the
behaviors and ideals necessary to achieve that end. As such, the Board has
developed statements toward establishing a Learning Community Commitment
for faculty, students and parents.
The student portion of the Learning Community Commitment is an
acknowledgment of the traits found in the IB Learner Profile which are integral to
their overall development and achievement during the course of their educational
career. Students in grades 5 – 12 are required to sign the commitment statement
on an annual basis. Failure to do so may subject the student to the discipline
consequences found in the Parent/Student Handbook, up to and including
expulsion from the Academy.
The faculty and staff section of the Learning Community Commitment identifies
and reinforces the professional conduct required to support our students while
they are enrolled in our learning environment at Westlake Academy. Faculty and
staff are also required to sign the commitment statements on an annual basis.
Failure to do so may result in an adverse employment action.
The parent statement portion of the Learning Community Commitment affirms
the importance of the parent’s role in attaining a quality education for their child
and supporting their student, as well as the staff, in achieving the long term goal
of creating a high quality learning environment. Parents are strongly encouraged
to read and discuss the student commitments with their children in grades K-5
and pledge their support to the success of the students by signing the parent
commitment on an annual basis.
1
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 10-
Date Board Adopted: August 16, 2010
Date Board Amended: N/A
Effective Date
: August 16, 2010
Policy Name
: Electronic Communications and Faculty Responsibilities
Policy Category
: Parent, Student and Faculty Relations and Expectations
Policy Goal
: Establishing clear guidelines for the use of electronic
communication between Westlake faculty/staff and parents, between Board
members and parents, as well as between Academy faculty/staff members and
their students.
Policy Description
:
Effective communication is an essential component of any successful
organization, and the Board wishes to encourage this type of communication
among all Academy stakeholder groups and constituents. To that end, it is
recognized that electronic communication is frequently used to achieve
communication between parties on a timely basis. It is important to identify when
electronic communication is appropriate, when it is not, and how to best utilize
this method of communication for maximum effectiveness in the school setting.
Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, the term “electronic communication(s)” shall be
defined as:
a. Email
b. Text messaging
c. Instant Messaging
d. Social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter
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Electronic Communication shall be used for short and precise exchanges
to:
a) plan or schedule meetings between a parent and teacher or between
faculty/staff members
b) answer a brief factual/logistical question about a student’s homework
assignment or scheduling of a test, quiz, or project, (i.e. when tests,
quizzes, or projects will be given or when they are due)
c) announce trip arrangements and logistics
Electronic Communication on these topics shall be timely and concise. As such,
inquiries sent via electronic communication shall be answered/returned by
faculty/staff within twenty-four (24) hours or less of their receipt from a parent or
student (weekends excepted).
Electronic Communication shall not
be used for substantive discussions
and conversations. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
a) discussions about a student’s (or students’) behavior or conduct, either in
or outside of the classroom, on or off campus
b) discussions regarding a student’s (or students’) academic performance or
any aspect of student life protected as confidential under State and/or
Federal law (i.e., special education needs, learning disabilities, discipline
imposed, etc)
c) discussions regarding teaching methods, subject content, policy or
administrative decisions, or discipline measures/decisions
All communication on topics such as these shall occur in face-to-face meetings
or telephone conversations, as appropriate. Such meetings and/or telephone
conversations shall be set and/or occur in a timely fashion.
Faculty/staff members are prohibited from using social media, personal
email, or third-party websites to communicate with students or parents
about any Academy-related matters.
1
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 10-
Date Board Adopted: August 16, 2010
Date Board Amended: N/A
Effective Date
: August 16, 2010
Policy Name
: Academic Honesty and Honor Code
Policy Category
: Parent, Student and Faculty Relations and Expectations
Policy Goal
: To establish a standard for academic honesty and the
expectations relative to an honor code for Westlake Academy
Policy Description
:
A component of the mission statement for Westlake Academy is to strive to
achieve academic excellence and develop life-long learning traits for the success
of the students. As such, an academic honesty and honor code is necessary to
support those endeavors.
All students are expected to act with integrity in regards to Academic and non-
academic contexts. Any form of plagiarism, including downloading and using
information from the internet without quoting sources, will be considered a
violation of the code of conduct. We expect all students to be on their honor, and
cheating will be dealt with severely.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is defined as:
• Engaging in any act of plagiarism by passing off ideas or words of another
as one's own, using another's work without quoting sources, committing
literary theft, or presenting an idea from an already existing source as new
or original;
• Receiving or providing assistance on an assignment in or out of the
classroom where collaboration is not explicitly condoned by the instructor;
• Communicating or attempting to communicate with another student during
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an examination via verbal, nonverbal, written, or electronic means;
• Disclosing the content of assessment material to another student who is
taking or has taken the same course but has not yet taken the assessment
in question;
• Possessing or using forbidden materials or aids during an assessment; or
• Stealing, attempted theft, or collusion with any who attempt to steal
assessment materials.
Cheating, plagiarism, forgery and any other forms of academic dishonesty are
considered severe discipline infractions and will be subject to the progressive
discipline process outlined in the Parent/Student Handbook.
Honor Code
By means of an Honor Code, students practice responsible leadership, accept
personal responsibility and develop strong character and create an atmosphere
free from suspicion. At its core, the Honor Code is based on mutual respect and
trust, serving as a written model for what is expected from students in terms of
behavior, as well as a pledge to live by the school’s values. All students will be
required to support the traits identified in the IB Learner Profile by committing to
the following:
Honor Pledge: “I pledge to uphold the honor of Westlake Academy and
ensure that all work carrying my name is my own.”
Students who commit themselves to upholding the Westlake Academy Honor
Code will be instilled with a sense of honor and integrity that will last beyond their
school years.
Revised 080210
Memo
Westlake Academy
To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees
From: Tom Brymer, Superintendent
Stacy Stoyanoff, Diploma Programme Coordinator
Subject: Workshop of August 16, 2010
Date: August 9, 2010
Presentation and Discussion of Diploma Programme/Advanced Placement Results from the
2009-10 Academic Year.
ITEM
Westlake Academy is a nurturing, community owned International Baccalaureate Charter School whose
mission is to achieve academic excellence and to develop life-long learners who become well-balanced,
responsible citizens.
WESTLAKE ACADEMY MISSION/ VISION STATEMENT
Academic Achievement
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum)
Caring Environment
Fiscal Stewardship
Communication/Transparency
Engaged Stakeholders
Maximizing Each Child’s Potential
BACKGROUND (including policy implications and options):
The Academy’s Strategic Plan sets out under the Desired Outcome of High Student Achievement, with
the Specific Outcome and measures as follows:
Graduate the maximum number of students with an IB Diploma on an annual basis – On-going
Goal Team Leader(s): Diploma Program Coordinator
2.1 80% of graduates achieve the IB Diploma by 2015
2.1.1 Students will achieve at a level that exceeds the national average
relative to other IB schools
2.2 90% will test for the complete panel of Diploma Program exams,
Estimated Completion Date: Spring, 2011
N/A
FUNDING
Review report for discussion purposes at the workshop.
RECOMMENDATION
Report to be sent under separate cover
ATTACHMENTS:
BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Westlake Academy
Item #8
Board Recap /
Staff Direction
Westlake Academy
Item # 9 –
Workshop
Adjournment
Back up material has not
been provided for this item.
Westlake Academy
Item # 2 – Pledge of
Allegiance
Texas Pledge:
"Honor the Texas
flag; I pledge
allegiance to thee,
Texas, one state under
God, one and
indivisible."
CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: This is an opportunity for citizens to
address the Board on any matter whether or not it is posted on the agenda. The Board cannot
by law take action nor have any discussion or deliberations on any presentation made to the
Board at this time concerning an item not listed on the agenda. Any item presented may be
noticed on a future agenda for deliberation or action.
Westlake Academy
Item # 3 – Citizens’
Presentations and
recognitions
CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of
Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of
items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be
removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence.
a. Consider approval of the minutes for the meeting held on May 10, 2010.
b. Consider approval of the minutes for the joint workshop held on June 7, 2010.
c. Consider approval of the minutes for the workshop held on June 18, 2010.
d. Consider approval of Resolution 10-10, Amending the discipline policy.
e. Consider approval of Resolution 10-11, Amending the trips policy.
f. Consider approval of Resolution 10-12, Amending the parent – student
handbook signature page.
g. Consider approval of Resolution 10-13, Amending the academic honesty
policy.
h. Consider approval of Resolution 10-14, Amending the technology usage policy.
i. Consider approval of Resolution 10-15, Adopting a transportation policy.
j. Consider approval of Resolution 10-16, Adopting an electronic communication
policy.
k. Consider approval of Resolution 10-17, Adopting a community learning
commitment policy.
l. Consider approval of Resolution 10-18, Approving additions to the Westlake
Academy Personnel Manual.
Westlake Academy
Item # 4 - Consent
Agenda Items
BOT Minutes 05/10/10
Page 1 of 5
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES WORKSHOP & REGULAR MEETINGS
May 10, 2010
PRESENT: President Laura Wheat and Trustees, Tim Brittan, Larry Corson, Carol Langdon,
Rick Rennhack, and Rebecca Rollins.
ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT: Chief Executive Officer Thomas Brymer, Secretary Kelly Edwards,
Head of Secondary Mark Garcia, Head of Primary Jamie Schmitz,
Assistant to the Town Manager Ginger Awtry, Human Resources
and Administrative Services Todd Wood, PYP Coordinator Terri
Watson, DP Coordinator, Stacy Stoyanoff, Administrative Services
Coordinator Ben Nibarger, Municipal Court Administrator Amanda
DeGan and Director of Parks and Recreation and Facilities Troy
Meyer.
Workshop Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the workshop meeting to order at 4:32 p.m.
2. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FROM MAY 10, 2010, TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
Trustee Corson asked to discuss the School Calendar. Discussion ensued regarding the
changes made using staff input and schedule of exams prior to the Winter Break.
3. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS:
President Wheat recognized Ciara McMurry as the recipient of the NCWIT (National
Center for Women & Information Technology) Aspirations in Computing award.
BOT Minutes 05/10/10
Page 2 of 5
President Wheat and Ms. Sara Titus announced the winners of the Black Cow journalist
awards received from the UIL State Journalism completion.
Mr. Dave Lieber presented the Black Cow Hall of Fame awards to the Knights, Jaymi
Ford, Kyle Herbst, Phillip D’Amore, Shivam Purohit, Bailey Cockrum, Corey Timmerman,
and Sara Titus. Mr. Lieber also named Rameen Sarwarzad as Editor of the Year.
President Wheat announced the name of winners for the Art in the Square Youth Art
awards from Southlake’s Art in the Square.
Presentation of the PYP Exhibition invitation to Board of Trustees led by Grade 6
students.
(ensuring that the right student outcomes are being achieved – focus is on student outcomes and not
processes)
How well are the students doing?
4. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF INFORMATION REGARDING THE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY SENIOR CLASS OF 2010.
Head of Secondary Garcia announced that to date the Class of 2010 has collectively
received $3,777,000 in scholarship/grant money.
(ensuring that operationally inappropriate things are not occurring.)
Is everything occurring appropriately?
5. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF A REPORT CONCERNING THE
PLANNED ACTIVITIES OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY FOUNDATION
President Leah Rennhack and Executive Direction Shelly Myers, PhD. provided an
overview for the BlackSmith accomplishments and fundraising events fund for 2009.
The foundation does anticipate maintain all current levels for fundraising and friend-
raising efforts. They also provided planned activities for Summer 2010 & the 2010-
2011 school year.
6. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE FIRST WESTLAKE ACADEMY ALL
FACULTY ‘FEDEX DAY’ (HELD ON FRIDAY, APRIL 2ND, 2010).
Head of Primary Schmitz provided and overview of the program. Each faculty member
provided an overview of their ideas and processes that have been implemented.
CEO Brymer stated that he has received positive feedback and would like to gather all
the summary sheets and place them in a booklet for the future.
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7. DISCUSSION OF BLOCK SCHEDULE PROPOSAL FOR SECONDARY.
CEO Brymer recommended moving forward with Option A which is converting our
current system to an A/B Block Schedule. Budgeting and logistics will be discussed in
detail during the Budget workshop on June 18th. CEO Brymer feels the staff needs
more time to plan a seamless transition of expanding our students and course offerings
but not taking Option B off of the table for discussion.
Discussion ensued on course offerings and the timeframe to move forward to the
expanded schedule. The Board and Staff also discussed the additional options and
effects.
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat adjourned the
workshop at 7:12 p.m.
Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the Regular meeting to order at 7:13 p.m. with all Trustees
present.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Wheat led the pledge of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.
3. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Trustee Corson announced that “Seussical the Musical” performed by the 9th grade
students was outstanding and wanted to recognize teachers Mrs. Odem, Ms. Harrell,
and Ms. James.
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4. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Consider approval of the Board of Trustees meeting held on April 5, 2010.
b. Consideration of Resolution 10-07, Adopting the 2010-2011 School Calendar.
c. Consideration Resolution 10-08, Adopting a five (5) year strategic plan for
Westlake Academy.
d. Consideration of Resolution 10-09, Authorizing Westlake Academy to renew
participation with the Region XI Benefits Cooperative for the 2010-2011 school
year.
MOTION: Trustee Rennhack made a motion to approve the consent
agenda. Trustee Langdon seconded the motion. The motion
carried by a vote of 5-0.
5. BOARD CALENDAR
- New Board Trustee/Council orientation
May 12, 2010
- Texas Charter Schools Association Conference
May 12-14, 2010
- Westlake Academy Graduation
May 23, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.
- Decoration Day
May 31, 2010
- Board Meeting
June 7, 2010
- Board Budget Retreat – Off Site
June 18, 2010 (Friday 9:00 – 1:00)
- Board Meeting (adoption of budget)
August 16, 2010
6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Trustee Brittan Discussion regarding lunch/cafeteria logistics.
MOTION: Trustee Corson agreed to place the item on a future agenda.
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7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat asked for a motion
to adjourn.
MOTION: Trustee Rennhack 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 7:18 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON JUNE 7, 2010.
____________________________
Laura Wheat, Board President
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary
BOT & TC Minutes 06/07/10
Page 1 of 3
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
AND
TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP
June 7, 2010
PRESENT: President Laura Wheat and Trustees, Tim Brittan, Carol Langdon and Rick
Rennhack.
ABSENT: Larry Corson and Clif Cox
OTHERS PRESENT: Chief Executive Officer Thomas Brymer, Secretary Kelly Edwards,
Head of Primary Jamie Schmitz, Human Resources and
Administrative Services Todd Wood, Administrative Services
Coordinator Ben Nibarger, Management Intern Scott Dixon,
Municipal Court Administrator Amanda DeGan and Director of
Parks and Recreation and Facilities Troy Meyer.
Trustees Workshop Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the workshop meeting to order at 4:39 p.m.
2. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION ON THE TEXAS CHARTER SCHOOL
ASSOCIATION’S QUALITY FRAMEWORK FOR SCHOOL CONTINUOUS
IMPROVEMENT.
CEO Brymer presented an overview of the TCCSA Quality Framework as provided by
the Texas Charter Schools Association regarding assessment and peer review.
Head of Primary Schmitz spoke to the Board regarding the framework standards and
the similarities and using the TCSA framework.
Discussion ensued on how to measure the quality framework standards and including
parts of this TCSA’s document while making it a living document that will fit the
Academy’s specific needs.
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President Wheat asked staff if the two could be integrated and come up with our own
instrument and then presented our tool back to the TCSA.
3. ADJOURNMENT
President Wheat adjourned the workshop at 6:07 p.m.
Joint Workshop Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wheat called the workshop meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.
2. FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION FROM THE MAY 24, 2010, WORKSHOP REGARDING
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND THE MUNICIPAL AND ACADEMIC
BUDGETS.
Mayor Wheat asked the board to clarify the direction the Council would like staff to
pursue when submitting budgets.
Town Manager Brymer was under the impression that the council wanted him to move
forward with a budget showing a 10% and 20% cuts.
Mayor Wheat and the Council asked staff to present budget scenarios reflecting a 10%
and 20% cut to review the impact of the services and programs/services that would be
eliminated.
3. BOARD CALENDAR
- Budget Workshop (Friday 9:00 – 1:00 pm)
June 18, 2010 - tentative
- Board Meeting (adoption of budget)
August 16, 2010
- Arbor Day
September 25, 2010
- Board Meeting
September 27, 2010
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Page 3 of 3
4. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat asked for a motion
to adjourn.
President Wheat adjourned the meeting at 6:14 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON AUGUST 16, 2010.
____________________________
Laura Wheat, Board President
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary
BOT Minutes 06/17/10
Page 1 of 2
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES WORKSHOP
June 18, 2010
PRESENT: President Laura Wheat and Trustees, Tim Brittan, Larry Corson, Clif Cox, Carol
Langdon and Rick Rennhack.
ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT: Chief Executive Officer Thomas Brymer, Secretary Kelly Edwards,
Head of Primary Jamie Schmitz, Finance Director Debbie Piper,
Assistant to the Town Manager Ginger Awtry, Human Resources
and Administrative Services Todd Wood, Administrative Services
Coordinator Ben Nibarger, Municipal Court Administrator Amanda
DeGan, Director of Parks and Recreation and Facilities Troy
Meyer, and Management Intern Scott Dixon.
Workshop Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
The workshop began at 9:10 a.m.
2. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE PROPOSED ACADEMIC SERVICES
BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011.
CEO Brymer provided an overview of the process and presentation. CEO Brymer stated
the goal of today’s presentation is to understand the outcome and services that would
be affected should those services be reduced.
The presentation provided several snap shots of the general financial information of the
Academic Services Budget.
Discussion ensued regarding the difference of the cost between PYP and MYP students,
the cost per Special Education student, census and enrollment information outlining
student growth.
BOT Minutes 06/17/10
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Discussion also ensued regarding recruitment and salaries for teachers and a step pay
or performance pay increases, how we have two separate entities and how to show the
associated cost for each, block scheduling and the optimum number of students per
grade.
3. BOARD CALENDAR
- Board Meeting (adoption of budget)
August 16, 2010
4. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON AUGUST 16 2010.
____________________________
Laura Wheat, Board President
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary
Page 1 of 2
Memo
Town of Westlake
To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees
From: Tom Brymer, Superintendent
Subject: Regular Meeting of August 16, 2010
Date: August 10, 2010
Discussion of the Proposed Board of Trustee Policies for 2010 – 2011 Academic Year.
ITEM
Westlake Academy is a nurturing, community owned International Baccalaureate
Charter School whose mission is to achieve academic excellence and to develop life-long
learners who well balanced, responsible citizens.
WESTLAKE ACADEMY MISSION/VISION STATEMENT
Academic Achievement
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum)
Caring Environment
Fiscal Stewardship
Communication/Transparency
Engaged Stakeholders
Maximizing Each Child’s Potential
Staff has researched and is proposing the following adoption/amendment of Trustee
policies as it relates to the operational components and student/faculty expectations at
Westlake Academy. These policies are integral toward fostering the type of learning
environment necessary for student success at Westlake Academy and are as follows:
BACKGROUND
Amended Policies:
1. Parent/Student Handbook
2. Discipline
3. Board Parameters for School Sanctioned Trips
New Policies:
4. Technology Use and Computer System Responsibilities
5. Learning Community Commitment Statement
6. Electronic Communications and Faculty Responsibilities
7. Academic Honesty and Honor Code
8. Vehicle Transportation Policy
Page 2 of 2
Not applicable at this time.
FUNDING
Approval of the recommended policy proposals for Westlake Academy.
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolutions
Board policy proposals covering these related and categories and topics:
• Student Achievement Board Parameters for School Sanctioned Trips
• Governance Discipline
• Parent, Student and Faculty
Relations and Expectations Academic Honesty & Honor Code Electronic
Communications & Faculty Responsibilities
Technology Use & Computer System Resp.
Learning Community Comm. Statement
Resolution 10-10
Page 1 of 6
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION 10-10
A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
APPROVING AND AMENDING THE DISCIPLINE POLICY AT WESTLAKE
ACADEMY.
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees recognizes that a safe and non-disruptive
environment is central to the education of the students and as such, desires to amend the policy,
which is designed to create this type of atmosphere; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best
interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and the faculty of
Westlake Academy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
WESTLAKE ACADEMY:
SECTION 1:
THAT, all matters stated in the Recitals hereinabove are found to be true
and correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
SECTION 2:
THAT, the Board of Trustees for Westlake Academy, hereby approves the
amended policy titled, Discipline, attached to this resolution as Exhibit “A”.
SECTION 3
: IF any portion of this Resolution shall, for any reason, be declared invalid
by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions
hereof and the Board hereby determines that it would have adopted this Resolution without the
invalid provision.
SECTION 4
: THAT this resolution shall become effective from and after its date of
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 16th DAY OF AUGUST, 2010.
___________________________________
Laura Wheat, President
ATTEST:
________________________________ ___________________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary Thomas E. Brymer, Superintendent
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
L. Stanton Lowry, School Attorney
Resolution 10-10
Page 2 of 6
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 09-14
Date Board Adopted: August 3, 2009
Date Board Amended: August 16, 2010
Effective Date
: August 16, 2010
Policy Name
: Discipline
Policy Category
: Governance
Policy Goal
: Description of the discipline policy
Policy Description
Our primary belief is that no student or member of the Westlake Academy community
has the right to impede the education of another student. Any behavior, which is
disruptive to the learning environment, will not be tolerated and appropriate disciplinary
action will be taken, as necessary, to ensure the integrity of the learning environment.
The Academy encourages parents to work with their children and school personnel to
establish clear expectations for student behavior.
:
Staff and students will use the IB learner profile attributes as a basis for the
development of a constructive behavior environment. Every effort will be made to
develop positive consequences, which can be applied to individual students as well as
classrooms. Consistency is important and will be a priority in decisions involving student
behavior and discipline in order to establish firm and consistent limits for students. The
IB program also establishes a positive educational environment for both the student and
teacher.
Parent/Student Handbook
Each year, Westlake Academy shall make available the Parent/Student Handbook,
which shall describe the acceptable standards of student conduct and the disciplinary
consequences applicable to violations of the standards of conduct or other school or
classroom rules. Both parents and students are expected to sign acknowledgement of
the receipt and review of the Parent/Student Handbook for each year in which the
student is enrolled in the Academy. A student that fails to provide a signed
acknowledgment within the allotted time frame may be subject to expulsion from the
Academy. Revisions to the Handbook that are made during the school year shall be
made available promptly to students, parents, teachers, administrators, and others.
:
Resolution 10-10
Page 3 of 6
Generally, consequences for disregarding acceptable standards of conduct or school
and classroom rules will include one or more of the following:
Progressive Discipline:
1. Warning from teacher or any member of school staff and reflection by student
2. Disciplinary action from classroom teacher and reflection by the student
3. For more serious offenses, Principal directed disciplinary action and reflection by
the student
4. For repeated infractions or serious offenses, disciplinary action by the Principal
or Superintendent, parent notification and reflection by the student
Disciplinary action may include:
1. Detention
2. In-school Suspension
3. Saturday School
4. Out-of-school Suspension
5. Expulsion
6. Or other consequences determined by the Principal or Superintendent to be
appropriate in compliance with the procedures identified in the Parent/Student
Handbook
Depending on the severity of an offense, school personnel may request immediate
intervention by the Principal or Superintendent in any disciplinary matter. Parents will
be notified promptly if a student’s behavior may result in a disciplinary consequence that
includes detention for which the parent may need to make alternative transportation
plans for the student, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or proposed
expulsion.
Guidelines for Discipline Procedure
:
Westlake Academy personnel shall adhere to the following general guidelines when
imposing discipline:
1. A student shall be disciplined when necessary to improve the student’s behavior,
to maintain essential order, or to protect other students, school employees, or
property.
2. Students shall be treated fairly and equitably. Discipline shall be based on a
careful assessment of the circumstances of each case. Factors that may be
considered include:
a. Seriousness of the offense;
b. Student’s age;
Resolution 10-10
Page 4 of 6
c. Frequency of misconduct;
d. Student’s attitude;
e. Potential effect of the misconduct on the school environment;
f. Provisions of the Parent/Student Handbook.
3. When applicable, the following steps will be taken to ensure Westlake Academy
students receive appropriate due process:
• The student will be informed of the prohibited conduct or rule violation
that he/she is alleged to have committed.
• The student will be provided information related to the factual basis for
the allegations.
• The student will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations and
provide any additional information relevant to the allegations, including
any defenses or other mitigating factors.
4. Discipline for serious offenses:
A student may be removed from class if the student engages in conduct involving a
public school that contains the elements of the offense of false alarm or report under
Texas Penal Code 42.06, or terroristic threat under Texas Penal Code 22.07.
A student may be removed from class if the student commits the following on or within
300 feet of school property, as measured from any point on the school’s real property
boundary line or while attending a school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off
school property:
a) Engages in conduct punishable as a felony,
b) Engages in conduct that contains the elements of assault, under Penal Code
22.01(a)(1),
c) Sells, gives, or delivers to another person, or possesses, uses, or is under the
influence of:
a. Marijuana or a controlled substance, as defined by the Texas Controlled
Substances Act, Health and Safety Code Chapter 481, or by 21 U.S.C.
801, et seq;
b. A dangerous drug as defined by the Texas Dangerous Drug Act, Health
and Safety Code, Chapter 483.
d) Sells, gives, or delivers to another person an alcoholic beverage, as defined by
the Alcoholic Beverage Code, 1.04, or commits a serious act or offense while
under the influence of alcohol, or possesses, uses, or is under the influence of an
alcoholic beverage,
e) Engages in conduct that contains the elements of an offense relating to an
abusable volatile chemical under Health and Safety Code, 485.031 through
485.034,
f) Engages in conduct that contains the elements of the offense of public lewdness
under Penal Code, 21.07,
Resolution 10-10
Page 5 of 6
g) Engages in conduct that contains the elements of the offense of indecent
exposure under Penal Code, 21.08.
h) Students shall not smoke, use or possess tobacco products,
Any conduct by a student that poses a risk to the safety of the student, other students,
school employees or school property may be treated as a serious offense and may
result in the student’s removal from class and other appropriate discipline, up to and
including expulsion.
The consequences for a serious offense may result in disciplinary action up to and
including expulsion on the first offense. Serious offenses may also include other
prohibited behaviors as identified in the Parent/Student Handbook based on the
circumstances and severity of the offense.
5. Prior to expulsion from Westlake Academy, a student will have an opportunity for
a hearing before the appropriate Principal. The student’s parent shall be notified
in advance of the hearing. If the Principal recommends expulsion, the student
may appeal that decision to the Superintendent. If the Superintendent upholds
the recommendation for expulsion, the student may appeal that decision to the
Board of Trustees.
Gun-Free Schools Act
In accordance with the Gun-Free Schools Act, Westlake Academy shall expel, from the
student’s regular program, for a period of one (1) year, any student who is determined
to have brought a firearm, as defined by federal law, to school.
The Superintendent may modify the term of expulsion for a student or assess another
comparable penalty that results in the student’s exclusion from the regular school
program, on a case-by-case basis. 20 U.S.C. § 7151; Tex. Educ. Code §§
12.104(b)(1), 37.007(e).
For purposes of this policy, “firearm” means:
A. Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will, or is designed to, or which may
readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive;
B. The frame or receiver of any such weapon;
C. Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer;
D. Any destructive device. “Destructive Device” means any explosive, incendiary,
or poison gas bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than
four (4) ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than
one-quarter ounce, mine, or device similar to any of the preceding described
devices. It also means any type of weapon (other than a shotgun shell or a
shotgun that is generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting
Resolution 10-10
Page 6 of 6
purposes) by whatever name known which will, or which may be readily
converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant,
and which has any barrel with a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter; and
any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any
device into a destructive device as described in this item, and from which a
destructive device may be readily assembled.
18 U.S.C. § 921.
Resolution 10-11
Page 1 of 7
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION 10-11
A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
APPROVING AND ADOPTING A POLICY ESTABLISHING PARAMETERS FOR
SCHOOL SANCTIONED TRIPS FOR WESTLAKE ACADEMY.
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees considers school sanctioned trips to be an important
component of the learning environment and an integral concept in pursuing an International
Baccalaureate education; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees wishes to identify grade level trips for planning and
fund-raising purposes, which are specific to Primary and Secondary; and,
WHEREAS, a safe and structured environment is desired for each trip; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best
interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and the faculty of
Westlake Academy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
WESTLAKE ACADEMY:
SECTION 1:
THAT, all matters stated in the recitals hereinabove are found to be true
and correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
SECTION 2:
THAT, the Board of Trustees for Westlake Academy, hereby approves the
policy titled, Board Parameters for School Sanctioned Trips attached to this Resolution as
Exhibit “A”.
SECTION 3
: IF, any portion of this Resolution shall, for any reason, be declared invalid
by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions
hereof and the Board hereby determines that it would have adopted this Resolution without the
invalid provision.
SECTION 4
: THAT, this Resolution shall become effective from and after its date of
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 16th DAY OF AUGUST, 2010.
___________________________________
Laura Wheat, President
Resolution 10-11
Page 2 of 7
ATTEST:
________________________________ ___________________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary Thomas E. Brymer, Superintendent
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
L. Stanton Lowry, School Attorney
Resolution 10-11
Page 3 of 7
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 09-08:
Date Board Adopted: March 9, 2009
Date Board Amended: August 16, 2010
Effective Date
: March 9, 2009
Policy Name
: Board Parameters for School Sanctioned Trips
Policy Category
: Student Achievement
Policy Goal
: Students Who Become Well Balanced, Life Long Learners
Policy Description
: The Board of Trustees supports Academy sanctioned trips as a
means to pursue, promote, and enhance IB learning goals for Academy students as set
out in the IB Learner Profile. As such, all school sanctioned trips should fit and promote
this IB Learner Profile, the IB curriculum, as well as be of direct educational value for
the student participants of these trips. In an effort to provide the safest possible
environment for the students of Westlake Academy, this policy for student trips will be
enforced on any and all trips that require students to be away from the property located
at 2600 J. T. Ottinger Road, Westlake, TX 76262.
Board Approval for Out-of-State Trips
The Board shall approve all out-of-state, school-sponsored trips. Such approval shall
consider the immunity laws applicable for the destination, District and employee liability
for damages arising from accidents and/or injuries that may occur during the trip, the
stated educational value of the trip, and whether participation results from advancement
in a regional or national competition.
The following grade level(s) and trip formats have been identified as consistent with the
IB curriculum and Learner Profile and thereby, effective as of the 2011/2012 school
year, approved as to a standing schedule for the Academy.
Resolution 10-11
Page 4 of 7
Grade Trip Format/Location Date of Occurrence
Primary
4 Team Building (Local destination) Spring
5 Domestic or International Trip (Location subject to approval) Spring
Secondary
7 Team Building (Domestic) Fall
8 Historical/Boston, Washington D.C. (Domestic) Spring
9 Language Immersion (Domestic) Fall
10 International Trip (Location subject to approval) Fall
11 Team Building (Local destination) Fall
12 Senior Trip (Location subject to approval) Spring
All other policy directives contained in this document will begin with the 2010/2011
school year as it relates to, requests to organize student trips, staff training and
chaperone responsibilities, non-school sanctioned trips, conduct expectations and
consequences, and student participation.
Requests to Organize Student Trips
Other than the previously identified trips associated with each grade level, trip requests
within the contiguous 48 states must be submitted to the Principal of each section for
review, prior to Board approval.
Requests for student trips to locations outside the United States will be submitted to the
Superintendent for review, prior to Board approval.
Student trips should coordinate with the Academy’s school calendar as much as
possible. If any part of the requested trip will occur during scheduled instructional time,
the request should adequately address how the academic needs will be met for any
students not participating in the trip. The Superintendent or his/her designee is
responsible for establishing required chaperone ratios that address safety needs.
All student trips must be organized in accordance with the requirements established in
the Parent-Student Handbook, other applicable administrative procedures, and any
requirements imposed by the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall review the
request and, if applicable under this policy, forward it to the Board for approval.
All student trip decisions are the sole purview of staff and faculty, subject to the
restrictions of this policy. As such, parent input on such trips will be encouraged and
utilized as appropriate however all final decisions on Westlake Academy student trip
destinations and trip logistics will be made by Superintendent designated staff and
faculty subject to the parameters of this policy.
Resolution 10-11
Page 5 of 7
Any trip taken away from the school is a privilege, not a right, and as such, students are
required to represent our school in a responsible manner. This privilege could be
revoked as a disciplinary measure if deemed necessary by the school administration.
Students who violate the code of conduct or directives given by school staff during a
school trip, will be subject to the disciplinary processes contained in the Parent/Student
Handbook. Serious conduct violations that occur during a school trip may result in
expulsion in accordance with Academy policies and Parent/Student Handbook.
Vendor Identification
Staff shall utilize a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to identify and select a vendor
to provide the school sponsored trips on an annual basis. All trip locations will be
coordinated through the selected vendor who will work with the Superintendent or
his/her designee to schedule the events.
Staff Training and Chaperone Responsibilities
Any staff member who participates in a school sponsored trip will be required to
undergo a training process which explains the trip guidelines and responsibilities
associated with serving as a chaperone. The foremost duty of all chaperones shall be
the care and supervision of the students. All written and implied rules of conduct in the
Employee Manual or found in the Parent/Student Handbook will be followed.
Additionally, trips will have a designated Group Leader, assigned by the appropriate
Principal, to serve as the staff member who will coordinate the logistics, recruit
additional chaperones, communicate with parents and make any necessary decisions
which concern the welfare of the students while away from the Academy.
Chaperones are not permitted to bring a spouse or other children who are not otherwise
eligible for participation in a school trip as their guests, even at their own expense.
Participation in Student Trips
The Academy shall obtain written parent permission before any student may participate
in any school-sponsored student trip or other activity away from school. Participation is
subject to any pre-requisites that may be set in compliance with the Parent/Student
Handbook.
Students who participate in school-sponsored trips shall be required to ride in
transportation arranged or provided by the school to and from the event. An exception
may be made if the student’s parent or guardian personally requests that the student be
allowed to ride or travel with the parent or presents a written request to the office. The
Academy shall not be liable for any injuries that occur to students being
transported/traveling outside the school arranged transportation.
Resolution 10-11
Page 6 of 7
Each school sponsored trip will be subject to a minimum number of student participants
that will be deemed necessary to continue with the event. The Board has established
2/3 as the minimum number of student participation rate for each grade level trip.
However, should a simple majority of 50% be achieved, the Superintendent, or his/her
designee, is directed to review the educational benefits of the trip and determine if the
trip should proceed as planned.
Non-residential trips will require the Principal’s approval for both location and the
minimum number of student participants necessary to plan the event.
Non-school Sanctioned Trips
As school attendance, participation in the classroom environment and exposure to the
appropriate educational material is vital to the success of the student, families are
encouraged to refrain from removing their child(ren) for family trips during the school
term.
Parents who schedule trips during the school year, which are not officially sanctioned by
the Academy, subject their student(s) to unexcused absences. Any absences of this
nature must be submitted to the Principal for review and approval prior to the
withdrawal of the student. Approved trips will be given an excused absence and
conversely unapproved trips will be given an unexcused absence, which will follow the
guidelines in the Parent/Student Handbook for make-up work and attendance
consequences.
Residential Trips
At Westlake Academy, we believe that residential trips give the students greater
opportunities for experiential learning within an appropriate, relevant and authentic
context, as well as the chance to develop their independence and self-management
skills.
Time away from home helps cement and forge friendships, as well as strengthening the
bonds that they have with their teachers.
In addition to the aforementioned, residential trips afford students with the opportunity of
experiencing different perspectives and cultures, thus promoting and developing greater
understanding and international-mindedness.
The following are the Learning Outcomes for Residential Trips:
DEVELOPING KEY SKILLS
• Using and applying knowledge, skills and understanding in different, realistic
and exciting contexts
Resolution 10-11
Page 7 of 7
• Developing the ability to work co-operatively
• Developing the ability to communicate successfully
• Showing initiative and a positive attitude
• Showing greater independence, moving towards self-reliance
• Becoming increasingly risk aware and increasing understanding and
independent action
RAISING ACHIEVEMENT BY BOOSTING SELF-ESTEEM AND MOTIVATION
• Raising self-esteem through successful participation and enjoyment
• Developing a positive attitude to learning
• Helping demonstrate strengths and understanding of limitations
• Encouraging responsibility
• Improving behavior
• Addressing disaffection
DEVELOPING SOCIAL EDUCATION AND CITIZENSHIP
• The ability to work with others, accept and support them, building relationships
• Learning to tolerate others and respect their views – understanding equal
opportunities
• Learning to accept the consequences of their own actions
• Learning to defend their own point of view
• Encouraging a commitment to voluntary service
• Exploring attitudes and values they will carry into adult life
PROMOTING EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
• An appreciation of the natural world as a source of interest and challenge
• A concern for living things
• An understanding of the need for interdependence between people and the
environment
• Recognition of the effect of present actions on the future
• An increasing ability to access evidence and make personal decisions
PROMOTING HEALTH AND FITNESS AND A POSITIVE USE OF LEISURE (where
applicable)
• Developing a positive attitude to physical activities and a healthy lifestyle
• Developing and experiencing physical fitness and well-being
• Achieving success in physical activities
• Developing self-respect and self-discipline and the ability to cope with adversity
Revised 080210
Resolution 10-12
Page 1 of 3
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION 10-12
A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
APPROVING AND AMENDING THE POLICY PERTAINING TO THE
PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK (HANDBOOK) FOR WESTLAKE ACADEMY.
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees has directed staff to create, maintain and publish a
Parent/Student Handbook for the families of Westlake Academy to facilitate communication
specific to the Academy’s operations, student expectations, and standards; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees wishes to provide students and parents with the
necessary notifications and acknowledgment opportunities for receipt of the material contained
in the Handbook; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best
interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and the faculty of
Westlake Academy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
WESTLAKE ACADEMY:
SECTION 1:
THAT, all matters stated in the Recitals hereinabove are found to be true
and correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
SECTION 2:
THAT, the Board of Trustees for Westlake Academy, hereby approves the
policy amendment titled, Parent-Student Handbook, attached to this resolution as Exhibit “A”.
SECTION 3
: IF any portion of this Resolution shall, for any reason, be declared invalid
by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions
hereof and the Board hereby determines that it would have adopted this Resolution without the
invalid provision.
SECTION 4
: THAT this resolution shall become effective from and after its date of
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 16th DAY OF AUGUST, 2010.
___________________________________
Laura Wheat, President
Resolution 10-12
Page 2 of 3
ATTEST:
________________________________ ___________________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary Thomas E. Brymer, Superintendent
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
L. Stanton Lowry, School Attorney
Resolution 10-12
Page 3 of 3
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 09-04
Date Board Adopted: February 9, 2009
Date Board Amended: August 16, 2010
Effective Date
: August 16, 2010
Policy Name
: Parent –Student Handbook
Policy Category
: Parent, Student and Faculty Relations and Expectations
Policy Goal
: Effective communication of Parent-Student Expectations and Standards
Policy Description
:
The purpose of this policy is to outline the Board of Trustees’ desired outcome to have a
Parent/Student Handbook to facilitate communication to Westlake Academy parents
and students of the various aspects of the Academy’s operations, student expectations,
and student standards.
In that light, the Westlake Academy staff is charged with drafting, updating, and
publishing, at least annually prior to the start of the school, a Parent/Student Handbook
(Handbook). A copy of the current Handbook will be placed on the Academy’s web site.
During the course of the school year, the Academy staff is responsible for identifying
amendments that may need to be made to the Handbook due to changes in Board
policy or Academy procedures. If any amendments are made, they shall be
communicated in a timely fashion to all Academy parents and students prior to their
effective date.
Parents and students will be expected to sign an acknowledgment form stating they
have read and understand the policies and procedures outlined in the Handbook for
each applicable school year. A student that fails to provide a signed acknowledgment
within the allotted time frame may be subject to expulsion from the Academy.
Resolution 10-13
Page 1 of 4
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION 10-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
APPROVING AND ADOPTING A POLICY ESTABLISHING AN ACADEMIC
HONESTY AND HONOR CODE FOR THE STUDENTS AT WESTLAKE ACADEMY.
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees desires to create a supportive learning environment
with the ultimate outcome being the achievement of academic excellence and the development of
life-long learning skills for the students at Westlake Academy; and,
WHEREAS, it is necessary to promote academic honesty and develop the use of an
honor code to achieve the desired outcome; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best
interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and the faculty of
Westlake Academy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
WESTLAKE ACADEMY:
SECTION 1:
THAT, all matters stated in the recitals hereinabove are found to be true
and correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
SECTION 2:
THAT, the Board of Trustees for Westlake Academy, hereby approves the
policy, Academic Honesty and Honor Code, attached to this Resolution as Exhibit “A”.
SECTION 3:
IF, any portion of this Resolution shall, for any reason, be declared invalid
by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions
hereof and the Board hereby determines that it would have adopted this Resolution without the
invalid provision.
SECTION 4:
THAT, this Resolution shall become effective from and after its date of
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS THE 16th DAY OF AUGUST, 2010.
___________________________________
Laura Wheat, President
Resolution 10-13
Page 2 of 4
ATTEST:
________________________________ ___________________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary Thomas E. Brymer, Superintendent
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
L. Stanton Lowry, School Attorney
Resolution 10-13
Page 3 of 4
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 10-13:
Date Board Adopted: August 16, 2010
Date Board Amended: N/A
Effective Date
: August 16, 2010
Policy Name
: Academic Honesty and Honor Code
Policy Category
: Parent, Student and Faculty Relations and Expectations
Policy Goal
: To establish a standard for academic honesty and the expectations
relative to an honor code for Westlake Academy
Policy Description
:
A component of the mission statement for Westlake Academy is to strive to achieve
academic excellence and develop life-long learning traits for the success of the
students. As such, an academic honesty and honor code is necessary to support those
endeavors.
All students are expected to act with integrity in regards to Academic and non-academic
contexts. Any form of plagiarism, including downloading and using information from the
internet without quoting sources, will be considered a violation of the code of conduct.
We expect all students to be on their honor, and cheating will be dealt with severely.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is defined as:
• Engaging in any act of plagiarism by passing off ideas or words of another as
one's own, using another's work without quoting sources, committing literary
theft, or presenting an idea from an already existing source as new or original;
• Receiving or providing assistance on an assignment in or out of the classroom
where collaboration is not explicitly condoned by the instructor;
• Communicating or attempting to communicate with another student during an
examination via verbal, nonverbal, written, or electronic means;
• Disclosing the content of assessment material to another student who is taking or
has taken the same course but has not yet taken the assessment in question;
• Possessing or using forbidden materials or aids during an assessment; or
• Stealing, attempted theft, or collusion with any who attempt to steal assessment
materials.
Resolution 10-13
Page 4 of 4
Cheating, plagiarism, forgery and any other forms of academic dishonesty are
considered severe discipline infractions and will be subject to the progressive discipline
process outlined in the Parent/Student Handbook.
Honor Code
By means of an Honor Code, students practice responsible leadership, accept personal
responsibility and develop strong character and create an atmosphere free from
suspicion. At its core, the Honor Code is based on mutual respect and trust, serving as
a written model for what is expected from students in terms of behavior, as well as a
pledge to live by the school’s values. All students will be required to support the traits
identified in the IB Learner Profile by committing to the following:
Honor Pledge: “I pledge to uphold the honor of Westlake Academy and ensure that
all work carrying my name is my own.”
Students who commit themselves to upholding the Westlake Academy Honor Code will
be instilled with a sense of honor and integrity that will last beyond their school years.
Revised 080210
Resolution 10-14
Page 1 of 6
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION 10-14
A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
APPROVING AND ADOPTING A POLICY REGARDING THE USE OF
TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTER SYSTEM USER RESPONSIBILITIES FOR
WESTLAKE ACADEMY.
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees desires to establish a policy providing for the use of
the technology resources available to the students, faculty/staff and other visitors while on
campus or through access methods provided at Westlake Academy; and,
WHEREAS, the policy identifies a set of broad based procedures necessary to secure the
system and establish appropriate user guidelines; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best
interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and the faculty of
Westlake Academy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
WESTLAKE ACADEMY:
SECTION 1:
THAT, all matters stated in the recitals hereinabove are found to be true
and correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
SECTION 2:
THAT, the Board of Trustees for Westlake Academy, hereby approves the
policy, Technology Use and Computer System Responsibilities, attached to this Resolution as
Exhibit “A”.
SECTION 3
: IF, any portion of this Resolution shall, for any reason, be declared invalid
by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions
hereof and the Board hereby determines that it would have adopted this Resolution without the
invalid provision.
SECTION 4
: THAT, this Resolution shall become effective from and after its date of
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 16th DAY OF AUGUST, 2010.
___________________________________
Laura Wheat, President
Resolution 10-14
Page 2 of 6
ATTEST:
________________________________ ___________________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary Thomas E. Brymer, Superintendent
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
L. Stanton Lowry, School Attorney
Resolution 10-14
Page 3 of 6
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 10-14:
Date Board Adopted: August 16, 2010
Date Board Amended: N/A
Effective Date
: August 16, 2010
Policy Name
: Technology Use and Computer System Responsibilities
Policy Category
: Parent, Student and Faculty Relations and Expectations
Policy Goal
: To establish accountability standards and parameters for the use of
technology at Westlake Academy congruent with the Academy’s academic honor and
employee/student conduct codes and expectations.
Policy Description
:
In an effort to promote to appropriate use of technology in the classroom and within the
broader learning environment, the Board of Trustees approves the following policies
and procedures for Westlake Academy.
Technology Resources Access
Access to the Academy’s electronic communications system and/or technology
resources is a privilege, not a right. All users shall be required to acknowledge receipt
and understanding of all Board policies and administrative regulations governing use of
the system and shall agree in writing to allow monitoring of their use and to comply with
all policies, regulations and guidelines.
Noncompliance may result in suspension of access or termination of privileges and
other disciplinary action consistent with Academy policies, any applicable employee
policies or procedures, and the Parent/Student Handbook. Violations of law may result
in disciplinary action by the Academy, in addition to any action taken by law
enforcement.
Access to the Academy’s electronic communications system/technology resources will
be governed as follows:
1. Students in Kindergarten–Grade 12 will be assigned individual student
login/access ID’s to utilize the Academy’s system by parental permission, as
appropriate.
Resolution 10-14
Page 4 of 6
2. As appropriate and with the written approval of the immediate supervisor and
completion of relevant training, Academy employees will be granted access to
the Academy’s technology resources as necessary.
3. A staff member may apply for a generic email account and in doing so will
ultimately be responsible for use of the account.
4. The Academy will require that all passwords be changed when necessary. All
passwords must remain confidential and may not be shared.
5. Any system/resources user identified as a security risk or as having violated
Academy and/or campus technology use guidelines may be denied access to the
Academy’s technology resource system.
6. All users will be required to sign a user agreement annually each August for
issuance or renewal of an account. Academy employees that violate the user
agreement or the Academy’s Technology Policy may be subject to an adverse
employment action up to and including termination of employment. Academy
students that violate the user agreement or the Academy’s Technology Policy
may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Academy’s discipline
policies and the procedures outlined in the Parent/Student Handbook.
7. All Academy technology resource systems are business assets and are not
private. The Academy may access and review any use of technology, including,
but not limited to, all Web pages and e-mails sent to and from employees, during
transmission or storage.
Technology Resources User Responsibilities
The following standards will apply to all users of the Academy’s technology resources
systems:
1. The individual in whose name a user ID/login is issued will be responsible at all
times for its proper use.
2. The technology resources system may not be used for illegal purposes, in
support of illegal activities, or for any other activity prohibited by Academy policy
or guidelines.
3. Users may not disable, or attempt to disable, a content/media filtering device on
the Academy’s technology resources system.
4. Encryption methods other than those used and approved by the administrator
may not be utilized.
Resolution 10-14
Page 5 of 6
5. System users may not use another person’s user ID/login without written
permission from the campus administrator or Academy coordinator, as
appropriate.
6. Students may not distribute personal information about themselves or others by
means of the technology resources system; this includes, but is not limited to,
personal addresses and telephone numbers.
7. Students should never make appointments to meet people whom they meet
online and should report to a teacher or administrator if they receive any request
for such a meeting.
8. System users must purge and/or make hard copies of electronic mail and file
such in accordance with established retention guidelines.
9. System users may not redistribute copyrighted programs or data except with the
written permission of the copyright holder or designee. Such permission must be
specified in the document or must be obtained directly from the copyright holder
or designee in accordance with applicable copyright law, Academy policy, and
administrative regulations.
10. System users should avoid actions that are likely to increase the risk of
introducing viruses to the system, such as opening e-mail messages from
unknown senders and loading data from unprotected computers.
11. System users may not install public domain programs to the technology
resources system. Users may not download public domain programs for their
own use nor non-commercially redistribute a public domain program and are
responsible for determining whether a program is in the public domain.
12. System users may not use the Academy’s technology resources to send or post
messages that are abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented,
threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal.
13. System users may not purposefully access materials that are abusive, obscene,
pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s
reputation, or illegal.
14. System users should be mindful that use of school-related electronic mail
addresses might cause some recipients or other readers of that e-mail to assume
they represent the school, whether or not that was the user’s intention.
15. Users may not waste Academy technology resources related to the system.
16. System users may not gain unauthorized access to resources or information.
17. System users understand and agree that all documents and communications are
the property of the Academy. As such, a system user may not copy, download,
Resolution 10-14
Page 6 of 6
disseminate, e-mail or disclose Academy property to third parties not directly
related to Academy business without the express written authority of the
Academy Superintendent.
Information from Third Parties
System users and parents of students with access to the Academy’s technology
resource system should be aware that, despite the Academy’s use of technology
protection measures as required by law, use of the system may provide access to other
electronic communications systems in the global electronic network that may contain
inaccurate and/or objectionable material.
Any user and/or student who gains access, or knows of others accessing such material
is expected to discontinue the access as quickly as possible and to report the incident to
the supervising teacher/administrator(s).
A student knowingly bringing prohibited materials or media into the school’s electronic
environment will be subject to suspension of access and/or revocation of privileges on
the Academy’s system and will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the
Student Code of Conduct.
An employee knowingly bringing prohibited materials or media into the school’s
electronic environment will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Academy
policies.
Disclaimers
Opinions, advice, services, and all other information expressed by system users,
information providers, service providers, or other third-party individuals in the system
are those of the providers and not necessarily the Academy.
The Academy will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation
concerning or relating to misuse of the Academy’s technology resources system.
Revised 080210
Resolution 10-15
Page 1 of 5
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION 10-15
A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
APPROVING AND ADOPTING A POLICY PERTAINING TO VEHICLE
TRANSPORTATION FOR WESTLAKE ACADEMY.
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees desires to establish standards and parameters
governing the use of school owned, leased, or rented vehicles in a manner which promotes safety
and protects school assets; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best
interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and the faculty of
Westlake Academy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
WESTLAKE ACADEMY:
SECTION 1:
THAT, all matters stated in the recitals hereinabove are found to be true
and correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
SECTION 2:
THAT, the Board of Trustees for Westlake Academy, hereby approves the
policy titled, Vehicle Transportation Policy, attached to this resolution as Exhibit “A”.
SECTION 3:
IF, any portion of this Resolution shall, for any reason, be declared invalid
by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions
hereof and the Board hereby determines that it would have adopted this Resolution without the
invalid provision.
SECTION 4:
THAT, this resolution shall become effective from and after its date of
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS THE 16th DAY OF AUGUST, 2010.
___________________________________
Laura Wheat, President
ATTEST:
________________________________ ___________________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary Thomas E. Brymer, Superintendent
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
L. Stanton Lowry, School Attorney
Resolution 10-15
Page 2 of 5
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 10-15:
Date Board Adopted: August 16, 2010
Date Board Amended: N/A
Effective Date
: August 16, 2010
Policy Name
: Vehicle Transportation Policy
Policy Category
: Governance
Policy Goal: To establish the standards and parameters governing the use of school
owned, leased, or rented vehicles in a manner which promotes safety
and protects
school assets from loss or damage.
Policy Description
:
In an effort to promote safe transportation for all school-related events and establish
appropriate standards regarding the use of Westlake Academy-owned, leased, or
rented vehicles, the Board of Trustees approves the following policies and procedures
for Westlake Academy.
Policy Definitions
For purposes of this policy:
1. “Bus” means a motor vehicle used to transport persons and designed to
accommodate more than ten persons, including the driver.
2. “Passenger car” refers to a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, used to
transport persons and designed to accommodate ten or fewer passengers.
3. “Passenger van” means a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or passenger
car, used to transport persons and designed to transport 15 or fewer passengers,
including the driver.
4. “School activity bus” means a bus designed to accommodate more than 15
passengers, including the operator, that is owned, operated, rented, or leased by
Westlake Academy and is used to transport public school students on a school-
related activity trip, other than on routes to and from school. The term does not
include a chartered bus, a bus operated by a mass transit authority, or a school
bus.
5. “School bus” means a motor vehicle that was manufactured in compliance with
the federal motor vehicle safety standards for school buses in effect on the date of
manufacture and that is used to transport preprimary, primary, or secondary
students to and from school or on a school-related activity trip other than on
routes to and from school. The term does not include a school-chartered bus or a
bus operated by a mass transit authority.
Resolution 10-15
Page 3 of 5
6. “Motor bus” means a vehicle designed to transport more than 15 passengers,
including the driver. Education Code 34.003; Transportation. Code 541.201
7. "Motor vehicle" means a self-propelled vehicle or a vehicle that is propelled by
electric power from overhead trolley wires. The term does not include an electric
bicycle or an electric personal assistive mobility device, as defined by Texas
Transportation Code 551.201(11).
Bus Operation
A school bus may not
1. The door of the school bus is open; or
be operated if:
2. The number of passengers on the bus is greater than the manufacturer’s design
capacity for the bus.
Student Transportation
The Board of Trustees may contract for all or any part of its public school transportation
with a mass transit authority or commercial transportation company, provided that the
authority or commercial transportation company:
1. Requires its school bus drivers to have the qualifications required by and be
certified in accordance with standards established by the Department of Public
Safety;
2. Transports 15 or more students only in school buses or mass transit authority
buses that meet or exceed safety standards for school buses established under
Education Code 34.002;
3. Conducts all the following education programs with Board approval:
a. A program to inform the public that public school students will be riding on the
authority’s or company’s buses;
b. A program to educate drivers of the buses to be used under the contract of the
special needs and problems of public school students riding on the buses; and
c. A program to educate public school students on bus riding safety and any
special considerations arising from the use of the authority’s or company’s
buses.
School Activities
When transporting students in connection with school activities:
1. Only school buses or motor buses may be used to transport 15 or more students;
and
2. Passenger cars or passenger vans may be used to transport fewer than 15
students. Education Code 34.003(b)(1), (2)
Resolution 10-15
Page 4 of 5
Drivers
The operator of a passenger car or passenger van used to transport students to school
or to a school activity shall ensure that the number of passengers does not exceed the
designed capacity of the vehicle and that each passenger is secured by a safety belt.
Education Code 34.003(c)
1. Drivers will be fully licensed and shall not be under the influence of any substance
that may alter their ability to drive.
2. Drivers will meet all applicable staff qualifications including a satisfactory criminal
history and motor vehicle record check (MVR).
3. Drivers will be first aid and CPR certified if another certified staff member is not
present.
4. Drivers will obey all traffic regulations.
5. The driver shall not be included in the child: staff ratio. Drivers must not be
distracted from safe driving practices by being simultaneously responsible for the
supervision of children.
6. The Driver will be familiar with the planned route ahead of time.
7. Drivers must be authorized by Westlake Academy prior to operating any
Academy-owned, leased, or rented vehicle. Approval of all drivers will be based
on established administrative criteria and guidelines.
8. Operational procedures governing the use and maintenance of Academy-owned,
leased, or rented vehicles will be based on established administrative criteria and
guidelines.
Transportation Safety
Westlake Academy shall meet or exceed the safety standards for school buses
established by the U.S department of Transportation and the Texas Department of
Public Safety (DPS), with the advice of TEA.
Safety Standards
Westlake Academy may not require or allow a child to stand on a moving bus or
passenger van. Education Code 34.004
An operator of a school bus, while operating the bus, shall prohibit a passenger from:
1. Standing in the bus; or
2. Sitting: a. on the floor of the bus, or b. in any location on the bus that is not
designed as a seat. Transportation Code 545.426
An operator may not use a wireless communication device while operating a motor
vehicle within a school crossing zone, unless:
1. The vehicle is stopped; or
2. The wireless communication device is used with a hands-free device.
Resolution 10-15
Page 5 of 5
An operator may not use a wireless communication device while operating a passenger
bus with a minor passenger on the bus unless the passenger bus is stopped.
Transportation Code 545.425
Seat Belts
A bus, including a school bus and a school activity bus, operated by or contracted for
use by Westlake Academy for the transportation of school children shall be equipped
with a three-point seat belt for each passenger, including the operator. This requirement
applies to:
1. Each bus purchased by Westlake Academy on or after September 1, 2010, for the
transportation of school children; and
2. Each school-chartered bus contracted for use by Westlake Academy on or after
September 1, 2011, for the transportation of school children.
Westlake Academy is required to comply with this requirement only to the extent TEA
pays or commits to pay Westlake Academy for expenses incurred in complying with the
requirement. Transportation Code 547.701(e)–(f)
Westlake Academy shall require a student riding a bus operated by or contracted for
operation by Westlake Academy to wear a seat belt if the bus is equipped with seat belts
for all passengers on the bus. W estlake Academy may implement a disciplinary policy to
enforce the use of seat belts by students. Education Code 34.013
Resolution 10-16
Page 1 of 4
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION 10-16
A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
APPROVING AND ADOPTING A POLICY REGARDING ELECTRONIC
COMMUNICATIONS AND FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR WESTLAKE
ACADEMY.
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees desires to implement guidelines providing for the use
of electronic communications between all stakeholders of Westlake Academy; and,
WHEREAS, the need exists to support the use of effective communication while
working within the legal boundaries and privacy concerns when discussing issues surrounding
students and faculty; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best
interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and the faculty of
Westlake Academy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
WESTLAKE ACADEMY:
SECTION 1:
THAT, all matters stated in the recitals hereinabove are found to be true
and correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
SECTION 2:
THAT, the Board of Trustees for Westlake Academy, hereby approves the
policy, Electronic Communication and Faculty Responsibilities, attached to this Resolution as
Exhibit “A”.
SECTION 3:
IF, any portion of this Resolution shall, for any reason, be declared invalid
by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions
hereof and the Board hereby determines that it would have adopted this Resolution without the
invalid provision.
SECTION 4:
THAT, this Resolution shall become effective from and after its date of
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS THE 16th DAY OF AUGUST, 2010.
___________________________________
Laura Wheat, President
Resolution 10-16
Page 2 of 4
ATTEST:
________________________________ ___________________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary Thomas E. Brymer, Superintendent
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
L. Stanton Lowry, School Attorney
Resolution 10-16
Page 3 of 4
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 10-16:
Date Board Adopted: August 16, 2010
Date Board Amended: N/A
Effective Date
: August 16, 2010
Policy Name
: Electronic Communications and Faculty Responsibilities
Policy Category
: Parent, Student and Faculty Relations and Expectations
Policy Goal
: Establishing clear guidelines for the use of electronic communication
between Westlake faculty/staff and parents, between Board members and parents, as
well as between Academy faculty/staff members and their students.
Policy Description
:
Effective communication is an essential component of any successful organization, and
the Board wishes to encourage this type of communication among all Academy
stakeholder groups and constituents. To that end, it is recognized that electronic
communication is frequently used to achieve communication between parties on a
timely basis. It is important to identify when electronic communication is appropriate,
when it is not, and how to best utilize this method of communication for maximum
effectiveness in the school setting.
Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, the term “electronic communication(s)” shall be defined
as:
a. Email
b. Text messaging
c. Instant Messaging
d. Social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter
Electronic Communication shall be used for short and precise exchanges to:
a) plan or schedule meetings between a parent and teacher or between faculty/staff
members
Resolution 10-16
Page 4 of 4
b) answer a brief factual/logistical question about a student’s homework assignment
or scheduling of a test, quiz, or project, (i.e. when tests, quizzes, or projects will
be given or when they are due)
c) announce trip arrangements and logistics
Electronic Communication on these topics shall be timely and concise. As such,
inquiries sent via electronic communication shall be answered/returned by faculty/staff
within twenty-four (24) hours or less of their receipt from a parent or student (weekends
excepted).
Electronic Communication shall not
be used for substantive discussions and
conversations. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
a) discussions about a student’s (or students’) behavior or conduct, either in or
outside of the classroom, on or off campus
b) discussions regarding a student’s (or students’) academic performance or any
aspect of student life protected as confidential under State and/or Federal law
(i.e., special education needs, learning disabilities, discipline imposed, etc)
c) discussions regarding teaching methods, subject content, policy or administrative
decisions, or discipline measures/decisions
All communication on topics such as these shall occur in face-to-face meetings or
telephone conversations, as appropriate. Such meetings and/or telephone
conversations shall be set and/or occur in a timely fashion.
Faculty/staff members are prohibited from using social media, personal email, or
third-party websites to communicate with students or parents about any
Academy-related matters.
Resolution 10-17
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WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION 10-17
A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
APPROVING THE POLICY PERTAINING TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF A
“LEARNING COMMUNITY COMMITMENT” STATEMENT FOR STUDENTS,
FACULTY/STAFF AND PARENTS AT WESTLAKE ACADEMY.
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees supports a cooperative learning environment and as
such desires to create a learning community for the students at Westlake Academy; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees desires to enumerate the behaviors and ideals
necessary for student success; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best
interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and the faculty of
Westlake Academy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
WESTLAKE ACADEMY:
SECTION 1:
THAT, all matters stated in the recitals hereinabove are found to be true
and correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
SECTION 2:
THAT, the Board of Trustees for Westlake Academy, hereby approves the
policy titled, Learning Community Commitment Statement, attached to this Resolution as Exhibit
“A”.
SECTION 3:
IF, any portion of this Resolution shall, for any reason, be declared invalid
by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions
hereof and the Board hereby determines that it would have adopted this Resolution without the
invalid provision.
SECTION 4:
THAT, this Resolution shall become effective from and after its date of
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 16th DAY OF AUGUST, 2010.
___________________________________
Laura Wheat, President
Resolution 10-17
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ATTEST:
________________________________ ___________________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary Thomas E. Brymer, Superintendent
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
L. Stanton Lowry, School Attorney
Resolution 10-17
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TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 10-17:
Date Board Adopted: August 16, 2010
Date Board Amended: N/A
Effective Date
: August 16, 2010
Policy Name
: Learning Community Commitment Statement
Policy Category
: Parent, Student and Faculty Relations and Expectations
Policy Goal
: To pursue shared commitment between faculty, students and parents to
build and nurture a flourishing learning community at Westlake
Policy Description
:
For quality education to occur, a partnership between parents, students, and faculty
must unite towards a common vision and goals. As such, the Board of Trustees has
established vision, mission, and values statements for Westlake Academy all grounded
in Westlake Academy’s strong roots in the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum
and the IB Learner Profile.
In order to bring this vision into the daily school life of our students, tools must be in
place to connect the vision by emphasizing and cultivating the development of a
learning community. This commitment is contained in the Westlake Academy Learning
Community Commitment. There is much written in educational literature about schools
as “learning communities”, centered on the faculty/staff, student and parents creating a
learning community, which is often characterized as having these attributes (SEDL):
• supportive and shared leadership
• collective creativity
• shared values and vision
• supportive conditions
• shared personal practice
The Academy’s Learning Community Commitment is intended to help chart, reinforce
and communicate to the parents, students, and faculty, not only the clear path
necessary toward achieving a student’s successful graduation, but the behaviors and
ideals necessary to achieve that end. As such, the Board has developed statements
toward establishing a Learning Community Commitment for faculty, students and
parents.
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The student portion of the Learning Community Commitment is an acknowledgment of
the traits found in the IB Learner Profile which are integral to their overall development
and achievement during the course of their educational career. Students in grades 5 –
12 are required to sign the commitment statement on an annual basis. Failure to do so
may subject the student to the discipline consequences found in the Parent/Student
Handbook, up to and including expulsion from the Academy.
The faculty and staff section of the Learning Community Commitment identifies and
reinforces the professional conduct required to support our students while they are
enrolled in our learning environment at Westlake Academy. Faculty and staff are also
required to sign the commitment statements on an annual basis. Failure to do so may
result in an adverse employment action.
The parent statement portion of the Learning Community Commitment affirms the
importance of the parent’s role in attaining a quality education for their child and
supporting their student, as well as the staff, in achieving the long term goal of creating
a high quality learning environment. Parents are strongly encouraged to read and
discuss the student commitments with their children in grades K-5 and pledge their
support to the success of the students by signing the parent commitment on an annual
basis.
Memo
Westlake Academy
To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees
From: Todd Wood, Director of HR and Administrative Services
Subject: Regular Meeting of August 16, 2010
Date: August 10, 2010
Consider a Resolution approving additions to the Westlake Academy Personnel Manual.
ITEM
Westlake Academy is a nurturing, community owned International Baccalaureate Charter School
whose mission is to achieve academic excellence and to develop life-long learners who become
well-balanced, responsible citizens.
WESTLAKE ACADEMY MISSION/ VISION STATEMENT
Academic Achievement
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum)
Caring Environment
Fiscal Stewardship
Communication/Transparency
Engaged Stakeholders
Maximizing Each Child’s Potential
The Westlake Academy Personnel Manual is a written compilation of the Academy’s
personnel policies, procedures, and benefits. It is a comprehensive document which
must be updated in response to changing laws, employment trends, as well as internal
changes in Board policy and organizational structure.
BACKGROUND
Exhibit “A” contains the proposed additions to the personnel manual. Where
applicable, these policies are based on existing Board policies.
N/A
FUNDING
Staff recommends approval.
RECOMMENDATION
Resolution
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit “A”
Resolution 10-18
Page 1 of 13
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION NO. 10-18
A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
APPROVING PERSONNEL POLICIES AND THEIR INCLUSION INTO THE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY PERSONNEL MANUAL
WHEREAS, Westlake Academy recognizes that ongoing updates to the Academy’s
personnel manual are necessary to ensure best practices; and,
WHEREAS, the leaders of Westlake Academy desire to promote professionalism,
safety, security, and high standards of performance in the workplace; and,
WHEREAS, Westlake Academy desires is to provide employees with a personnel
manual that reflects the goals and vision of the Academy’s leaders; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best
interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and faculty of Westlake
Academy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY:
SECTION 1:
that, all matters stated in the recitals hereinabove are found to be true and
correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
SECTION 2:
That the Westlake Academy Board of Trustees does hereby approve the
proposed personnel policy additions, attached as Exhibit “A”, and its inclusion into the Westlake
Academy Personnel Manual.
SECTION 3
: If any portion of this resolution shall, for any reason, be declared invalid
by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions
hereof and the Council hereby determines that it would have adopted this Resolution without the
invalid provision.
SECTION 4: That this resolution shall become effective from and after its date of
passage.
Resolution 10-18
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PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 16TH
DAY OF AUGUST 2010.
___________________________________
ATTEST: Laura Wheat, President
___________________________ __________________________________
Kelly Edwards, Town Secretary Tom Brymer, Superintendent
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________
L. Stanton Lowry, Town Attorney
Resolution 10-18
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“Exhibit A” – Personnel Manual Additions
Nepotism (Hiring of Relatives)
The Westlake Academy Nepotism Policy will apply to all employees of the organization, unless
defined as an exception in this policy. This policy will eliminate potential nepotism-related
problems, which can be disruptive to the operation of an organization. The policy is as follows:
• No person related within the second degree of affinity or within the third degree by
consanguinity to any elected officer of the Academy, or to the Superintendent, shall be
appointed to any office, position, or clerkship, or other service of the Academy. A person
related within the third degree by consanguinity of any person employed by Westlake
Academy will not eligible for employment consideration.
• Existing or future employees may not be promoted or transferred to a position that would be
in violation with this policy.
• Employees of Westlake Academy or the Town of Westlake who choose to marry will
require the resignation of one employee within 90 days of the date of marriage.
• Employees may remain employed if the marriage of another employee creates a relationship
of the second degree of affinity or beyond, or the third degree by consanguinity or beyond.
For the purposes of this policy, a relative is defined to include:
First degree affinity – spouse, spouse’s mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter;
Second degree affinity – spouse’s aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandmother, grandfather,
granddaughter, grandson, first cousins;
First degree of consanguinity – employee’s mother, father, daughter, son;
Second degree of consanguinity – employee’s brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather,
granddaughter, grandson;
Third degree of consanguinity – employee’s aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, great grandmother,
great grandfather, great granddaughter, great grandson.
Relationships created by the adoption of a child are considered relationships of consanguinity for
purposes of this policy.
Exemptions to this policy include independent contractors, temporary, and seasonal employees.
Any potential employee must obtain the approval of the Superintendent prior to beginning
employment.
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Standards of conduct
The attitude and behavior of all employees is seen as a direct reflection of Westlake Academy,
its programs and policies. Employees should at all times present themselves in such a manner as
to promote good will and a favorable attitude of the general public toward Westlake Academy.
All employees are expected to work together in a cooperative and professional manner to serve
the best interests of the Academy and to be courteous to students, one another, and the public.
Expectations of professional conduct for employees include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Demonstate professional conduct at all times in the workplace and in public.
• Recognize and respect the rights and property of the public, students, and co-workers and
maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to students and co-workers.
• Report to work proptly, according to the assigned schedule.
• Follow proper protocols in accordance with the Academy’s policies, procedures, and
organizational stucture.
• Faithfully perform all assigned duties with high ethical standards.
• Notify immediate supervisors in advance (or as early as possible) if absent or late
• Know and comply with all Academy procedures and policies.
• Observe all safety rules and regulations and report injuries or unsafe conditions to a super-
visor immediately.
• Use Academy time, funds, and property for authorized Academy business or activities
only.
• Discuss or share information related to Academy businessto appropriate or authorized
parties only.
Unprofessional behavior and misconduct
Unprofessional behavior and/or misconduct compromises the best interests of the Academy and
the safety of all students, staff, parents, and visitors. Violation of any provision of this policy
may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Examples of
misconduct include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Violation of Academy rules, regulations, policies or procedures.
• Unsatisfactory performance or conduct.
• Theft of, unauthorized removal of, or unauthorized possession or use of school property
• Falsification, unauthorized use, or unauthorized disclosure of official Academy documents,
records, or information.
• Being unruly, disruptive, threatening violence, or fighting.
• Willful disobedience of a legal directive issued by a supervisor.
• Displaying any disrespectful, insolent, or abusive acts towards another employee, parent,
volunteer, or member of the Westlake Academy Board of Trustees.
• Wasting or damaging school equipment, property, supplies, or resources.
• Unauthorized absence from the workstation or classroom.
• Use of any Westlake Academy resource for personal benefit.
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• Unlawful treatment of persons protected by federal law due to their sex, age, religion, race,
ethnic background, or disability status.
• Sexual or other form of unlawful harassment.
• Conviction of a felony or any other criminal history that is prohibited by Academy policy.
• Insubordination.
• Fraudulent timekeeping.
• Use, possession, or being under the influence of a controlled substance without proper
written medical authorization; misuse of prescribed medication, ingestion or being under
the influence of an alcoholic beverage in an Academy-owned, leased, or rented vehicle,
while operating Academy equipment, or while on call or on standby duty; ingestion of an
alcoholic beverage during working hours or on Academy property.
• Unauthorized or improper use of official authority.
• Illegal, unethical, abusive, or unsafe acts.
• Failure to use available safety equipment, including seat belts, or disregard for the safety of
others.
• Refusal to sign a form acknowledging receipt of the Westlake Academy Personnel Manual
or job description.
• Use of cell phones or other non-educational electronic devices outside of break times
without prior authorization.
• Disruptive or distracting behavior during staff meetings, workshops, or training sessions.
• Possession of contraband while at work or on Westlake Academy property, which includes
but is not limited to: drug paraphernalia, illegal or prohibited weapons, firearms,
explosives, incendiaries, stolen property, and counterfeit money
• Making false accusations or knowingly providing false information about a student’s or
another employee’s behavior or actions.
• Unauthorized absences, chronic absenteeism, tardiness, or failure to follow procedures for
reporting absences.
• Violation of any of the provisions of this Handbook.
All Academy employees should perform their duties in accordance with state and federal law,
Academy policies and procedures, and ethical standards. Violation of policies, regulations, or
guidelines may result in disciplinary action, including termination. Alleged incidents of certain
misconduct by certified educators, including having a criminal record, must be reported to SBEC
not later than the seventh day the Superintendent first learns of the incident. See Reports to the
State Board for Educator Certification, page 46 for additional information.
The Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators, adopted by the State Board for
Educator Certification, shall apply to all Academy employees, and is reprinted below:
“Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators”
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Statement of Purpose
The Texas educator shall comply with standard practices and ethical conduct toward students,
professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community and shall
safeguard academic freedom. The Texas educator, in maintaining the dignity of the profession,
shall respect and obey the law, demonstrate personal integrity, and exemplify honesty. The Texas
educator, in exemplifying ethical relations with colleagues, shall extend just and equitable
treatment to all members of the profession. The Texas educator, in accepting a position of public
trust, shall measure success by the progress of each student toward realization of his or her
potential as an effective citizen. The Texas educator, in fulfilling responsibilities in the
community, shall cooperate with parents and others to improve the public schools of the
community.
Professional Standards
1. Professional Ethical Conduct, Practices, and Performance
Standard 1.1 The educator shall not knowingly engage in deceptive practices regarding
official policies of the school Academy or educational institution.
Standard 1.2 The educator shall not knowingly misappropriate, divert, or use monies,
personnel, property, or equipment committed to his or her charge for personal gain or
advantage.
Standard 1.3 The educator shall not submit fraudulent requests for reimbursement,
expenses, or pay.
Standard 1.4 The educator shall not use institutional or professional privileges for
personal or partisan advantage.
Standard 1.5 The educator shall neither accept nor offer gratuities, gifts, or favors that
impair professional judgment or to obtain special advantage. This standard shall not restrict
the acceptance of gifts or tokens offered and accepted openly from students, parents, or
other persons or organizations in recognition or appreciation of service.
Standard 1.6 The educator shall not falsify records, or direct or coerce others to do so.
Standard 1.7 The educator shall comply with state regulations, written local school board
policies, and other applicable state and federal laws.
Standard 1.8 The educator shall apply for, accept, offer, or assign a position or a
responsibility on the basis of professional qualifications.
2. Ethical Conduct toward Professional Colleagues
Standard 2.1 The educator shall not reveal confidential health or personnel information
concerning colleagues unless disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required
by law.
Standard 2.2 The educator shall not harm others by knowingly making false statements
about a colleague or the school system.
Standard 2.3 The educator shall adhere to written local school board policies and state and
federal laws regarding the hiring, evaluation, and dismissal of personnel.
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Standard 2.4 The educator shall not interfere with a colleague's exercise of political,
professional, or citizenship rights and responsibilities.
Standard 2.5 The educator shall not discriminate against or coerce a colleague on the basis
of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, or family status.
Standard 2.6 The educator shall not use coercive means or promise of special treatment in
order to influence professional decisions or colleagues.
Standard 2.7 The educator shall not retaliate against any individual who has filed a
complaint with the SBEC under this chapter.
3. Ethical Conduct toward Students
Standard 3.1 The educator shall not reveal confidential information concerning students
unless disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law.
Standard 3.2 The educator shall not knowingly treat a student in a manner that adversely
affects the student's learning, physical health, mental health, or safety.
Standard 3.3 The educator shall not deliberately or knowingly misrepresent facts regarding
a student.
Standard 3.4 The educator shall not exclude a student from participation in a program,
deny benefits to a student, or grant an advantage to a student on the basis of race, color, sex,
disability, national origin, religion, or family status.
Standard 3.5 The educator shall not engage in physical mistreatment of a student.
Standard 3.6 The educator shall not solicit or engage in sexual conduct or a romantic
relationship with a student.
Standard 3.7 The educator shall not furnish alcohol or illegal/unauthorized drugs to any
student or knowingly allow any student to consume alcohol or illegal/unauthorized drugs in
the presence of the educator.
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Information Technology Systems Policy
This policy establishes rules governing the use of Information Technology systems. These
systems include Internet services, electronic communication systems, telephone communication
systems, email, voice mail, facsimiles, cellular phones, computer network, and computer
directories and files.
Information Technology Systems are provided by Westlake Academy for business use.
Employees should not expect privacy with respect to any of their activities using these systems
.
Westlake Academy reserves the right to review any files, messages, or communications sent,
received or stored on its computer, telephone and electronic systems. This policy also applies to
third-party offsite services provided by the Academy for official business use.
Westlake Academy's prohibition against sexual, racial, and other forms of harassment is
extended to include the use of electronic and telecommunications systems. Offensive, harassing,
vulgar, obscene, or threatening communications are strictly prohibited, as are sexually oriented
messages or images.
Privileged or confidential material, which includes, but is not limited to, attorney-client
communications, should not be exchanged haphazardly by e-mail, facsimiles, instant messaging
or other means.
Use of Information Technology must be conducted in accordance with local, state and federal
law; engaging in illegal, fraudulent, or malicious conduct is prohibited.
Violation of any provisions of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including
termination.
Governance
• All Westlake Academy employees who are granted a system account to access to the
Academy’s network is responsible for the proper use of the account at all times.
• A teacher may apply for a class account and in doing so will ultimately be responsible for
use of the account.
• The Academy will require that all passwords be changed as necessary. All passwords must
remain confidential and may not be shared.
• Any system user identified as a security risk or as having violated Academy any provisions
of this policy may be denied access to the Academy’s network.
• All users will be required to sign a user agreement annually each August for issuance or
renewal of an account. Academy employees in violation of the user agreement or the
Academy’s Technology Policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including
termination of employment.
• All Academy electronic communication systems are business assets and are not private.
The Academy may access and review all Web pages and e-mails sent to and from
employees, during transmission or storage.
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System User Responsibilities
The following standards will apply to all users of Westlake Academy’s Information Technology
systems:
• The individual in whose name a system account is issued will be responsible at all times
for its proper use.
• The system may not be used for illegal purposes, in support of illegal activities, or for any
other activity prohibited by Academy policy or guidelines.
• System users may not disable, or attempt to disable, a filtering device on the Academy’s
Information Technology system.
• Communications may not be encrypted so as to avoid security review by system
administrators.
• System users may not use another person’s system account without written permission
from Superintendent or designate, as appropriate.
• Employees should ensure that students do not distribute personal information about
themselves or others by means of the electronic communications system; this includes,
but is not limited to, personal addresses and telephone numbers.
• System users must purge and/or make hard copies of electronic mail and file such in
accordance with established retention guidelines.
• System users may not redistribute copyrighted programs or data except with the written
permission of the copyright holder or designee. Such permission must be specified in the
document or must be obtained directly from the copyright holder or designee in
accordance with applicable copyright law, Academy policy, and administrative
regulations.
• System users are prohibited from using instant messenger programs (including text
messaging on personal cell phones) to transmit Academy-related information. Any
communication(s) that would create a public record must be transmitted in a manner
which allows for proper retention of electronic records.
• System users should avoid actions that are likely to increase the risk of introducing
viruses to the system, such as opening e-mail messages from unknown senders and
loading data from unprotected computers.
• System users may not upload public domain programs to the system. System users may
not download public domain programs for their own use nor non-commercially
redistribute a public domain program. System users are responsible for determining
whether a program is in the public domain.
• System users may not send or post messages that are abusive, obscene, pornographic,
sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal.
• System users may not purposefully access materials that are abusive, obscene,
pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation,
or illegal.
• System users should be mindful that use of school-related electronic mail addresses might
cause some recipients or other readers of that mail to assume they represent the school,
whether or not that was the user’s intention.
• System users may not waste Academy resources related to the electronic communications
system.
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• System users may not gain unauthorized access to resources or information.
• System users understand and agree that all documents and communications are the
property of the Academy. As such, a system user may not copy, download, disseminate,
e-mail or disclose Academy property to third parties not directly related to Academy
business without the express written authority of the Superintendent or designate.
Prohibited Activities
• Engaging in illegal, fraudulent, or malicious conduct.
• Harassing individuals.
• Transmitting or storing material that is threatening, obscene, sexually explicit or
disparaging of others based on race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age,
disability, religious or political beliefs.
• Obtaining unauthorized access to any computer system.
• Using another individual's account or identity without explicit authorization.
• Conducting political campaigns or other prohibited activity.
• Gambling or playing a game for money or other stakes.
• Downloading of software products from internet sites is prohibited without prior approval
of the Superintendent or designate.
Personal Computers and Electronic Equipment
A personal computer and access to Westlake Academy’s internal network is provided to the
employee for the purpose of conducting Academy business and improving productivity.
All computers and electronic equipment issued to employees are property of Westlake Academy.
Employees should utilize these resources for business purposes, and very limited or incidental
personal use is acceptable. Such use must be infrequent. Personal use must not:
• Involve any illegal activity or any prohibited activity listed above.
• Interfere with the productivity of the employee or co-workers.
• Consume system resources bandwidth or storage capacity on an on-going basis.
All Academy-related files, emails, and other communications stored on any computer are
property of Westlake Academy. All files should be considered public information, and subject to
the Academy’s established electronic retention schedule. Employees are prohibited from
deleting any files without the express consent of the Superintendent or designate.
Employees are required to return any Westlake Academy equipment issued to them prior to
terminating employment. Employees will be required to sign for all equipment prior to issuance.
Failure to return any equipment may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination
of employment, and/or payroll deduction for the fair-market value of any missing, lost, or
equipment that is unaccounted for.
Westlake Academy reserves the right to repossess any electronic equipment issued to an
employee at any time.
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Internet Access and Email
The Internet is a powerful communication tool and a valuable source of information. Internet
service includes but is not limited to e-mail, file transfer protocol (FTP), web browsing and
newsgroups.
Employees should be aware that information transmitted over the internet is potentially not
secure. Internet communication systems may accommodate the use of passwords for security,
however the reliability of such for maintaining confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
(Employees should assume that someone other than the intended recipient could read any and all
Internet communications).
Westlake Academy reserves the right to filter incoming and outgoing network communications
for the purpose of securing the network, restricting access to inappropriate content or to
determine compliance with this policy. Web page requests may also be filtered to restrict access
to questionable or inappropriate content. Requests to access content restricted by the filtering
mechanism must be approved by the Superintendent or designate.
Westlake Academy maintains an electronic mail system, commonly called e-mail, to assist in
conducting business and as a means to enhance the ability of employees to communicate. All
employees must be aware that the use of e-mail messages creates a public record and is subject
to public record regulations with respect to inspection, disclosure, scheduled retention, and
disposition.
The Academy reserves the right to retrieve and read any message composed, sent, or received
and also reserves the right to filter email for the purpose of security and to restrict inappropriate
usage.
Employees are expected to use a high-level of professional discretion when communicating by
email. Privileged, confidential, or sensitive information may not be secure when transmitted
through by email. Additionally, email should not be used to communicate information as an
alternative to a personal meeting, when appropriate.
Information from Third Parties
Employees with access to the Academy’s Information Technology system should be aware that,
despite the Academy’s use of technology protection measures as required by law, use of the
system may provide access to other electronic communications systems in the global electronic
network that may contain inaccurate and/or objectionable material.
Any student or employee who gains access to such material is expected to discontinue the access
as quickly as possible and to report the incident to a supervisor.
An employee knowingly bringing prohibited materials into the school’s electronic environment
will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Academy policies.
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Disclaimers
Opinions, advice, services, and all other information expressed by system users, information
providers, service providers, or other third-party individuals in the system are those of the
providers and not Westlake Academy.
Westlake Academy will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation
concerning or relating to misuse of the Academy’s electronic Information Technology systems.
Dress Code
Westlake Academy is a public “service” organization; employees are in constant contact with
students, parents, guests, citizens, outside business/professional representatives, and the general
public. Employees shall act as role models by exemplifying the highest standard of professional
appearance for the educational purposes of teaching community values and proper grooming and
hygiene.
Dress and Grooming: General Guidelines:
The dress and grooming of Westlake Academy employees shall be clean, neat, in a manner
appropriate for their assignments, and in accordance with the following standards:
• Dresses, skirts, and all outer garments should be of a professional length, falling at or just
above the knee or longer. Skirts or any clothes that are too tight, too short or too
revealing are not appropriate for the workplace
• Halters, tank tops, see-through garments, or clothing with revealing/provocative
necklines, bare backs, bare midriff, or spaghetti straps shall not be permitted. In addition,
clothing with symbols, phrases, or slogans advertising tobacco, alcohol products, or any
controlled substances are unacceptable.
• If shirttails are made to be worn tucked in, they must be tucked in. If worn in, and pants
are designed to be worn with a belt, belts or suspenders shall be worn.
• No hats, caps or other head coverings shall be worn inside the building.
• Hair shall be clean, neatly trimmed and well-groomed.
• Beards and mustaches shall be allowed if they are neatly trimmed.
• Footwear shall appropriately compliment the style and standards of dress as defined in
this policy. No flip flops or slippers are permitted.
• Clothing that reveals undergarments is prohibited.
• Hemlines for skirts and dresses should be long enough not to be distracting.
• Shorts, leggings, warm-ups, spandex or similar tight pants, exercise clothes, or any
garment that may appear to be an undergarment are unacceptable.
• Jeans may be worn on days designated by the principal or supervisor, designated spirit
days, and teacher in-service days.
Resolution 10-18
Page 13 of 13
• Male instructional staff shall be expected to wear slacks and collared shirts or other
appropriate professional attire. Ties are encouraged and may be required by the
Superintendent or designate. Acceptable alternatives for shirt and tie are shirt and
pullover sweater or turtleneck sweater and sport coat.
• Office personnel are generally expected to wear business casual attire. The appropriate
dress for men is slacks or khakis, dress pullovers, or a button down shirt. Ties are
optional, but should be worn when representing the Academy at public meetings or
functions, unless otherwise notified. Acceptable alternatives for shirt and tie are shirt and
pullover sweater or turtleneck sweater and sport coat. Acceptable attire for women is
dress slacks or khakis, blouses, skirts, and pant suits.
• Jewelry shall not be worn in a visible pierced area other than the ear.
Exceptions to Guidelines
The following exceptions apply to these guidelines:
• Physical Education staff may choose to wear appropriate attire, approved by the
Superintendent or designate, during the physical education instructional periods.
• Instructors in certain courses, such as art or science courses, may wear aprons, smocks, or
other protective garments during instructional periods where such garments may be
appropriate.
• Auxiliary employees in maintenance, custodial, transportation, food service, and
positions requiring uniforms are exempted from the general guidelines, but shall comply
with dress and grooming guidelines specified by their supervisors.
Exceptions to these general guidelines may be made by the Superintendent or designate, as
necessary. Employee requests for such exceptions shall be made in writing, and will be
considered on a case-by-case basis.
This policy may be revised by the Superintendent at any time.
Memo
Westlake Academy
To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees
From: Tom Brymer, Superintendent
Debbie Piper, Finance Director
Subject: Regular Meeting of August 16, 2010
Date: August 5, 2010
Conduct a public hearing and consider a resolution approving the estimated year-end budget for
Westlake Academy for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2010 and adopting the proposed budget
for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2011.
ITEM
Westlake Academy is a nurturing, community owned International Baccalaureate Charter School whose
mission is to achieve academic excellence and to develop life-long learners who become well-balanced,
responsible citizens.
WESTLAKE ACADEMY MISSION/ VISION STATEMENT
Academic Achievement
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum)
Caring Environment
Fiscal Stewardship
Communication/Transparency
Engaged Stakeholders
Maximizing Each Child’s Potential
Since late last year, Academy Staff has worked closely with the Board, solicited input from
Academy affiliates, and visited with Academy faculty regarding anticipated needs in the coming
year for Westlake Academy. The Board of Trustees held several workshops concerning this topic
throughout the year, including a very extensive budget retreat held on June 18, 2010, where they
gave Staff direction on the proposed budget for the FY 2010/2011 school year.
BACKGROUND
In accordance with State law, the staff has now prepared and presents the FY 2010/2011 budget
outlining the anticipated revenues and expenditures of all funds for the Board’s review and
consideration, including the estimated year-end budget for FY 2009/2010.
N/A
FUNDING
Staff recommends approval
RECOMMENDATION
Resolution
ATTACHMENTS
Proposed FY 2010-2011 Budget, including estimated year-end budget for FY 2009/2010
(Sent under separate cover)
WA Resolution 10-19
Page 1 of 2
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION NO. 10-19
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY
TO ADOPT THE REVISED ACADEMIC SERVICES BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR
ENDING AUGUST 31, 2010 AND THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR
ENDING AUGUST 31, 2011.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WESTLAKE ACADEMY:
WHEREAS, Section 44.002 of the Education Code of the Texas Education Agency
Texas School Law Bulletin states the budget must be prepared according to generally accepted
accounting principles, and
WHEREAS, the budget must be approved by the Board of Trustees prior to August 31st
according to Texas Education Agency’s Financial Accountability System Resource Guide,
Section 2.6.2 – TEA Legal Requirements; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees held a Public Hearing on August 16, 2010; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best
interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and faculty of Westlake
Academy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY:
SECTION 1:
That, all matters stated in the recitals hereinabove are found to be true and
correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
SECTION 2:
That the Board of Trustees hereby adopts the revised Academic Services
budget for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2010 and the proposed Academic Services Annual
Operating Budget for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2011 and appropriates the funds
contained therein attached to this resolution as Exhibit “A. .
SECTION 3:
That a copy of the official adopted 2010-2011 Budget shall be kept on file
in the office of the Town Secretary.
SECTION 4: If any portion of this resolution shall, for any reason, be declared invalid
by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions
hereof and the Council hereby determines that it would have adopted this Resolution without the
invalid provision.
WA Resolution 10-19
Page 2 of 2
SECTION 5
: That this resolution shall become effective from and after its date of
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 16th
DAY OF AUGUST, 2010.
___________________________________
Laura Wheat, President
ATTEST:
________________________________ ___________________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary Thomas E. Brymer, Superintendent
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
L. Stanton Lowry, School Attorney
BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Westlake Academy
Item #6
Board Recap /
Staff Direction
BOARD CALENDAR
o First Day of School
August 23, 2010
o Board Meeting
September 13, 2010
o Arbor Day
September 25, 2010
o Westlake Baja at Vaquero
September 27, 2010
Westlake Academy
Item #7
Board Calendar
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Any Board member may request at a workshop and / or
Board meeting, under “Future Agenda Item Requests”, an agenda item for a future
Board meeting. The Board member making the request will contact the CEO with the
requested item and the CEO will list it on the agenda. At the meeting, the requesting
Board member will explain the item, the need for Board discussion of the item, the
item’s relationship to the Board’s strategic priorities, and the amount of estimated staff
time necessary to prepare for Board discussion. If the requesting Board member
receives a second, the CEO will place the item on the Board agenda calendar allowing
for adequate time for staff preparation on the agenda item.
President Wheat: discussion of BOT policy for seat belts in bus seats
including contracted bus services for WA student trips.
Westlake Academy
Item # 8 –
Future Agenda
Items
Westlake Academy
Item # 9 –
Adjournment
Back up material has not
been provided for this item.