HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-22-07 BOT Agenda PacketJOINT WORKSHOP MEETING
OF THE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
AND THE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY FOUNDATION
AGENDA
JANUARY 22, 2007
4:00 P.M.
ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM - TOWN HALL
2650 J.T. OTTINGER ROAD
1. CALL TO ORDER.
2. DISCUSS THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY FOUNDATION BUDGET FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007.
3. CONSIDER CHARTER DOCUMENTS, GOALS, AND MISSION STATEMENT
OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY FOUNDATION.
4. ADJOURNMENT.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the above notice was posted on the front door of the Town Hall of the Town of
Westlake, 2650 J.T. Ottinger Road, Westlake, Texas, on Friday, January 19, 2007, at 5:00 p.m.,
under the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code.
'kiK Sutter, RMC, Secretary
Memorandum
Date:
January 12, 2007
From:
Rick Rennhack -- President, Westlake Academy Foundation
To:
Board of Aldermen
Subject: January 22, 2007 Workshop Discussion Points
Westlake Academy Foundation
Mission Statement:
Westlake Academy Foundation exists to raise funds for the Operating shortfall, Capital
requirements and endowment needs of the Westlake Academy.
Purpose of Workshop:
• To improve communication between the Westlake Academy Foundation, the
Board of Aldermen, and Westlake Academy by reviewing excerpts of the minutes
from past Board of Aldermen meetings.
• To understand the Board of Aldermen expectations of the Foundation and the
fundraising priority of meeting the operating shortfall, capital requirements and
endowment needs of the Westlake Academy.
• To understand how capital requirements of Westlake Academy are determined.
• To present a resolution to the Board of Aldermen authorizing the Westlake
Academy Foundation to raise funds for the Arts/Sciences Building.
o To determine what happens to funds raised if the charter, curriculum, or
ownership of Westlake Academy changes.
• To understand the Town of Westlake's vision of the relationship between the
Town, Foundation and Academy. To that end, the Foundation proposes the
following DRAFT for the Board's consideration...
Town of Westlake
Vision Statement:
The Town of Westlake recognizes that the Westlake Academy is a key asset to the
Westlake community and is therefore committed to the Academy's success as an open
enrollment Charter School utilizing the International Baccalaureate curriculum.
Consistent with the Town of Westlake's original intent of creating a model educational
program for the city, state and the nation; the Town will do everything in its power to
provide funding for the Academy's operational shortfall and its capital requirements.
The Town of Westlake created the Westlake Academy Foundation and supports its
fundraising efforts on behalf of the Academy.
Originated: December 20, 2006 -- Westlake Academy Foundation Work Session
Confidential Page 1 1/18/2007
Minutes of the Town of Westlake, Texas Board of Aldermen Meetings:
Excerpts follow from past Aldermen Meetings follow for review and discussion on past
communication between Westlake Academy Foundation, Board of Aldermen, and
Westlake Academy.
Date: May 23, 2005 —Board of Aldermen Meeting
9. PRESENTATION BY RICK RENNHACK FROM WESTLAKE ACADEMY
FOUNDATION CONCERNING YEAR-END UPDATE
Mr. Rennhack was unable to attend the meeting. Mr. Jim Billington made a presentation
regarding the activities and accomplishments of the Foundation during last year.
Date: July 07, 2005 —Board of Aldermen Budget Work Session
2. BUDGET WORK SESSION
Discussion ensued regarding the civic campus renovation, in Town staff,. the five=
year capital impact plan, the future of Westlake Academy, the Westlake Academy
Charter, capital projects including Dove Road improvements and Ottinger Road, uses of
the visitor's fund, personnel salary increases at 5%, and the new proposed warrant
officer.
Also discussed were issues regarding employee health insurance, facilities maintenance,
information services, Keller police contract, and records updates.
The Board instructed Mr. Petty to produce financial scenarios regarding Westlake
Academy including the school only going through the 8th grade, the school going through
the 12t" grade with only one more class of no more than 16 kids in grades 9 — 12, a five
year analysis including cost of operations and capital, a view of the political fallout for
each scenario, and options for cutting students.
Date: August 08, 2005 —Board of Aldermen and School Board Workshop Meeting
2. BUDGET WORK SESSION
Town Manager Trent Petty presented the proposed budget for the Town of Westlake
Academy along with several scenarios for the future. He reviewed planning milestones
and parameters, the Mission Statement, goals objectives, and alternatives.
e advised the he recommended scenario 5A, which would allow for the continued
expansion of the Academy, filling seventh and eighth grades and placing students in
portable buildings for selected classes.
Confidential Page 2 1/18/2007
Discussion ensued regarding each of the scenarios, the dissolutionof the 4A Corporation
......... . ......... ......................
coupled with an election to adopt a Crime Control District tax, the aesthetics of the
campus in relation to the placement of the portable buildings, the cost of the portable
buildings, the Blacksmith Apprentice Program, the Foundation's capital prograYn for the
art/science building, the probability of retail business in Westlake, and maintaining the
budget for both the Town and the Academy with no ad valorem tax rate.
It was the consensus of the Board to move forward with Scenario 5A as presented;
contacting students on the waiting list for grades 7 and 8, explaining the Blacksmith
Program and its importance those who remain interested in attending the Academy,.
Date: August 15, 2005 --Board of Aldermen Budget Work Session
2. BUDGET WORK SESSION
Mr. Petty reviewed the proposed budget... there are no significant new capital projects...
and that construction of parking lots is proposed for the area near the portable court
building and behind the gymnasium.
Discussion ensued regarding ... the Westlake Academy Foundation capital fundraiser for
the Art/Science Building
Date: December 2005 — Board of Aldermen Meeting
5. CITIZENS' PRESENTATION
Mr. Rick Rennhack reported on the funds raised though the Gallery event and the
Blacksmith Apprentice Program. He advised that the Gallery event netted over $96,000
for both the day and evening events and the Blacksmith Apprentice Program has risen
over $345,000 in pledges, up $92,000 from last year. He further reported that Fidelity
Investments Foundation grant was given to the Academy Foundation in the amount of
$75,00.0 for the capital campaign to assist with the feasibility study to begin work with
campaign consultants...:
Date: April 24, 2006 — Board of Aldermen Meeting
7. CONSIDER A RESOLUTON AUTHORIZING A FIVE-YEAR LEASE
AGREEMENT WITH MCQUIRE PARTNERS AT SOLANA FOR THE
MUNICIPAL COURT, TOWN SECRETARY, AND TEXAS STUDENT
HOUSING OFFICES.
Mayor Bradley declared the motion carried unanimously.
Date: May 08, 2006 — Board of Aldermen Meeting
Confidential Page 3 1/18/2007
9. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A BUDGET AMENENDMENT
FOR LEGAL SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE SPECIAL SESSION OF
THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE.
Town manager Trent Petty explained that the Town employs Jody Richardson, an Austin
attorney, to monitor legislator in regular sessions that may affect Westlake or Westlake
Academy....
Mayor Bradley declared the motion carried unanimously.
10. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH TD
INDUSTRIES FOR THE REMODELING AND CONSTRUCTION WORK
RELATED TO THE PHASE II REMODELING/CONVERSION OF THE POD
E CIVIC CAMPUS FROM OFFICE SPACE TO ADDITIONAL
CLASSROOMS AND RELATED SPACE.
Mayor Bradley declared the motion carried unanimously.
Date: June 26, 2006 —Board of Aldermen Workshop
2. DISCUSS CAPITAL PROJECTS AND BUDGET PLANNING
Town Manager Trent Petty made a presentation regarding capital projects...
Discussion ensued regarding Westlake Academy expansion, Town staff relocation...
Mr. Petty asked the Board to review the proposed list, prioritize it, and/or add other
projects such as the Academy dinning hall expansion project.
Mayor Bradley suggested moving Dove/Ottinger intersection to the bottom of the list and
to keep the civic campus expansion at the top.
It was the consensus of the Board to make the civic campus expansion & staff relocation,
Roanoke Road and Ottinger Road reconstruction, FM 1938 pedestrian crossing, general
maintenance, and the high school soccer fields as priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
Date: September 11, 2006 — Board of Aldermen Workshop
Mr. Petty reviewed the 2005/2006 highlights, the 2006/2007 proposed highlights, the
summary table for all funds, expenditure categories for the Town and Westlake
Academy, the Town's support for Westlake Academy, the general fund program
summary, the general fund categories, the general fund revenue highlights, the
residential construction history, the anticipated construction activity, the sales tax history,
the anticipated sales tax receipts, the general fund franchise tax history and anticipated
receipts, the general fund expenditure categories for 2006/2007, personnel expenditures
in proportion to total revenues, personnel expenditures in proportion to total
Confidential Page 4 1/18/2007
expenditures, the proposed salary adjustments per position, the Town vs. the Academy
annual salary increases, employees at or above the 75% percentile, the debt service
schedule, the debt service payment sources, the utility fund, the utility fund revenue
highlights, the utility fund transfers out, proposed utility fund capital projects, the visitors
fund program summary, the visitors fund revenue categories, the visitors fund
expenditure categories, the property tax reduction fund, the 4B 1/2 cent sales tax fund, the
413 1/2 cent sales tax fund transfers out, long term capital projects (facilities, DPS, Public
Works), and long term capital projects grand total.
Discussion ensued regarding the independence of the Westlake Academy budget from the
Town budget, the $2.2 million the Town gives to subsidize the Academy, and the need to
revise the Academy budget to show the $2.2 million provided by the Town.
Date: September 25, 2006 —Board of Aldermen Workshop
2. DISCUSSION PROPOSED AGREEMENT WITH NORTEX MINERALS
OPERATING COMPANY, L.P., REGARDING THE POOLING OF MINERAL
INTERESTS.
Mayor Bradley began the discussion by stating that Hillwood owns at least one-half of
the minerals in the Town of Westlake. The Town's desire is to help protect the
development and the citizens of Westlake by working with developers to identify the best
drilling locations in Wes lake while possibly obtaining.a 5% royalty for the Town:
To date, we have one resident family who gave 25% of their mineral rights to
NVestlake Academy upon the Town's purchase of their land...
Date: October 10, 2006 Special Board of Aldermen Workshop
2. DISCUSS THE FORMATION OF A PUBLIC ART PROGRAM FOR THE
TOWN OF WESTLAKE.
Mayor Bradley shared with the Board that he and Mr. Petty have met with the artist
Lamberto Alvarez. .... Mayor Bradley stated that Mr. Alvarez offered to come the
Academy's Gallery Day event and help the children create a composite art work to
auction, and that Mr. Alvarez also offered to do an art seminar for the children.
Confidential Page 5 1/18/2007
Page 1 of 1
Kim Sutter
From: Darcy McFarlane [dmcfarlane@westlakeacademy.org]
Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2007 1:38 PM
To: ksutter@westlake-tx.org
Subject: School Board Meeting
Kim,
We will only have two items on the agenda as far as Barbara and I know
1 - We will ask the Board to approve the 2007-08 school calendar
2 - We will ask the Board to approve the addition of a question on the Lottery/Student Application. The question
is "Why are you applying to Westlake?"
I will try to get the first drafts of the Agenda Memos and Resolutions to you tomorrow - but no promises! : )
We will also have 2 citizen's presentations:
1 - Teachers will give updates on the IB Workshops they have attended
2 - Barbara will give an update on the lottery situation
Thanks,
Darcy McFarlane
Assistant to Head of School
Westlake Academy
817.490.5757
817-490-5758 fax
dmcfarlane@westlakeacademy.orq
Page 1 of 1
Kim Sutter
From: Darcy McFarlane [dmcfarlane@westlakeacademy.org]
Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2007 1:38 PM
To: ksutter@westlake-tx.org
Subject: School Board Meeting
Kim,
We will only have two items on the agenda as far as Barbara and I know
1 - We will ask the Board to approve the 2007-08 school calendar
2 - We will ask the Board to approve the addition of a question on the Lottery/Student Application. The question
is "Why are you applying to Westlake?"
I will try to get the first drafts of the Agenda Memos and Resolutions to you tomorrow - but no promises! : )
We will also have 2 citizen's presentations:
1 - Teachers will give updates on the IB Workshops they have attended
2 - Barbara will give an update on the lottery situation
Thanks,
Darcy McFarlane
Assistant to Head of School
Westlake Academy
817.490.5757
817-490-5758 fax
dmcfarlane@westiakeacademy.org
Joint Workshop Meeting of the Board of Trustees and the
Westlake Academy Foundation
Item #2
Materials for this Workshop Item will be included in your
Friday mail packet.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Westlake Academy Foundation
Statement of Cash Receipts and Disbursements
September 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006
BEGINNING CASH
1,837
(3,163)
RECEIPTS
3,676
3,676
Miscellaneous
50,778
50,778
32131 00
00
Disaster Relief Income
36110 00
00
Earned Interest
36111 00
00
Gain from Sale of Exxon Stock
39503 00
00
Miscellaneous Donations
39506 00
00
Exxon Stock Donation
115,450
17,350
Miscellaneous Total Receipts
Gallery Night
39501 30 04 Gallery Night Sponsors
39501 30 06 Gallery Night Auction
39501 30 07 Gallery Night Tickets
Gallery Night Total Receipts
Gallery Day
39501 31 06 Gallery Day Auction
Gallery Night Total Receipts
Blacksmith Apprentice
39502 32 04 Apprentice Sponsors (FY 04/05)
39502 32 04 Apprentice Sponsors (FY 05/06)
39502 32 04 Apprentice Sponsors (FY 06/07)
Blacksmith Apprentice Total Receipts
Capital Campaign
39504 33 Individuals
39504 33 Grants
Capital Campaign Total Revenue
Page 1 of 3
1/18/2007
10:26 AM
Budget
Budget Y -T -D vs
FY 06/07 Actuals Actual
$ 118,468 $ 118,468 $ -
5,000
1,837
(3,163)
-
3,676
3,676
-
50,778
50,778
5,000
56,291
51,291
46,000
17,350
(28,650)
65,000
-
(65,000)
4,450
-
(4,450)
115,450
17,350
(98,100)
386,888 268,977 (117,911)
386,888 268,977 (117,911)
2,000,000 - (2,000,000)
2,000,000 - (2,000,000)
TOTAL RECEIPTS $ 2,507,338 $ 342,618 $ (2,164,720)
Westlake Academy Foundation
Statement of Cash Receipts and Disbursements
September 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006
DISBURSEMENTS
232,562
46105
Miscellaneous
43336
30
00
43242
00
00
Executive Director
43243
00
00
Disaster Relief Expense
43335
00
00
Contract Labor
45610
00
00
Special Events
45830
00
00
Training/Seminars/Meetings
46105
00
00
Office Supplies
46115
00
00
Dues & Subscriptions
46120
00
00
Postage/Shipping
46125
00
00
Printing Expense
46160
00
00
Credit Card Service Charges
500
250
Miscellaneous Total Disbursements
Gallery Night
232,562
46105
32
43336
30
00
Contract Service - Entertainment
43531
30
08
Marketing & Promotion
46105
30
00
Office Supplies
46120
30
00
Postage & Shipping
46160
30
00
Credit Card Service Charges
46175
30
13
Venue Expense
47899
30
00
Consignment
(872)
100
Gallery
Night Total Disbursements
Blacksmith Apprentice
232,562
46105
32
00
Office Supplies
46160
32
00
Credit Card Service Charges
47900
32
00
Blacksmith Apprentice 2005
47900
32
00
Blacksmith Apprentice 2006
47900
32
00
Blacksmith Apprentice 2007
19
481
Apprentice Total Disbursements
Capital Campaign
232,562
Budget
43244
33
00
Feasibility Study
43244
33
00
Capital Campaign Mgmt
43531
33
00
Events
46120
33
00
Postage
-
Capital
Campaign Total Disbursements
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS
EXCESS RECEIPTS OVER/(UNDER) DISBURSEMENTS
Beginning Cash
Receipts
Disbursements
Ending Cash
Resticted Cash (Blacksmith donations)
Restricted Cash (Endowment)
Unrestricted Cash
Page 2 of 3
1/18/2007
10:26 AM
180 (180)
2,043 (2,043)
386,888
232,562
Budget
Budget
Y -T -D
vs
FY 06/07
Actuals
Actual
30,000
10,000
20,000
1,000
-
1,000
-
700
(700)
500
-
500
500
19
481
200
-
200
750
-
750
-
872
(872)
100
-
100
33,050
11,592
21,458
1,000
-
1,000
2,500
-
2,500
500
-
500
250
-
250
1,600
-
1,600
11,200
-
11,200
7,500
-
7,500
24,550
-
24,550
180 (180)
2,043 (2,043)
386,888
232,562
154,326
386,888
234,785
152,103
144,000
36,000
108,000
15,000
-
15,000
500
-
500
159,500
36,000
123,500
603,988
282,377
321,611
$ (1,843,109)
$ 60,241
$ 1,903,350
118,468
118,468
-
2,507,338
342,618
2,164,720
603,988
282,377
321,611
$ 2,021,818
$ 178,709
$ 1,843,109
-
42,284
(42,284)
-
54,454
(54,454)
2,021,818
81,971
1,939,847
Westlake Academy Foundation
Statement of Cash Receipts and Disbursements
September 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006
SUMMARY OF EVENTS
Miscellaneous
Receipts
Disbursements
Excess receipts over (under) disbursements
Gallery Night
Receipts
Disbursements
Excess receipts over (under) disbursements
Blacksmith Apprentice Program
Receipts
Disbursements
Excess receipts over (under) disbursements
Campaigns
Receipts
Disbursements
Excess receipts over (under) disbursements
EXCESS RECEIPTS OVER/(UNDER) DISBURSEMENTS
DETAIL OF CASH:
Page 3 of 3
1/18/2007
10:26 AM
Budget
Budget Y -T -D vs
FY 06/07 Actuals Actual
5,000 56,291 51,291
33,050 11,592 21,458
(28,050) 44,699 72,749
115,450 17,350 (98,100)
24,550 - 24,550
90,900 17,350 (73,550)
386,888 268,977 (117,911)
386,888 234,785 152,103
- 34,192 34,192
2,000,000 - (2,000,000)
159,500 36,000 123,500
1,840,500 (36,000) (1,876,500)
$ 1,903,350 $ 60,241 $ (1,843,109)
Beginning Cash
118,468
118,468 -
Total Receipts
2,507,338
342,618 (2,164,720)
Total Disbursements
603,988
282,377 321,611
Ending Cash
$ 2,021,818
$ 178,709 $ (1,843,109)
Chase
$ 91,204
Fidelity
32,579
Merrill Lynch
54,925
Total Cash
$ 178,709
Westlake Academy
® Planning Milestones and Parameters
Open Enrollment Charter provisions
2004 Blacksmith Apprentice Program
79th Legislature
Facility Expansion 2005
Future Expectations
® Revisiting the Mission
® Alignment of Goals and Objectives
® Desired Outcomes
® Recommendation
® Proposed Budget
® Student Teacher ratio
, i;2007 OTown of Westlake, Texas
a cotivergence of palihj
Westlake Academy 1
Westlake Acadeiiiy a convergence of quality
SAAP At A r. HAZA M .
:•
Open Enrollment Charter provisions
I/
im I
Open Enrollment
Blacksmith Apprentice Program
79th Legislature
2005 Facility Expansion
Future Expectations
k' I'm% n of We,tlake. Texas
Westlake Acadeiizy a convergence of quflIffil
•
Open Enrollment Charter
® Limits school to 800 students
® May not charge a tuition
® "Open Enrollment" admission standards
® No access to facility funding
® Accommodate the needs of all students
I " 'tKj- , - I o%, Ti of Westlake. Texas 10
Westlake Academy 2
Westlake Academy a colivergetice of glialrhl
004 Blacksmith Apprentice Program Presentation
Annual Shortfall Between State Funding
and Expenses per Student (2004 presentation)
$6,000
s
s
s
s
s
z
$S,OM
I
$2,000
$o
2003'05 2005-'06 2006-•07 2007-'08 2008209 2009-110
■ State Funding per Student
❑ Expenses per Per
■ Shortfall per Student
CITown of Westlake. Texas 11
Westlake Academy 3
Westlake Academy a cmvergeiice of qualihj
79th Legislature -
(it keeps going and going and going and going.....)
® No facility funds for Charter Schools
® No consensus on funding public schools
® Special legislation passed to distribute textbooks
® No additional operational funds for Charter schools
® School funding likely to be decided by the courts.
'('1007 gTown of Westlake, Tetras
Westlake
Facility Expansion
a convergence of quality
® Summer 2005: Moved partial staff and storage out of Pod E
® Summer 2005: Built one additional classroom to add space at a cost of
$85,000
® Summer 2006: Will move Court completely out of Pod E
® Summer 2006: Will complete transition of Pod E to add 3 class)'oottts at a
cost of $226,525
® Spring 2006: WA Foundation to kick off capital campaign for Arts/Science
and additional space.
® Ongoing: Town staff and school will utilize portables to maximize space and
efficiency
1/16/2007 CTown of Westlake, Texas 14
Westlake Academy 4
Westlake Academy a convergence of quality
'-r-raTFnTn9 Milestones and i i
Ttu ure xpectat ons
® Town is at debt capacity without new sales tax revenues.
® Westlake retail development uncertain.
® Legislative impact of school funding unknown.
® Westlake residential growth expected to produce 130
new homes over next 5 years.
® Reasonably estimate 8-10 new Westlake students/yr. in
grades 1-6 and no lottery admissions for kindergarten.
116;2007 OTown of Westlake, Texas I i
Westlake Academy a convergence of quality
•
Our Mission Statement
The Westlake Academy will provide a rigorous curriculum that is international
in scope with high expectations by sharing the responsibility of educational
development among teachers, parents, community and students. This will be
achieved by providing an innovative approach to education that focuses on the
needs of each student to develop a thirst for knowledge, produce positive esteem,
encourage good citizenship and maximize individual potential. This will prepare
students to be active participants and agents of change in a rapidly changing
environment that is global in scope.
1162007 Clown of Westlake, Texas 16
Westlake Academy 5
Westlake AcCgdemy a convergence of gitalihl
® Rigorous terriational Curriculum
® High Standards (expectations)
® Shared responsibility
® Innovative approaches
® Individual "student need" based
® Develop thirst for knowledge, positive self-esteem, good
citizenship and maximum potential
® Prepare student for global world
16 '00, OT e. Texas 17
Westlake,471
I. Offer Rigorous International Curriculum
A. Hire highly qualified domestic
& international teachers
B. Provide IB Certification training
for each teacher
a convergence of qualihj
D. Become certified PYP, MYP &
Diploma Program
E. Expose student to international
opportunities
C. Monitor and measure PYP, MYP F. Reflect IB philosophy in
& Diploma Program organizational structure
1 162007
C'Town of Westlake, Texas
18
Westlake Academy 6
Westlake Academy
II. Adhere to High Expectati
A. Maintain & enforce updated
Parent/Student Handbook
B. Frequently assess
performance of students,
teachers and staff
C. Promote based on merit and
performance
1 16,2007
Westlake Academy
a convergence of quality
D. Maintain "Exemplary" TEA
ranking without teaching to
the test
E. Strive for 100% IB Diploma
graduation
CTown of Westlake. Texas
19
a convergence of quality
III. Share responsibility of educational development
between parents, teachers, students, staff and
community
A.
Maintain active and productive
E. Foundation to conduct annual
Westlake Academy Foundation
campaign to support
excellence in the Academy
B.
Maintain active and informed
House of Commons
F. Maintain active lobbying
efforts in Austin to protect
school and interests
C.
Solicit structured and secure
volunteer efforts
G. Maintain advanced IT
communication interface with
D.
Frequently expose and involve
parents and community
students and parents in
community -wide activities
1,116Y2007
®Town of Westlake, Texas
20
Westlake Academy 7
Westlake A
a convergence of qualihj
IV. Offer individual "student needs" based education
A. Train all teachers in
differentiation skills
B. Always challenge the fastest
learners and special needs
students equally
C. Monitor individual student
work plans and progress
Westlake Acad
s
D. Maintain an overall student -
teacher ratio of not more than
13:1
E. Staff classrooms with special
needs teachers to supplement
regular classroom teachers
where necessary.
i Iown of Westlake. Texas
21
a convergence of qualihf
V. Develop thirst for knowledge, positive self esteem,
good citizenship and maximize potential
A. Teach and enforce respect, values
and principle based actions.
B. Maintain active counseling services
for all students.
C. Provide safe learning environment
free from intimidation, fear and/or
bullying.
E. Build healthy traditions.
F. Provide wide range of
extracurricular activities and
equally support art, music,
humanities and sports.
G. Maximize opportunity to promote
the IB Learner Profile in all aspects
of school life.
D. Apply horizontal social and
academic activities through House H. Expose students to a wide range of
system. viewpoints and case studies that
challenge individual thought.
1 16 2GO7 £,Town of Westlake, Texas 22
Westlake Academy 8
Westlake
VI. Prepare students for Global "Flat" World
A. Maximize IT opportunities to
connect and interact with
different cultures.
a convergence of quality
C. Teach history and current events
in the context of individual
impact and opportunity to grow
and learn.
D. Provide assessments to measure
B. Provide international education understanding of world change
opportunities for teachers, and its impact on education and
parents and students. opportunities.
1,16,2007 OTown of Westlake, Texas
23,
Westlake Academy a convergence of qualihj
® Provide a balanced budget for each year of the plan.
® Accommodate all existing students.
® Maintain quality of instruction.
® Limit negative financial impact on Town.
® Maintain desirable student/teacher ratio.
® Continue to offer IB curriculum with no reductions in
extracurricular activities.
1116/2007 OTown of Westlake, Texas 74
Westlake Academy 9
Westlake Acari eniy a convergence of qualii[y
t
FY 2004-2005 Budget and Projected Year -End Balances
Adopted Budget Projected Actual
Westlake Academy -All Funds FY 04/05 FY 04/05
Proposed Budget
FY 05/06
BEGINNING BALANCE S 12,391 5 12,391
$
12,391
$
184,179
REVENUES
State/Federal Revenues 7,540,634 1,750:472
REVENUES
Gifts &Donations 220,000 200,000
Other Revenues 132,932 118,208
1,750,472
TOTAL REVENUES 1,893,566 2,068.680
1,664,442
Gifts &Donations
200,000
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 1,891,870 1,896,892
Other Revenues
118,208
141,001
Net Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures 1,696 171,788
2,068,680
1,855,443
ENDING BALANCE 5 74,086 $ 184,179
1;16'3007 v I own of Westlake, Texas 25
a convergence of quality
Worst Case Proposed Budget
Assumptions: $O Blacksmith Apprentice Program &Foundation Donations
307 Students —not filling 71h and 81h grade vacan
Projected Actual
FY 04105
Proposed Budget
FY 05/06
BEGINNING BALANCE
$
12,391
$
184,179
REVENUES
State/Federal Revenues
1,750,472
1,664,442
Gifts &Donations
200,000
50,000
Other Revenues
118,208
141,001
TOTAL REVENUES
2,068,680
1,855,443
cies
}''}6/7()07 U1 o" n O} Westlake, Texas 26
Westlake Academy—All Funds
Projected Actual
FY 04105
Proposed Budget
FY 05/06
BEGINNING BALANCE
$
12,391
$
184,179
REVENUES
State/Federal Revenues
1,750,472
1,664,442
Gifts &Donations
200,000
50,000
Other Revenues
118,208
141,001
TOTAL REVENUES
2,068,680
1,855,443
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
1,895,892
2,201,223
Net Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures
771,788
(345,780)
ENDING BALANCE
S
184,179
S
(161,601)
Westlake Academy—All Funds
Projected Actual
FY 04105
Proposed Budget
FY 05/06
BEGINNING BALANCE
$
12,391
$
184,179
REVENUES
State/Federal Revenues
1,750,472
1,664,442
Gifts &Donations
200,000
50,000
Other Revenues
118,208
141,001
TOTAL REVENUES
2,068,680
1,855,443
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
1,895,892
2,201,223
Net Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures
771,788
(345,780)
ENDING BALANCE
S
184,179
S
(161,601)
Westlake Academy 10
Westlake Academy a convergence of qualihj
MLI /
Scenarios Evaluated
Least Desirable
1. "Current" - Continue K-12 current expansion with no changes
A. Staff in portables
B. Academy in portables
2. "Stop" - stop expansion of the school at completion of Grade 8
3. "One 9-12" - provide two classes K-8 and only one class of 91h -17th
A. Staff in portables
B. Academy in portables
4. "Fill All' - fill all vacancies, assume $0 Blacksmith Apprentice revenue
A. Staff in portables
B. Academy in portables
Most Desirable
5. "Fill Th & 81h" vacancies, assume partial BSA revenue
A. Students and Town staff in portables for selected classes and
functions
B. Staff in portables — allowing 100% occupancy of facility by Academy
1.16 2007 CTown of Westlake. Texas ?7
Westlake Academy a convergence of qualihf
' 1 I 1
Staff recommends selection of "Scenario 5A" based upon the
fact that 5A has the least negative financial impact on both the
Academy and the Town and provides the longest sustained
growth with no new revenue sources while remaining aligned
with mission and attaining goals and objectives.
))2007 CTown of Westlake, Texas ?g
Westlake Academy 11
Westlake Acadenn a convergence of gtaalihj
Proposed Budget
Westlake Academy - All Funds FY 05106
per
and Counselor
grade
BEGINNING BALANCE S 184,179
!'
arian
REVENUES
State/Federal Revenues 1,760,742
Gifts & Donations (Blacksmith Apprentice Program/Foundation/TSH) 418,150
Other Revenues 140,453
TOTAL REVENUES 2,319,345
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 2,308,782
Net Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures 10,563
ENDING BALANCE 5 194,742
1/16,12007 CTown of Westlake, Texas 29
Westlake Acadeiny
S ecial Education
er ratio
per
and Counselor
grade
(includes
!'
arian
Westlake Academy 12
The Dallas Morning News
gawtry
r7 -1m: Rick Rennhack [rickr@ren n hack. us]
--nt: Monday, January 15, 2007 4:43 PM
To: 'gawtry'
Subject: Board Package
Page 1 of 4
I found this article and thought it would be a good point of reference for everyone. Please include it in package to
BOA. Thanks. Rick
The Dallas Morning News
Published: July 11, 2003
School as civic linchpin? Town's writing the book
Westlake counts on academy to spur growth and unite community
By Kent Fischer
The Dallas Morning News
Atop a hill along a lazy country road, past the sprouting mini -mansions and country club, sits what bullish civic leaders
say is the future of their little town.
T hopes ride on Westlake Academy, a new breed of charter school, which will open in September.
The academy is free to the public and will feature an internationally recognized college -prep curriculum. Its principal
was recruited from Argentina. Classes will be limited to 16 students, uniforms will be mandatory, and academics — not
football — will rule.
It is designed to be a teacher's dream, but educators had nothing to do with it.
The town's mayor and aldermen dreamed the school up, and they're going to run it. They've made Westlake Academy
the heart of an effort to transform their amorphous bedroom community into a genuine small town. They want the
school to be a point of pride for residents, and they want its academics to be so off -the -charts that parents and
businesses will move to the town just for the school.
Nowhere else in Texas — and perhaps the nation — has a municipal government opened a charter school designed to be
an engine of economic and community development.
Born in the early 1990s as a conservative effort at improving schools, charter schools were meant to break the public
school monopoly and bring competition into an industry where little existed.
Westlake leaders, though, aren't concerned about school reform. I By the numbers
"Our primary motivation is one of self-interest," Mayor Scott Bradley said. "We want a
tr flight school of our own."
Currently, Westlake, population 207, has no schools. The town, actually, is little more
than lines on a map. Wedged between Trophy Club and Southlake, it has no downtown,
no town hall, no definable public space. Westlake's children are farmed out to schools
1/16/2007
Westlake Academy
Opens: Sept. 2
Cost: Part of a $17.35 million municipal
complex
Grades: 1-6 to start, but eventually K-12
Enrollment: about 190 this year; 800 at
maturity
Size: 54,000 square feet
Student -teacher ratio: 16 to 1
The Dallas Morning News
in three neighboring districts.
Curriculum: college prep
Westlake
Population: 207
That's why town leaders have placed Westlake Academy at the heart of a $17.35 Housing
usiaunits:
a s waabout 40
rr"'')n municipal complex overlooking rolling ranch land. The facility will house the Median income: $74,375
s(,._-ol, a town hall, a library and a recreation center — everything a small town should I Median home value: $257,100
have. An old-fashioned village green, a place to hold festivals and school carnivals, will sit in the middle of it all.
Page 2 of 4
"A school, in my opinion, should be the cornerstone of a community," Mr. Bradley said. "That's where our values get
passed along, and where a community can inculcate the things that are important: roots, a sense of where you're from."
Heart of the community
Right now, about the only thing that Westlake is really known for is being home to Alliance Airport and Circle T
Ranch, Ross Perot Jr.'s upscale master -planned community. Much of the land in the town is zoned for corporate offices,
which are occupied by the likes of DaimlerChrysler, IBM and Verizon. The corporate base has made Westlake an
affluent community. More than 40 percent of its residents earn more than $100,000 a year, according to the 2000
Census.
Mr. Bradley's desire for a school raises an interesting question: Is a community a community if it doesn't have its own
schools?
"It's such a fundamental question," said Roderick Hart, who directs the Institute for Civic Participation at the University
of Texas at Austin. "We know that being members of a group is crucial to the development of community ties. Schools,
it seems to me, are central to that. They're where parents meet, where kids play and learn."
They're also where children are taught what Dr. Hart calls "civic -mindedness."
Dana Drew knows all about the important role a school can play in a community's spirit. For six years, he's been the
principal of Grapevine High School. Mr. Drew said it is impossible to underestimate the pride townsfolk have in their
kids and in their town's schools.
"When I first got here, I didn't understand how much tradition means to the people of Grapevine," Mr. Drew said. "That
pride makes us competitive. We don't want to feel like we're dragging the town down."
That sort of civic pride is what the leaders of Westlake are shooting for. In fact, Westlake hired its town manager, Trent
Petty, away from Grapevine. Mr. Petty said he was lured by the opportunity to help create Westlake Academy. In fact,
he will act as the school superintendent. Town aldermen will serve as a school board, and Mr. Bradley is the school's
president. The state, however, will pay its bills.
Several years ago, Michelle Corson and her family moved to Southlake for the schools. But when the district cut its
Spanish classes and started charging parents for bus service, the Corsons knew they would move again.
This time, they're relocating to Westlake, lured by the promise of Westlake Academy.
"It's such a unique opportunity," said Mrs. Corson, whose two children will attend the school in September. "It's
basically a private -school education, in terms of the program and caliber, but it's a public school.
"I like the fact that [Westlake] has a rural feel, yet a sense that there's something exciting underfoot."
V Rake's venture into charter schools isn't unprecedented nationally, but it is exceedingly rare, according to the
Center for Education Reform, a pro -charter group based in Washington, D.C.
The city of Pembroke Pines, Fla., near Fort Lauderdale, runs three charter schools. But it started those schools
1/16/2007
The Dallas Morning News
Page 3 of 4
primarily to alleviate classroom crowding in the local school district. The center knew of no other cities that have
planned and developed and are running their own charters.
V' `lake maybe a first for Texas, but it may not be the last. State charter leaders and Westlake officials have been
co.—acted by other Texas towns interested in opening their own charters.
For now, however, nobody is saying where those towns are.
High hopes
The town is funding the construction of Westlake Academy with municipal bonds, a financial arrangement so unique
that, before they could begin, town leaders had to get the state to declare it legal.
The school's architecture is pastoral, with rugged exposed beams, high ceilings and two large stone fireplaces in a
commons area. Big windows will allow in plenty of natural light, and the classrooms will be equipped with wireless
computer technology.
A full-size gym will double as a town recreation center, and the academy's library will also serve residents. The school
has space for public meetings, civic group activities and banquets.
The school is an open -enrollment charter, meaning that it has to accept any child who applies. There were so many
applicants this spring for a limited number of spaces that town officials held a lottery to see who got in. The school is
set to open Sept. 2 with about 190 kids in grades 1 through 6. More than 80 are on a waiting list.
In time, the school will serve 800 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The academy's charter allows the school
to Eve an enrollment preference to town residents and its employees. Of its initial 190 students, only 10 are from
N lake. Right now, only about 40 school -aged kids live in Westlake, according to the census.
Those numbers, though, are growing.
The Corson decided to buy a home lot in Westlake specifically to guarantee their children spots in the school. Mrs.
Corson was so taken with the school's concept that she signed on as chairwoman of the academy's nonprofit
foundation. The group will try and secure an endowment for the school because town leaders don't think its state
charter money will cover its operating expenses.
The school will be funded as any other charter. It will receive a per -student allocation from the state, roughly $4,500
per child. The town will not supplement the school's budget with additional public money, Mr. Petry said.
"We're really trying to provide a private -school education at a public -school price," Mrs. Corson said.
Westlake leaders are also counting on the school to help lure businesses to their town. As a result, they designed their
school to appeal to the executives working in their town's many corporate offices. Many of those executives have
worked around the world and have high expectations for their children's schools.
To that end, town officials are trying to establish Westlake Academy with a curriculum called International
Baccalaureate. Developed in Europe, IB is considered among the toughest academic programs in the world. The
program is so demanding that many graduates skip their first year of college.
V' -tlake Academy has not yet nailed down its certification as an IB school, but school designers have set up its early
g, --,es to feed that sort of high-caliber program.
Couple the tuition -free IB program with the school's pledge to keep classes small — no more than 16 students — and it's
easy to see why Westlake officials think the academy and the town will be attractive for corporate executives and their
1/16/2007
The Dallas Morning News
companies.
And, of course, good schools enhance property values.
Page 4 of 4
' it's one of the reasons why we got really interested in this kind of [charter] arrangement," said Alderman Bill Frey.
"It seems like we're paving new roads here."
1/16/2007