HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-04-10 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
October 4, 2010
WESTLAKE TOWN HALL
3 VILLAGE CIRCLE – 2ND FLOOR
COUNCIL CHAMBERS/MUNICIPAL COURT ROOM
Workshop Session 4:30 p.m.
Regular Session 6:00 p.m.
Workshop Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FROM OCTOBER 4, 2010 TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
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Strategic Plan-Desired Outcome: High Student Achievement
Develop inquiring, knowledgeable, caring and disciplined young people who use their
unique talents to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural
understanding and respect
3. DISCUSSION OF PLANNING FOR THE SECONDARY EXPANDED BLOCK
SCHEDULE “OPTION B” FOR THE 2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR.
Strategic Plan-Desired Outcome: Financial Stewardship & Sustainability
To ensure sufficient, well-managed resources to support and advance the mission of
Westlake Academy
4. DISCUSSION OF WESTLAKE ACADEMY’S LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR THE
82ND TEXAS LEGISLATURE AS IT RELATES TO PUBLIC EDUCATION AND
CHARTER SCHOOLS
5. UPDATE AND STATUS REPORT ON PARKING, FORMER STUDENT/PARENT
EXIT INTERVIEWS AND START OF THE 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR.
Strategic Plan-Desired Outcome: Strong Parent & Community Connections
To involve all stakeholders in building a better Westlake Academy community
6. DISCUSSION AND REVIEW OF THE ACADEMY MISSION/VISION STATEMENT.
Strategic Plan-Desired Outcome: Financial Stewardship & Sustainability
To ensure sufficient, well-managed resources to support and advance the mission of
Westlake Academy
7. DISCUSSION OF BOARD OF TRUSTEE GOVERNANCE AS ILLUSTRATED IN DR.
BRIAN CARPENTER’S CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD UNIVERSITY: AN
INTRODUCTION TO EFFECTIVE CHARTER SCHOOL GOVERNANCE; CHAPTERS
5-7.
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.
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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 September 13, 2010.
5. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
6. BOARD CALENDAR
- Westlake Arbor Day Celebration (rescheduled date)
October 16, 2010; 4 pm-dusk; Glenwyck Park
- WHPS Living History Presentation - Texas Frontier Forts Trail
October 26, 2010; 7:00 pm; WA Performance Hall
- Board of Trustees Meeting
November 1, 2010
- Staff Development Day- (No school for students)
November 17, 2010; 8:00-3:30 pm at WA-Dr. Marsha Tate Seminar
- School Holiday – Thanksgiving Break
November 22-26, 2010
- Texas Charter Schools Association Conference
November 29-December 1, 2010 (contact Ben N.); San Antonio
7. 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.
8. 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.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the above notice was posted at the Town Hall of the Town of Westlake, 3 Village Circle, on
Friday, October 1, 2010, by 4:00 p.m. under the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas
Government Code.
_____________________________________
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 OCTOBER 4, 2010 TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
a. Consider approval of the minutes for the meeting held on September 13, 2010.
Westlake
Academy
Item # 2– Workshop
Review of Consent
Agenda Items
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Westlake Academy
Memo
To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees
From: Tom Brymer, Superintendent
Subject: Meeting of October 4, 2010
Date: September 27, 2010
ITEM
Wkshp Discussion of Planning for Secondary Expanded Block Schedule
“Option B” for the 2011-12 School Year
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
responsible global citizens.
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
Academic Achievement
PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum)
Caring Environment
Fiscal Stewardship
Communication/Transparency
Engaged Stakeholders
Maximizing Each Child’s Potential
BACKGROUND (including policy implications and options)
Staff began exploring this option in late 2009 and in early 2010 and identified that it had
promise for improving curriculum offerings in the Academy’s Secondary program. With
that as the focus, information was presented at the Board’s February 1, 2010 and
March 1, 2010 workshops regarding this block schedule proposal for the Secondary
program. Two options (A & B) regarding use of a block schedule were presented to the
Board. Option A would convert the current Secondary schedule to a block schedule
approximately utilizing the current student enrollment, but would not allow for additional
Secondary course offerings. Option B would convert the current Secondary schedule to
a block schedule with new course offerings requiring approximately 80 new students in
Grades 7-10 to form a third section, necessary in order to have enough students to form
the new course classes. (Note: This number was changed from 60 students originally
during subsequent budget workshop deliberations to increase the class size average to 20
students.) At the February and March workshops, it was forecasted that Option B would
also require 5 new teachers for these new course offerings (Note: This number has
changed now to 4 new teachers due to new faculty added in the 2010-11 school year;
additional details provided in the Staff Briefing Memo attachment).
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At the February 1, 2010 Board workshop the Board indicated an interest in having the
staff further investigate the Option B proposa, including developing a mock master block
schedule. This mock schedule along with other information was presented at the March
workshop. At the March 1, 2010 workshop, the Board had new questions and requests
for further information which the staff brought back and presented to the Board at its
April workshop. In the meantime, the Board did indicate it was in agreement with the
staff request to begin advertising in appropriate venues for teachers to fill the new
positions that the Option B proposal would require. This was requested in order to take
advantage of the teacher recruitment season, if the Board decided to move ahead with this
proposal. The Board also indicated they would like the staff to begin communicating
these options to the parent body. On March 23rd and 25th, parent information meetings
were held to inform the parent body about this proposal, as well as, answer questions and
hear concerns. A total of approximately 80 parents attended these informational
meetings, with some attending both meetings. Notes from these two meetings containing
parents’ questions and concerns were furnished to the Board.
At the April 5, 2010 Board workshop staff made an extensive presentation to address
issues that had been raised at the parents’ information meetings and to answer Board
questions that had been raised at the March meeting. Following extensive Board
discussion, the Board asked for additional information to be provided including
information related to an Option C, which would display the impact of a phased-in
Option B. Staff advised the Board that by their May meeting, staff would have a better
idea of the quality of the new teacher applications and our ability to have top teaching
talent on-board in time for the next school year.
At the May 10, 2010 Board workshop staff reported that it had continued to work on
implementation issues related to the logistical concerns of recess/breaks, lunch, traffic
circulation and lockers. A test from part of the recommendations from a recent campus
traffic study was conducted. Also, we started the review process of teacher applications
and conducted some of the interviews. However due to the busy time of the school year,
it was reported that we had not made enough progress on the teacher selection process
(particularly with international applicants). We still had additional planning work that
must be done to address shortening the lunch schedule. Also, while we did have plans to
construct additional parking spaces this summer, the timing in terms of the completion
before the start of school would be very close. And while we were improving the new
student on-boarding processes, again the time frame for doing that work by the beginning
of school was fairly compressed. With all that in mind, staff recommended at the
May 10th workshop meeting that for the upcoming 2010-11 school year, we move
forward with Option A; converting our existing schedule to a Block A/B schedule.
And, that we move forward with plans and intent to implement Option B in the
following school year of 2011-12. The Board accepted this recommendation with the
understanding that this would be discussed at its 2010-11 budget retreat.
At the Board’s June 18, 2010 budget retreat, the Board directed staff to implement the
expanded “Option B” Block Schedule for Secondary grades in the 2011-12 school year
and to plan accordingly, along with regular Board updates, on the progress regarding the
status of this implementation. This workshop agenda item is the follow-up to that Board
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direction to receive a status report on implementing Option B Block Scheduling in the
2011-12 school year. This can be a standing Board workshop item if the Board wishes.
FUNDING
Financial analysis has been presented at the Board’s February and March workshops with
additional information to be presented at this meeting. There are budgetary impacts of
Option B since, as described above, it would require additional students and teachers for
the new course offerings it would offer.
RECOMMENDATION
Receive an update from staff on the status of implementing Option B Expanded Block
Schedule for the Secondary grades in the 2011-12 school year and ask questions, as well
as provide feedback and direction, to staff as appropriate.
ATTACHMENTS
Staff Briefing Memo Re: “Option B” Secondary Expanded Block Schedule; including
Appendix B – Westlake Academy Five Year Financial Forecast
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
Expanded Block Schedule
Logistical Concerns
9/30/2010
Westlake Academy Leadership Team
Staff Briefing Memo
Contents
Lunch ............................................................................................................................................................. 3
New Students ................................................................................................................................................ 6
New Teachers ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Course Offerings ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Lockers .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
Portable Buildings ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Appendix A: Assimilating New Students to Westlake Academy ................................................................ 10
The Blacksmith Course ............................................................................................................................ 11
Appendix B: Five Year Financial Forecast .................................................................................................... 13
Tables
Table 1 - Current Lunch/Daily Schedule ........................................................................................................ 3
Table 2 - Adjusted Lunch/Daily Schedule ...................................................................................................... 3
Table 3 - Faculty Recruitment 2011/2012 .................................................................................................... 7
Table 4 - New Courses................................................................................................................................... 8
Figures
Figure 1 - Current Lunch Room configuration .............................................................................................. 4
Figure 2 - West Parking Lot ........................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 3 - Portable Building Location ............................................................................................................ 9
Table 1 - Current Lunch/Daily Schedule
Lunch Schedule
Grades Starting Time Location
Kindergarten 10:45 – 11:15 am Classroom
G1 – 2 10:45 – 11:15 am Cafeteria
G3 – 4 11:15 – 11:45 am Cafeteria
G5 – 6 11:55 – 12:25 pm Cafeteria
G7 – 9 12:30 – 1:00 pm Cafeteria
G10 – 11 1:15 – 1:45 pm Cafeteria
G12 1:50 – 2:25 pm Classroom
Secondary Daily Schedule
Periods Starting Time Location
Flag 8:00 – 8:15 am Gym
1 8:20 – 9:35 am Classroom
2 9:40 – 10:55 am Classroom
Recess 10:55 – 11:05 am Outside
3 11:10 – 12:25 pm Classroom
4 12:30 – 2:25 pm Classroom
5 2:30 – 3:45 pm Classroom
Table 2 - Adjusted Lunch/Daily Schedule
Adjusted Lunch Schedule
Grades Starting Time Location
GK – 1 10:45 – 11:15 am Classroom
G2 – 4 10:45 – 11:15 am Cafeteria
G5 – 6 11:15 – 11:45 am Cafeteria
G7 – 8 11:55 – 12:25 pm Cafeteria
G9 – 10 12:30 – 1:00 pm Cafeteria
G11 – 12 1:00 – 1:30 pm Cafeteria /
Released
Secondary Daily Schedule
Periods Starting Time Location
Flag 8:00 – 8:15 am Gym
1 8:20 – 9:35 am Classroom
2 9:40 – 10:55 am Classroom
Recess 10:55 – 11:05 am Outside
3 11:10 – 12:25 pm Classroom
4 12:30 – 2:25 pm Classroom
5 2:30 – 3:45 pm Classroom
Lunch
Concern has been expressed about increasing the number of students that are eating lunch in an already
crowded cafeteria, as well as the late lunch schedule. The administration made changes in the FY 10/11
school year and adjusted the lunch schedule from last year. Currently kindergarten students begin
eating at 10:50 am in their classroom and secondary students start at 12:30 pm. This adjustment has
the secondary students eating lunch an hour earlier than in the 2009-2010 school year.
With the addition of new students in the 2011/12 school year, the lunch schedule would be adjusted
further to accommodate the increased usage. There are two new options currently being reviewed by
staff. First, by allowing kindergarten and first grade students to be served lunch in their classrooms, we
can reduce the number of students using the limited cafeteria space. This allows grades two through
four to start eating lunch earlier, moving the secondary lunch time forward by approximately 30
minutes. Grades 11 – 12 will eat lunch in classrooms.
Over the summer, slight alterations to the lunch serving area has doubled the amount of serving lines,
allowing the kitchen staff to cycle twice as many students through the line in the same amount of time.
In addition, staff received estimates on expanding the seating area to the west by enclosing the existing
covered area directly outside the cafeteria. The cost of the expansion will be presented during the
October 4, 2010 Board meeting.
Figure 1 - Current Lunch Room configuration
Parking
With the recent addition of the West Parking lot, as shown in red below, there is adequate parking for
all the student drivers, faculty and staff associated with the expanded block schedule.
Traffic – Staggered Release
With the implementation of the expanded block schedule we can expect to see an increase of 60 – 65
cars per day during the pick-up and drop-off time frame. Drop-off times rarely develop long lines due to
the staggered nature of the student’s arrival times.
Thirty minutes prior to the beginning of pick-up, lengthy lines begin to develop that pulls the traffic off
of JT Ottinger Road and onto the campus. On normal days, the campus is cleared of the majority of
students and parents within 15 minutes of dismissal.
In order to more efficiently handle the increase of traffic, staff suggests implementing a staggered
release of primary and secondary students. This would require contracting the primary schedule by
twenty minutes, ending the day at 3:25 pm, while maintaining the current release time of 3:45 pm for
secondary students. The staggered release of students will relieve the peak traffic flow and should
eliminate any need for additional access points to the campus.
Staff also suggests implementing an early release program for the DP students. This would allow them
to leave campus following their last class of the day, at approximately 2:30 pm. This is a good tool for
helping to alleviate the peak traffic, but more importantly prepares students for the college experience
as desired in the recent Academy survey.
In addition, the Primary access appears to be more efficient at handling the large number of vehicles.
The staff suggests that the secondary students be picked up in the same area as the primary students .
Parents who have students in both the primary and secondary programs would be asked to pick-up no
Figure 2 - West Parking Lot
earlier than 3:40 pm and the secondary students would be ready for pick-up at 3:50 pm. This allows for
a transition of primary student supervision from the primary staff to the secondary staff. Parents who
have children in both the primary and secondary program will be able to pick-up all of their children in
one location.
In order to make this work more efficiently during adverse weather conditions, staff suggests building a
covered area over the green space used for pick-up, if it is not cost prohibitive. Staff is currently
investigating the cost of building the covered area and will present this during the October 4, 2010
Board meeting. In addition, this idea is well suited for the HOC and WAF to adopt as this year’s fund-an-
item project. This space could be used for multiple purposes, including outdoor classes and playground
area during the summer, etc.
By staggering the release of primary and secondary, we would reduce the concentration of vehicles
trying to access the campus by half. This will create a safer and more efficient release of students,
provide a better experience for parents, and reduce the peak load of traffic on JT Ottinger Road.
New Students
The concern regarding new students to Westlake Academy was that the increasing enrollment or
student turnover would adversely affect the learning environment.
First the staff analyzed the data from the Academy to determine how high student turnover is in
comparison with other schools. While researching this it was discovered that the average turnover rate
for a public school in Texas is 23%; 55% for an open enrollment charter school; and ranges from 20% –
30% for international schools. Westlake Academy’s turnover rate averages 26%, which is slightly higher
than the state average for public and international schools, but significantly lower than the average for
open enrollment charter schools.
23%26%30%
55%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Texas
Public Schools
Westlake
Academy
International
Schools
Texas Open
Enrollment
Charter Schools
Average Annual Student Turnover -Leavers
The administration feels that the process outlined in Appendix A will help to provide a clear picture to
parents and students prior to school entry and provide the support necessary to be successful in
Westlake Academy.
To create a positive environment with the inclusion of new students, the following communications and
practice must be in place prior to the commencement of the new academic year.
Pre-lottery information explaining the Mission, IB Learner Profile and expectations of the Middle Years
Program (MYP) has been developed. This information will be distributed through the MYP brochure
(and slide show presentations). This material will include the rigor and scope of the program. The
information program will include a transition day, in the month of May, where each grade area with new
students will have a peer mentor assigned to each new student and be able to experience a normal day.
A peer buddy program would continue with the new student’s first week, followed by both an advisory
and a Blacksmith program.
New Teachers
Due to the on-boarding of new students and increased course offerings, the secondary school will need
to hire additional faculty for the upcoming academic year. Staff suggests moving to an on-going
recruiting process that advertises for tentative openings in the program . There is sufficient time to
recruit high quality local and international teachers.
The addition of the Blacksmith class, retention of grade 10 PE, and health has reduced the ability of
existing staff to absorb new responsibilities tied to the block schedule expansion. These courses require
a little more than one full-time faculty member. This will require either the addition of one new faculty
member within two years or reduction of classes.
Lastly, the implementation of the expanded block option will allow for the MYP and DP to become
distinct programs. This separation will provide more flexibility in scheduling students, improved faculty
utilization, better use of resources, and early release for grades 11/12.
Table 3 - Faculty Recruitment 2011/2012
Faculty Recruitment
Type of Hire Subject 2011/12 2012/13
New Faculty Hire Foreign Language 1 FTE
New Faculty Hire MYP Math / Science 1 FTE
New Faculty Hire MYP Theater .5 FTE .5 FTE
New Staff Hire Humanities .5 FTE .5 FTE
Course Offerings
With the expectation of the expanded block option, the secondary school has already implemented
several new courses in MYP and DP. These courses include Blacksmith (7/8), IB Economics HL/SL
(11/12), and IB Environmental Systems SL (12). In addition, MYP has re-sequenced the Fine Arts
program to alternate years between Theater and Art coursework.
With the implementation of the expanded block option, the secondary school will be able to offer a
second language, French (7), which will grow into a full sequence over the years. Also, the Math
department is planning to re-sequence the Math curriculum. This will begin with the introduction of a
Pre-Calculus (10) course and will require vertical articulation from grades 6 to 10. Also, incoming DP
students will be able to register for two new courses, IB Theater (11/12) and IB Physics (11/12), in the
2011/12 academic year. The DP will also be able to offer an IB Technology course in the 2012/13
academic year.
Table 4 - New Courses
New Courses (* availability based upon student selection)
2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013
MYP Blacksmith (7/8) MYP French (7) MYP French (8)
MYP Theater (7) Pre-Calculus (10) *IB Technology (11)
MYP Theater (9) *IB Physics (11)
MYP Art 8 *IB Physics (12)
MYP Art 10 *IB Theater (11)
IB Economics (11) *IB Theater (12)
IB Economics (12)
IB Environmental Systems (12)
Lockers
An audit of available lockers took place and the numbers of spare lockers available. There are 20
available lockers outside the Performance Hall, 7 available in the secondary area, and 36 large lockers in
the Arts and Science building that can be halved. The wall facing the large grade 12 lockers in the Arts
and Science building can accommodate up to 24 new lockers. This would put the total numbers at 87.
Staff suggests that new lockers be added to the Arts & Sciences building to accommodate the growth
in the secondary student population. The cost associated with this will be presented at the October 4,
2010 Board meeting.
Portable Buildings
Three portable buildings have been budgeted in the FY 11/12 school year and will be placed southwest
of the Arts & Sciences Building. The drawing below illustrates the general location but is not to scale.
Figure 3 - Portable Building Location
Appendix A: Assimilating New Students to Westlake Academy
Number of new Students: 80 in grades 7-10
Process
1. Open applications from December 1-January 31, 2010
2. Lottery Process based on current waiting lists
3. March MYP curriculum meetings for potential families: 7-8, 9-10.
Mission and Parent/Learner commitment introduced. Provide students with schedules for the
2011-12 SY. (11-12 schedules created prior to presentations in March)
4. All schedules completed by May 2011.
5. May period for New Student Transition Program where students work through the Westlake
New Student Information Booklet (What it means to be an MYP student at Westlake Academy,
arrival and departure, subjects and athletics, dining hall, orientation to campus with buddies).
Individual parent/student transition meetings throughout May and June on an as needed basis.
6. New Student Orientation Day workshop to stress the importance of the Mission and IB Learner
Profile. Student workshop with activities to understand the philosophy of the school. Learner
Commitment introduced. Organized by MYP Principal and MYP coordinator (August).
7. MYP coordinator and/or Secondary counselor meet with “new” students within the first month
of school.
8. Blacksmith training for student mentors. Set up a Blacksmith family program for incoming
students.
What will Blacksmith family program involve?
1. Meet and greet at “Back to School”
2. Blacksmith family will touch base with the “new” family within the two
months of school.
3. The Blacksmith family will be a contact for questions about Westlake many
of which are not academically related.
The Blacksmith Course
The Blacksmith Course is offered as a semester course in the Middle Years Program for students
currently in 7th and 8th grade. In the 2011/12 academic year the course will be offered in 7th grade.
The Blacksmith course is designed to address student life at Westlake Academy. At the core of this
course is the learning culture of the school. The course will educate students on the Middle Years
Program and serve as an authentic guide and realistic approach to the school’s mission statement. The
course at the core answers the question, “What does it mean to be a student in the Middle Years
Program at Westlake Academy?”
Middle Years Program study:
How do I interpret the octagon chart?
What is the Personal Project?
What are the Areas of Interaction?
How do I balance my studies?
How is the Learner Profile addressed in the Middle Years Program?
Community and Service:
Students through this course will create a personal plan for community service and action as well as
develop a shared goal or community project at their respective grade level.
The Learner Profile:
Students will participate in a variety of activities and grade level discussions designed to help students
engage in embracing the learner profile in action. This area of the course will address student issues and
concerns in a safe environment. Students will engage in discussions related to ethical issues such as
bullying and academic dishonesty.
Examples may include but are not limited to:
What is passive bullying?
What can I do if I see cheating?
What types of things do I visit the counselor or coordinator for?
Student Portfolio:
Each student will keep a portfolio of work. Included in this portfolio will be a resume’, samples of
student work, community service documentation, (in Grade 10 a personal fitness plan), and student
reflection sheets.
The Areas of Interaction:
Students will gain an in depth understanding of the Areas of Interaction. Objectives will be to produce
and facilitate at a minimum, one student class project based on using two of the Areas of Interaction as
the focus. Based on the principles that drive the areas, students will also have an opportunity to create
and produce one grade level assembly for the Middle Years student body.
Study Skills:
Students will gain specific strategies and techniques to assist in preparing for examinations of any kind:
Vocabulary and word building skills.
Study Strategies i.e. the use of graphic organizers as a study tool
Note taking
1. managing presented materials
2. following guidelines
3. using notes effectively
Practice timed exams
1. How to approach a multiple choice versus essay questions
2. How to overcome anxiety
3. Preparation for final examinations
Exposure to PSAT type questions
Organization and time management
1. accessing the grade book
2. developing an organizational plan
3. study planning and goal setting
FY 10-11 FY 11-12 FY 12-13 FY 13-14 FY 14-15
General Fund Beginning Fund Balance 522,937$ 615,056$ 411,401$ 340,295$ 335,160$
REVENUES:
Local Revenue
Westlake Foundation reimbursement for Salary 64,858 64,858 64,858 64,858 64,858
WAF, WAAC, Grants, Scrip, Other Local Rev 12,000 12,000 12,240 12,485 12,734
Blacksmith Apprentice Program (75% FY 11-12 & future) 419,230 361,883 373,748 385,613 385,613
Interest Earned 1,500 1,500 1,530 1,561 1,592
Food Services 3,000 3,000 3,060 3,121 3,184
Athletic Activities 51,953 53,512 55,117 56,771 58,474
Transportation/Parking 32,840 15,900 18,860 18,860 18,860
Total Local Revenue 585,381 512,652 529,413 543,268 545,314
State Revenue
TEA Foundation funds 3,748,836 4,314,698 4,455,990 4,597,450 4,597,450
TRS On-behalf/Medicare Part B (Offset in Salary exp)195,795 199,711 203,705 207,780 211,935
TOTAL REVENUES 4,530,013 5,027,062 5,189,108 5,348,497 5,354,699
EXPENDITURES:
Object Code 61XX - Salaries 3,253,614 3,593,687 3,665,560 3,738,872 3,813,649
Object Code 62XX - Professional & Contracted Services 641,745 985,604 1,005,316 1,025,423 1,045,931
Object Code 63XX - Supplies & Materials 224,298 231,027 235,647 235,647 235,647
Object Code 64XX - Other Operating Costs 305,397 314,559 320,850 320,850 320,850
Object Code 65XX - Debt Service - 93,000 20,000 20,000 -
Object Code 66XX - Capital Assets 133,000
TOTAL EXPEDITURES 4,425,054 5,217,877 5,247,374 5,340,792 5,416,078
OTHER RESOURCES/USES
Other Resources 7,000 7,000 7,000 7,000 7,000
Other Resources (Setting up capital lease for portables)133,000
Transfers Out (19,840) (19,840) (19,840) (19,840) (19,840)
92,118 (203,655) (71,106) (5,134) (74,218)
ENDING FUND BALANCE 615,056 411,401 340,295 335,160 260,942
Assigned - Technology/FFE 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000
Assigned - Uniform/Equipment Replacement 14,838 15,283 15,741 - -
ENDING FUND BALANCE (BASED ON 75% BSA donations)500,218$ 296,118$ 224,553$ 235,160$ 160,942$
$$ Per Operating Day 12,123$ 14,296$ 14,376$ 14,632$ 14,839$
# of Operating Days (based on 365) (75% BSA donations)41 21 16 16 11
ENDING FUND BALANCE (BASED ON 75% BSA donations)500,218$ 296,118$ 224,553$ 235,160$ 160,942$
Additional 25% Blacksmith Apprentice donations 120,628 124,583 128,538 128,538
ENDING FUND BALANCE (BASED ON 100% BSA donations)500,218$ 416,745$ 349,136$ 363,698$ 289,480$
# of Operating Days (based on 365) (100% BSA donations)41 29 24 25 20
ENDING FUND BALANCE (BASED ON 75% BSA donations)500,218$ (1,205,215)$ (2,655,643)$ (4,036,223)$ (5,480,310)$
Additional 25% Blacksmith Apprentice donations 120,628 124,583 128,538 128,538
Debt Service Payments 1,503,278 1,499,950 1,500,028 1,498,406 1,499,942
ENDING FUND BALANCE (BASED ON 100% BSA donations)(1,001,560)$ (2,584,537)$ (4,031,089)$ (5,406,092)$ (6,851,714)$
# of Operating Days (based on 365) (100% BSA donations)- - - - -
Key Assumptions:
A State Funding based on current FY 09-10 funding formula for all five years
B FY 11-12 and future years - Blacksmith Apprentice Program budgeted at 75%
C
D FY 11-12 - Added 3 portable buildings
E FY 11-12 - Approximately $325K added for indirect payroll costs of services performed by Town staff
F 3% increase in all other expenditures FY 11/12; 2% increase in all other expenditures FY 12/13, then held flat.
G 2% increase in Salary and Professional & Contracted Services each year.
H Assigned fund balance reflects the portion being held for equipment/uniform replacement as well as FF&E and technology equip.
Excess Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures
Fund Description
FIVE YEAR FORECAST
FY 11-12 - Includes four (4) new Secondary teachers and a third section in G7 - G10; G11 will grown to 3 sections in FY 12-13; G12 will
grow to 3 section in FY 13-14
WESTLAKE ACADEMY -GENERAL FUND
Page 1 of 1
Westlake Academy
Memo
To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees
From: Tom Brymer, Superintendent
Subject: Meeting of October 4, 2010
Date: September 27, 2010
ITEM
Wkshp Discussion of Westlake Academy’s Legislative Agenda for 82nd Texas
Legislature as it Relates to Public Education and Charter Schools
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
responsible global citizens.
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
Academic Achievement
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 Texas Charter School Association’s Advocacy Committee has been meeting and
formulating legislative priorities for the next legislative session for its members
(Westlake Academy is a member). The next State legislative session (82nd ) begins in
January 2011.
FUNDING: N/A
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board review TCSA’s legislative
agenda, determine if it concurs with it or wishes to revise it, and communicate those
priorities to our State legislative delegation.
ATTACHMENTS: Texas Charter School Association Unified Legislative Priorities,
82nd Legislature (as approved by the TCSA Board of Directors)
1
TEXAS
CHARTER
SCHOOL
ASSOCIATION
UNIFIED
LEGISLATIVE
PRIORITIES
82ND
LEGISLATURE
The
Texas
Charter
Schools
Association
(TCSA)
is
the
statewide
association
representing
approximately
400
charter
schools
educating
more
than
80,000
students
in
every
part
of
our
great
state.
In
total,
an
estimated
120,000
Texas
students
attend
open-‐enrollment
charter
schools
with
40,000
students
currently
on
waiting
lists.
Improving
Texas
public
education
undeniably
requires
a
creative
and
collective
approach.
The
current
traditional
public
school
system
alone
is
not
working;
charter
schools
are
central
to
profound
reform.
Charter
schools
are
free
public
schools
that
offer
flexibility
to
adapt
to
the
educational
needs
of
individual
students.
Charters
create
what
Texas
students
deserve
–
a
reliable
and
real
choice
to
gain
an
education
that
suits
them
best.
Charter
schools
vary
in
mission
and
model,
serving
a
wide
range
of
students,
many
with
needs
beyond
traditional
public
school
instruction.
Increasing
educational
opportunity
and
reducing
high
school
dropout
rates
in
Texas
remains
our
relentless
challenge.
Currently,
45%
of
Texas
charter
schools
serve
high
school
students
that
have
dropped
out,
or
are
at-‐risk
of
dropping
out
of
school.
Additionally,
11%
focus
on
college
preparation,
32%
serve
a
specialized
mission,
and
12%
are
educating
students
in
residential
treatment
or
juvenile
justice
programs.
The
vision
for
charter
schools,
as
stated
in
the
Texas
Education
Code,
is
to
improve
student
learning,
increase
the
choice
of
learning
opportunities
within
the
public
school
system,
create
professional
opportunities
that
will
attract
new
teachers
to
the
public
school
system,
establish
a
new
form
of
accountability
for
public
schools,
and
encourage
different
and
innovative
learning
methods.
Charters
around
the
state
are
closing
the
achievement
gap,
empowering
communities,
and
preparing
children
for
college
and
the
workforce.
Effective
public
schools,
both
charter
and
district,
should
be
defined
as
those
schools
that
meet
high
levels
of
student
achievement
through
such
benchmarks
as
test
scores,
individual
student
academic
growth,
successful
prevention
and/or
recovery
of
dropout
students,
and
college
or
workforce
readiness,
among
other
benchmarks.
The
legislative
priorities
listed
below
will
support
the
success
of
Texas
charter
schools
and
prepare
the
most
children
possible
for
success
beyond
high
school.
In
implementing
these
reforms,
we
will
ensure
Texas
has
the
best
charter
legislation
in
the
country,
and
more
importantly,
the
best
public
education
system
possible.
ALLOW
EQUAL
FUNDING
FOR
CHARTER
STUDENTS
• Charter
public
schools
should
receive
funding
equal
to
that
of
traditional
public
schools.
Charter
schools
receive
state
funds
based
on
the
average
daily
attendance
of
students
(same
as
traditional
public
schools);
however,
they
do
not
receive
funds
from
local
tax
revenue.
Texas
Education
Agency
(TEA)
data
indicates
that
charter
schools
receive
approximately
$1200
less
in
total
revenue
per
pupil
than
traditional
public
schools.
2
• Currently,
the
state
supports
traditional
school
districts
which
are
small
by
choice
through
the
small
and
mid-‐sized
adjustments.
Similarly
sized
charter
schools
should
be
eligible
for
the
adjustments
under
the
same
formulas.
INCREASE
AND
IMPROVE
CHARTER
SCHOOL
FACILITIES
• Texas
charter
schools
currently
do
not
receive
facilities
funding,
leaving
them
with
substantial
financial
burdens.
The
Texas
Legislature
should
provide
charter
schools
with
greater
access
to
existing
public
school
facilities,
particularly
in
school
districts
with
vacant
schools
or
unused
property.
Charter
schools
should
be
given
preference,
in
the
form
of
favorable
terms
and
qualification,
when
a
school
district
seeks
to
lease
or
sell
underutilized
buildings
or
property.
• Charter
schools
should
have
the
same
access
to
bond
guarantees
through
the
Permanent
School
Fund
(PSF)
as
traditional
public
schools.
Extending
this
privilege
to
charters
would
provide
immense
savings
by
reducing
the
cost
of
issuance
and
lowering
interest
rates.
• Charter
facilities
leased
by
a
private
owner
to
a
public,
open-‐enrollment
charter
school
should
become
exempt
from
real
property
taxes
for
the
duration
of
the
lease
agreement.
The
savings
should
be
passed
onto
the
school.
• Effective
charter
schools
should
be
given
a
per
pupil
allotment
to
cover
the
maintenance
and
operation
of
a
school’s
facility.
PROMOTE
MANAGED
GROWTH
• The
current
cap
on
open-‐enrollment
charters
needs
to
be
lifted
to
meet
the
growing
demand
for
high
quality
charter
schools.
The
State
Board
of
Education
should
be
given
the
authority
to
grant
20
more
charters
per
year.
• All
charter
schools
that
prove
sustained
success
in
accordance
with
their
mission
type
should
be
able
to
replicate
and
expand
through
a
streamlined
process.
Rules
relating
to
replication
and
expansion
should
not
exceed
current
accountability
standards.
New
charter
campuses
should
be
eligible
for
startup
funds
for
new
charters.
• Charter
school
terms
should
be
no
less
than
10
years
and
the
charter
should
automatically
renew
unless
the
school’s
charter
is
revoked
before
the
expiration
of
the
charter
term.
• The
Texas
Legislature
should
strengthen
procedural
due
process
rights
provided
for
effective
charter
schools.
CREATE
DESIGNATION
FOR
“DROPOUT
REDUCTION
CHARTER
HIGH
SCHOOLS”
• A
new
designation
in
Chapter
12
of
the
Texas
Education
Code
should
be
created
for
Alternative
Education
Campuses
that
operate
Dropout
Reduction
Charter
High
3
Schools.
“Dropout
Reduction
Charter
High
Schools”
will
be
registered
for
evaluation
under
Alternative
Education
Accountability
(AEA)
procedures.
• Specifically,
the
Texas
Legislature
should
ensure:
(1.)
Dropout
Reduction
Charter
High
Schools
should
be
accurately
and
appropriately
measured
for
serving
special
populations
of:
at-‐risk
students;
over-‐aged
students;
credit-‐deficient
students;
or
any
other
large
concentration
of
subgroups.
(2.)
Dropout
Reduction
Charter
High
School
Programs
enrolling
students
that
are
unable
to
graduate
with
their
cohort
group
should
be
placed
in
a
separate
cohort
group
assessed
by
the
Texas
Growth
Index.
(3.)
Dropout
Reduction
Charter
High
Schools
should
be
able
to
expand
or
replicate
based
on
acceptable
Academic
Excellence
Indicator
System
ratings
and
financial
ratings.
CREATE
CHARTER
SCHOOLS
FOR
STUDENTS
WITH
AUTISM
• The
Texas
Legislature
should
allow
for
more
new
charter
school
campuses
that
primarily
serve
students
with
autism
spectrum
disorder.
In
1999,
an
estimated
5,000
students
qualified
for
special
education
services
under
the
autism
classification;
by
2009
that
number
had
grown
to
almost
26,000
–
an
increase
over
400%.
Currently,
there
are
no
rules
or
standing
law
regarding
the
percentage
of
charter
schools
dedicated
specifically
to
students
with
disabilities.
• Charter
schools
created
for
students
on
the
autism
spectrum
would
provide
intensive
individualized
instruction,
utilizing
the
expertise
of
qualified
individuals
and
individualized
education
plans
tailored
to
meet
the
academic,
social,
and
emotional
needs
of
children
with
autism.
INCREASE
OVERALL
ACCURACY
IN
PERFORMANCE
MEASURES
• The
Texas
Legislature
should
ensure
accountability
measures
match
school
mission.
Performance
monitoring
for
special
mission
charter
schools
should
be
appropriate
to
the
population
being
served.
• Attribution
for
student
learning
is
critical
to
the
charter
school
movement.
The
Texas
Legislature
and
the
Texas
Education
Agency
have
implemented
the
Texas
Projection
Measure.
TCSA
supports
this
idea,
however
the
Texas
Legislature
and
Texas
Education
Agency
should
examine
the
prospect
of
a
value-‐added
measure
that
will
more
accurately
measure
actual
student
learning
gains
over
time.
• The
Texas
Legislature
should
guarantee
that
the
end-‐of-‐course
exams
are
taken
upon
the
student’s
actual
completion
of
the
course,
regardless
of
the
traditional
testing
calendar.
###
Page 1 of 1
Westlake Academy
Memo
To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees
From: Tom Brymer, Superintendent
Subject: Meeting of October 4, 2010
Date: September 27, 2010
ITEM
Wkshp Update and Status Report on Parking, Former Student/Parent Exit
Interviews, and Start of the 2010-11 School Year
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
responsible global citizens.
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
Academic Achievement
PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum)
Caring Environment
Fiscal Stewardship
Communication/Transparency
Engaged Stakeholders
Maximizing Each Child’s Potential
BACKGROUND (including policy implications and options)
At the September 13, 2010 Board meeting, the Board of Trustees expressed a desire to
discuss the new parking arrangements at Westlake Academy and to receive an update on
the start of the 2010-11 School Year. The current parking plan’s origins are tied to the
decision to build additional parking at the school, beyond available funds in the Arts &
Sciences Building Capital Project Fund. In order to have enough funding to build the
entire amount of parking desired, the Board approved a budget amendment to the
Municipal Budget, allocating $76,432 of the General Fund’s fund balance to cover this
additional cost. Per the Council’s direction, this additional cost would be paid back by
parking user fees over a 5 year period, per the attached plan presented to the Board
during the formulation of the FY 2010-11 Budget this past summer. Painted designation
of paid parking spaces has been delayed by rainy weather but is scheduled for completion
soon, weather permitting.
Additionally, Staff would like to update the Board on the status of former Student/Parent
Exit Interviews and report on activities surrounding the start of the 2010-11 school year.
FUNDING: N/A
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board receive the reports requested,
ask questions and provide direction as needed.
ATTACHMENTS: Site plan/map of new parking plan for students, faculty and visitors.
Premium Student Parking
Standard Student Parking
Free Teacher Parking
Paid Teacher/Visitor Parking
Visitor Parking
Page 1 of 2
Westlake Academy
Memo
To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees
From: Rod Harding, MYP Principal
Subject: Meeting of October 4, 2010
Date: September 27, 2010
ITEM
Wkshp Discussion and Review of the Westlake Academy Mission/Vision
Statement
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
responsible global citizens.
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
Academic Achievement
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 Westlake Academy Mission is the determining factor in what we wish to accomplish.
It is the building block that gives direction to the learning principles, curriculum and
assessment system, instructional programs and practices, personnel development and
policies and governance.
WA Staff has been in the process of placing the Mission of the school in common areas
and all classrooms and offices. All students and staff must know the Mission and
understand how it influences the organization. It has come to our attention during this
process that the word “well-balanced” is included in some of the Academy Mission
statement documents and missing in others. See chart below:
Document where Mission Appears 2010-11 Well-balanced Wording
Parent Student Handbook No
Strategic Plan No
Website Yes
Personnel Manual Completely different
On Screen Mission (TVs) at BOT Meetings Yes
Page 2 of 2
FUNDING
N/A
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board of Trustees discuss and determine whether “well-
balanced” has been taken out of the Mission statement inadvertently and should it be
included from this point forward.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Page 1 of 1
Westlake Academy
Memo
To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees
From: Tom Brymer, Superintendent
Subject: Meeting of October 4, 2010
Date: September 27, 2010
ITEM
Wkshp Discussion of Board of Trustee Governance as Set Out in Dr. Brian
Carpenter’s Charter School University: An Introduction to Effective
Charter School Governance, Chapters 5-7.
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
responsible, global citizens.
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
Academic Achievement
PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum)
Caring Environment
Fiscal Stewardship
Communication/Transparency
Engaged Stakeholders
Maximizing Each Child’s Potential
BACKGROUND (including policy implications and options)
At the December 7, 2010 Board meeting, the Board agreed to place on its future
workshop agendas, when agenda work load permitted, the discussion of chapters from
Dr. Brian Carpenter’s book, Charter School University: An Introduction to Effective
Charter School Governance. The Board consensus was that each Board member would
take a turn leading the discussion on the topics in Dr. Carpenter’s book. To date,
Chapters 1-4 have been covered by the Board. At this workshop, the Board is scheduled
to cover Chapters 5-7
FUNDING N/A
RECOMMENDATION Review the materials in Dr. Carpenter’s book and discuss how
it applies to Westlake Academy and the Board’s role.
ATTACHMENTS
Chapters 5-7 from Dr. Carpenter’s book:
Chapter 5 First Things First
Chapter 6 The Starting Line for Your Board
Chapter 7 Governing Versus Managing
BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Westlake
Academy
Item #8-Workshop
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: USA &
Texas Pledge
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 September 13, 2010.
Westlake
Academy
Item # 4 - Consent
Agenda Items
BOT Minutes 09/13/10
Page 1 of 5
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES WORKSHOP & REGULAR MEETINGS
September 13, 2010
PRESENT: President Laura Wheat and Trustees, Clif Cox, Carol Langdon, and Rick
Rennhack. Tim Brittan arrived at 5:37 p.m.
ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent Thomas Brymer, Attorney Janet Bubert, Secretary
Kelly Edwards, Middle Years Principal Rod Harding, Primary
Principal Jamie Schmitz, Administrative Services Coordinator Ben
Nibarger, Finance Director Debbie Piper, Municipal Court
Administrator Amanda DeGan, Director of Human Resources and
Administrative Services Todd Wood, Assistant to the Town
Manager Ginger Awtry, Director of Parks and Recreation and
Facilities Troy Meyer.
Workshop Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the workshop meeting to order at 5:09 p.m.
2. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FROM SEPTEMBER 13, 2010,
TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
Trustee Cox asked to discuss item a of the consent agenda.
Discussion ensued regarding the type of minutes. If the minutes should be action only
minutes or a combination of action minutes with notations.
The Board would like any revisions made to the item included in the motion.
BOT Minutes 09/13/10
Page 2 of 5
3. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE 2010 PARENTS’ SURVEY.
Mr. Chris Tathum, ETC Institute, provided a presentation and overview of the Westlake
Academy’s Parents Survey.
Discussion ensued regarding trending of any comments provided in the survey and if
the IB program is understood based on the survey results. The Board asked ETC to
provide crosstabs for the survey results.
The Board also discussed some of the comments submitted and the communication of
information between the academy and parents.
4. DISCUSSION OF A DRAFT PROPOSED VOLUNTEERS BOARD POLICY.
The Board discussed item 4 prior to item 3 of the agenda
Superintendent Brymer provided overview regarding the proposed policy.
Discussion ensued regarding the training and that training would be require prior to
rendering any services. Staff stated that they will conduct two (2) large training
sessions and then provide additional training on a case by case basis.
5. DISCUSSION REGARDING INDIRECT AND DIRECT COST FOR WESTLAKE
ACADEMY.
Superintendent Brymer and Director of Parks and Recreation and Facilities Meyer
provided an overview and summary explanation of large expenditures regarding the
direct costs associated with the academy.
Superintendent Brymer recommended moving any remaining funds associated with the
direct facility cost to a major maintenance account to fund any unexpected
maintenance.
Superintendent Brymer and Finance Director Piper provided an overview of the indirect
cost regarding the Municipal staff associated with the academy and answered
questions.
Discussion ensued regarding the unique service delivery and the shared service model
between the school and municipal employees.
President Wheat recessed the meeting at 7:42 p.m.
President Wheat reconvened the meeting at 8:03 p.m.
6. DISCUSSION OF STRATEGIC PLAN DESIRED OUTCOME: EFFECTIVE
EDUCATORS AND STAFF; INCLUDING A TEACHER RETENTION AND
BOT Minutes 09/13/10
Page 3 of 5
COMPENSATION SYSTEM AS WELL AS PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF
THE NEWLY DESIGNED AND IMPLEMENTED FACULTY APPRAISAL SYSTEM.
Primary Principal Schmitz and Middle Years Principal Harding provided a presentation
and overview of the Teacher’s appraisal system for 2010-2011.
Discussion ensued regarding the process, improvement plans, coaching or mentoring
and how the system would be used in a positive manner.
7. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
- Review how to improve communication between the school and parents such as
information and number of items included in each communiqué.
- Schedule a workshop regarding the Parents Survey deficiencies that need to be
addressed and the plan of action.
8. DISCUSSION OF BOARD OF TRUSTEE GOVERNANCE AS ILLUSTRATED IN DR.
BRIAN CARPENTER’S AN INTRODUCTION TO EFFECTIVE CHARTER SCHOOL
GOVERNANCE, CHAPTERS 3-4.
The Board discussed and reviewed the questions posed in Chapters 3 and 4 of Dr.
Carpenter’s book.
9. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat adjourned the
workshop at 9:20 p.m.
Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the Regular meeting to order at 9:20 p.m. with all Trustees.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Wheat led the pledge of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.
3. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
There was no one present wishing to address the Board.
BOT Minutes 09/13/10
Page 4 of 5
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Consider approval of the minutes for the meeting held on August 16, 2010.
b. Consideration of a Resolution 10-20, Adopting a Board Policy Regarding
Volunteers at Westlake Academy.
MOTION: Trustee Cox made a motion to approve item a on the consent agenda.
Trustee Rennhack seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of
4-0.
Discussion ensued regarding the how the policy will be monitored and enforced by the
staff.
MOTION: Trustee Langdon made a motion to approve Resolution 10-20,
Adopting a Board Policy Regarding Volunteers at Westlake Academy
revising the following: A volunteer may not perform any volunteer duties
for the Academy until: 1)The Academy has obtained all necessary
criminal history record information related to the volunteer as may be
required by state law and board policy; and 2)The Superintendent’s
designee makes a determination in his/her discretion on the
appropriateness of volunteer service by the applicant and provides
written notice that the volunteer’s application has been approved; and 3)
The approved volunteer completes annual mandatory training, including
completion of training on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA) conducted by Academy staff, and signs the Academy’s Learning
Commitment.
Trustee Brittan seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote
of 4-0.
5. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
- There were no additional items
6. BOARD CALENDAR
- Arbor Day
September 25, 2010
- Westlake Baja at Vaquero
September 27, 2010
- Board of Trustee Meeting
October 4, 2010
- Board of Trustee Meeting
November 1, 2010
- Texas Charter Schools Association Conference - San Antonio
November 29-December 1, 2010 (contact Ben)
BOT Minutes 09/13/10
Page 5 of 5
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- None
8. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat asked for a motion
to adjourn.
MOTION: Trustee Cox made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Brittan
seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 4-0.
President Wheat adjourned the meeting at 9:34 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON OCTOBER 4, 2010.
____________________________
Laura Wheat, Board President
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary
BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Westlake
Academy
Item #5
Board Recap /
Staff Direction
BOARD CALENDAR
o Westlake Arbor Day Celebration (rescheduled date)
October 16, 2010; 4 pm-dusk; Glenwyck Park
o WHPS Living History Presentation - Texas Frontier Forts Trail
October 26, 2010; 7:00 pm; WA Performance Hall
o Board of Trustee Meeting
November 1, 2010
o Staff Development Day- (No school for students)
November 17, 2010; 8:00-3:30 pm at WA-Dr. Marsha Tate
Seminar
o School Holiday – Thanksgiving Break
November 22-26, 2010
o Texas Charter Schools Association Conference
November 29-December 1, 2010 (contact Ben N.); San Antonio
Westlake
Academy
Item #6
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 Superintendent
with the requested item and the Superintendent 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 Superintendent will place the item on
the Board agenda calendar allowing for adequate time for staff preparation on the
agenda item.
- None
Westlake
Academy
Item # 7 –
Future Agenda
Items
Westlake
Academy
Item # 8 –
Adjournment
Back up material has not
been provided for this item.