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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-27-07 BOT Agenda Packet WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES WORKSHOP A G E N D A AUGUST 27, 2007 2:00 P.M. WESTLAKE CIVIC CAMPUS - BOARD ROOM 2650 J. T. OTTINGER ROAD 1. CALL TO ORDER. 2. DISCUSS COMMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD ON JULY 23, 2007, BY MS. REBECCA ROLLINS REGARDING WESTLAKE ACADEMY. 3. DISCUSS FY 2007-2008 BUDGET. 4. ADJOURNMENT. CERTIFICATION I certify that the above notice was posted at the Town Hall of the Town of Westlake, 3 Village Circle, and Westlake Civic Campus, 2600 J.T. Ottinger Road, Westlake, Texas, on Friday, August 24, 2007, by 2 p.m. under the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. _____________________________________ Kim Sutter, TRMC, 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. TOWN OF WESTLAKE, TEXAS BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING A G E N D A August 27, 2007 WESTLAKE CIVIC CAMPUS - BOARD ROOM 2600 J. T. OTTINGER ROAD 6:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER. 2. EXECUTIVE SESSION A. The Board will conduct a closed session under Texas Government Code section 551.071 to seek advice of counsel on legal matters involving pending or contemplated litigation, settlement offers, or other legal matters not related directly to litigation or settlement. B. The Board will conduct a closed session under Texas Government Code section 551.074 to discuss personnel matters. 3. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS. 4. HEAR REPORT FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL REGARDING INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM. 5. CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING FOR ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2008. 6. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE REVISED BUDGET FOR WESTLAKE ACADEMY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2007 AND ADOPTING THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2008. 7. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CHANGE TO THE PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK AUTHORIZING STUDENTS IN GRADES 10-12 TO DRIVE AND PARK PERSONAL CARS ON CAMPUS. 8. CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board 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. Review and approve minutes of the School Board of Trustees regular meeting held June 11, 2007. B. Review and approve minutes of the School Board of Trustees workshop and special called meeting held on June 25, 2007. C. Review and approve minutes of the School Board of Trustees workshop and meeting and Joint workshop with the Ac ademy Foundation held on November 13, 2006. D. Review and approve minutes of the School Board of Trustees meeting held on December 11, 2006. E. Review and approve any outstanding bills. 9. ADJOURNMENT. WESTLAKE ACADEMY MEMO TO: Board of Trustees, Westlake Academy FROM: Barbara Brizuela, Head of School SUBJECT: Meeting on August 27, 2007 ITEM: Consider a resolution authorizing a change to the Parent/Student Handbook authorizing students in Grades 10-12 to drive and park personal cars on campus. RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval. BACKGROUND: The Parent/Student Handbook currently states that students are not allowed to drive cars on the Westlake Academy campus. The Administration has found it to be in the best interest to allow students in grades 10 and up, who have a legal Texas Driver's Licenses to drive their personal cars to and from school. The implementation of this rule will allow students to take advantage of classes and school activities that take place away from the Westlake Academy campus and ease the drop off and pick up lines. Students may apply for a parking permit once they have a fully authorized state driver's license, present insurance papers and parental authorization. Yearly parking permit fees of $100 will be assessed and students will receive a Westlake Academy parking sticker to place on the back window of their car. All student cars must use the parking spaces reserved for them in the lower half of the parking lot outside Pod G. At this time Westlake Academy has enough parking spaces to accommodate all students who will be allowed to drive on campus in addition to staff and visitors. If at such time, parking spaces are outnumbered by student drivers the Academy may implement a student lottery to determine distribution of parking spaces. Westlake Academy may suspend the permit of any student vehicle from driving or parking on campus for the violation of any rule or regulation or for unsafe driving as determined by the Head of School. In the case of suspension, the permit may be reinstated, with the assessment of new fees, at the discretion of the Head of School. All laws regulating traffic on public roads, in addition to laws pertaining to licensed drivers under the age of 18, apply to the operation of vehicles on campus. In addition, the Texas law applicable during the first 6 months of the driver license (`These persons may not operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member') will apply at Westlake Academy until the driver is 18 years of age. Students will be allowed to drive and park on campus between the hours of 6:00 am and 9:00 pm. Please see attached from Texas Department of Public Safety regarding student drivers under the age of 18. The Texas Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program was implemented as a result of Senate Bill 577. This law changed original licensing requirements for persons under age 18. GDL creates two phases of driving requirements for minors. The effective date of the law was January 1, 2002. Basic requirements for obtaining a license have not changed. A person under age 18 must show proof of driver education, verification of current enrollment and attendance in school (or high school graduation or GED), proof of social security number, as well as proof of identification. TRC 521.2041 521.222 and 545.424❑ ❑ ❑ Phase OneFlApplicants under age 18 must hold an instruction permit or hardship license for a minimum of six months prior to issuance of a provisional Class A, B, or C driver license. In addition, the minimum age of the person who must accompany any instruction permit holder during the operation of the vehicle is 21 years of age. Except for hardship licenses, a minor is not eligible to graduate to Phase Two (provisional license) for a Class A, B, or C driver license until they have completed this phase and met all other current licensing and age requirements. Under the GDL program, there is no minimum time .that a person must hold, a restricted motorcycle or moped license before they can apply for a Class M license. Phase One does not apply to Class M or Hardship license holders. The instruction permit must remain valid during the mandatory six-month period to meet this regulation. If an instruction permit is suspended/revoked during this period, upon the completion of the suspension period, the remaining six-month period must be completed to meet the GDL Phase One requirement. House Bill 1032 passed during the 78th Legislative Session, extended the expiration date of instruction permits. Effective January 26, 2004, the expiration date for instruction permits is computed to the second birth date from the date of application. Once the applicant has held a valid instruction permit or hardship license for a minimum of six months, has reached the age of 16 for a Class C license (17 years of age for a Class A or B non -CDL), and has completed both the classroom and laboratory (driving) portions of driver education, they are eligible to "graduate" to Phase Two. r-ic]Phase TwoE]Phase Two restricts the driving privileges of persons under 18 years of age during the six-month period following the issuance of an original Class A, B, or C driver license (Provisional License), These persons may not operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member. They may not operate a motor vehicle between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the operator to attend or participate in employment or a school -related activity or because of a medical emergency. In addition, they may not operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device. Under Phase Two, a person under 17 years of age who holds a restricted motorcycle license or moped license, during the six-month period following the issuance of an original motorcycle license or moped license, may not operate a motorcycle or moped between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless the person is 'in sight of the person's parent or guardian or the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the operator to attend or participate in employment or a school - related activity or because of a medical emergency. The license restriction will state, "TRC 545.424 applies until MM DID YY11 and will indicate the date in which the second phase of the graduated driver license expires for the person who holds that license. Upon completion of the six-month period, the above time and/or passenger restrictions no longer apply. The licensee may wish to apply for a duplicate license at a driver license office to remove this restriction. A fee is required to obtain a duplicate license. If not, this restriction will be removed at the time the applicant renews the license on their next birthday, provided the Phase Two six-month time has lapsed. MINUTES OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING June 11, 2007 PRESENT: President Scott Bradley and Board Trustees Larry Corson, April Gallagher, Don Redding, Pete Steger, and Bob Timmerman. ABSENT: None. OTHERS PRESENT: Head of School Barbara Brizuela, Town Manager Trent Petty, Secretary Kim Sutter, Facilities and Recreation Director Troy Meyer, Finance Director Debbie Piper, Court Administrator Amanda DeGan, and Executive Assistant Ginger Awtry. 1. CALL TO ORDER. President Bradley called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. 2. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS. There was no one present wishing to address the Board. 3. HEAR STUDENT PRESENTATIONS FROM THE MYP RESIDENTIAL TRIPS TO CAMP PARRIE HAYNES RANCH (G7), WASHINGTON, DC (G8), AND TAOS, NM (G9) Head of School Brizuela introduced Westlake Academy students Josh Frey (G9), Corey Timmerman (G8), Casey Timmerman (G8), and Riley Rennhack (G8), and Ramsey Timmerman (G7). Josh Frey addressed the Board regarding the residential trip to Taos, New Mexico. Corey Timmerman, Casey Timmerman, and Riley Rennhack addressed the Board regarding the residential trip to Washington, D.C. Ramsey Timmerman addressed the Board regarding the residential trip to Camp Parrie Haynes Ranch, near Georgetown, Texas. Westlake Academy Trustees Page 2 of 2 Regular Meeting June 11, 2007 4. HEAR AN UPDATE AND PRESENTATION OF RECORDS FOR PRIMARY YEARS (PYP), MIDDLE YEARS (MYP) AND DIPLOMA PROGRAMS. Head of School Brizuela provided the Board with the following documents, which have been presented to the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) over the past one and one half years. - July 2006 Authorization for PYP Program - February 2007 MYP Application Form - May 15, 2007 Post Authorization Progress Report for PYP Program - June 2007 Diploma Program Application Head of School Brizuela advised the Board that the diploma program authorization visit will be scheduled for the fall of 2007. S. CONSENT AGENDA. President Bradley introduced the item and asked for a motion. A. Review and approve minutes of the regular Board of Trustees workshop and Board of Trustees meeting held May 14, 2007. B. Review and approve any outstanding bills. MOTION: Trustee Redding made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Trustee Steger seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0. 6. ADJOURNMENT. There being no further business, President Bradley adjourn the meeting at 6:21 p.m. APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN ON AUGUST 27, 2007. Scott Bradley, Mayor ATTEST: Kim Sutter, TRMC, Town Secretary MINUTES OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES WORKSHOP JUNE 259 2007 PRESENT: President Scott Bradley and Trustees Larry Corson, April Gallagher Don Redding, and Bob Timmerman. ABSENT: Trustee Pete Steger. OTHERS PRESENT: Head of School Barbara Brizuela, Secretary Kim Sutter, Town Manager Trent Petty, Finance Director Debbie Piper, Human Resources Manager Todd Wood, Facilities and Recreation Director Troy Meyer. 1. CALL TO ORDER. President Scott Bradley called the workshop to order at 4:06 p.m. 2. PRELIMINARY BUDGET DISCUSSION. Teacher Salaries President Bradley introduced the item and advised that, according to a recent newspaper article, local school districts are increasing teacher salaries for the upcoming school year, and advised that Westlake Academy's objective is to maintain salaries within three percent of area averages. Head of School Brizuela presented the Board with the following salary information regarding first year teachers in the area: District First Year Starting Salary with Bachelors Degree % increase over last year Westlake Academy $41,636 / Current current Northwest ISD* $46,322 / 2007-08 3% Board of Trustees Workshop June 25, 2007 Page 2 of 4 Birdville ISD $46,000 / 2007-08 4% H -E -B ISD $46,000 / 2007-08 4% '6 -a, 1/! I Jf GSG Discussion ensued with regard to whether teacher stipends should be a consideration in salary comparisons. Human Resources Manager Wood stated that salary surveys are based on base pay. Trustee Corson expressed his support for the international teacher stipend; however, he stated that stipends should be considered from a compensation standpoint. Head of School Brizuela added that international teachers receiving a stipend are required to give something back to the school through service. Trustee Timmerman recommended that a dollar value be assigned for extra duties given to international teachers as to lower the overall amount of stipend. Human Resources Manager Wood advised that each year, staff conducts an extensive evaluation process for both the Town and the Academy to ensure that the overall benefit packages are competitive within their respective industry. Health Care Coverage President Bradley advised that the Board should address the disparity, if existent, between health coverage for Town employees and Academy employees. Town Manager Petty stated that he feels there is not an issue of disparity between the heath coverage offered to Town employees and Academy personnel. Head of School Brizuela advised that Academy employees are eligible for health coverage through Active Care at one of three levels. Human Resources Manager Todd Wood presented the Board with information relative to the current health insurance coverage, and explained the process for evaluating coverage for the Academy and Town personnel. Mr. Wood advised that the health coverage for the Academy is compared against health coverage options from surrounding school districts and the Town's coverage is compared against the coverage offered by surrounding cities. Mr. Wood advised the Board that 55 districts compose Region 11, and of those 55 districts, 48 participate in the State's program — Active Care. Mr. Wood further advised that employer contributions begin at $255 to a little over $300 per month, and Westlake contributes a higher premium than 34 of the 55 districts. Board of Trustees Workshop June 25, 2007 Page 3 of 4 Head of School Brizuela presented the Board with information from International Schools Employee Benefits plan (ISEBP) and proposed the idea of offering secondary health coverage. Trustee Corson stated that as long as it is not in violation of the current program, he supports pursuing the option for secondary health coverage. Fund Balance Head of School Brizuela advised the Board that the current year fund balance of 51 days will not be achievable in the 2007-2008 school year as the following new positions have been added: a PYP Principal, part-time High School Counselor, and the equivalent of two and one-half (2 '/) teachers. Mrs. Brizuela advised that the per -capita student funding amount does not apply to the positions of the PYP Principal and the part-time High School Counselor. As follow-up to budget discussions last August, Trustee Corson inquired as to the salary allocation of Town employees as it relates to the true cost to run the school. Town Manager Petty advised that the salary allocations are not reflected as a line item in the school's budget and that work logs are being kept by the Town employees to illustrate a much clearer picture of the time and cost allocations associated with the Academy. Trustee Corson expressed his desire to understand the true cost to run the school. Head of School Brizuela advised that a line item budget will be presented to the Board in August. 3. DISCUSS ADJUSTMENT TO THE SECONDARY GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES FOR THE ACADEMY AND RETENTION OF STUDENTS PENDING TEA APPROVAL THEREOF. President Bradley introduced the item and advised that when the Academy first opened a number of students enrolled who did not reside within the secondary geographical boundaries. The finding was self-reported to the Texas Education Agency and the Academy was advised, via a letter received on February 6, 2007, that an amendment could be submitted requesting a change to the secondary geographical boundaries. Mr. Bradley advised that the deadline to submit the amendment for the 2007-2008 school year was February 1, 2007, and a request to waive the deadline was subsequently denied by the TEA. President Bradley advised that the number of affected students has decreased from 10 to five (5), and that the TEA has ruled that the students can remain at the school; however, funding for the students may be withheld. Head of School Brizuela advised that the cost associated with allowing the students to remain at the school is estimated to be $6,057.87 per student/year. She further advised Board of Trustees Workshop June 25, 2007 Page 4 of 4 that the school might be required to reimburse the state funding provided for the last six weeks of the 2006-2007 school year. Trustee Redding inquired as to amount of potential exposure and the anticipated legal cost. Head of School Brizuela advised that the budget includes $15,000 for legal cost each year, and the potential exposure is $30,000 for the upcoming school year (5 students at $6,057.87 per year). As part of the budget process, Trustee Corson requested information be provided to the Board with regard to the distribution of students by residency as he feels it will provide a sense of the areas where the students reside. Trustee Timmerman inquired as to how the budget shortfall would be handled. Head of School Brizuela replied that she believes that donations will be made to the Westlake Academy Foundation in the name of the children. Trustee Corson asked if Mr. Schulman would be hired for only this particular issue or if he will also be consulted on other matters. President Bradley responded that Mr. Schulman would be contacted regarding other educational related matters as they may arise. A resolution has been included on the June 25, 2007, Board of Trustees meeting regarding this item. 4. ADJOURNMENT. There being no further business before the Board, President Bradley declared the workshop adjourned at 6:08 pm. APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON AUGUST 27, 2007. Scott Bradley, President ATTEST: Kim Sutter, TRMC, Secretary MINUTES OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 25, 2007 PRESENT: President Scott Bradley and Board Trustees Larry Corson, April Gallagher, Don Redding, and Bob Timmerman. ABSENT: Alderman Pete Steger. OTHERS PRESENT: Head of School Barbara Brizuela, Town Manager Trent Petty, Town Secretary Kim Sutter, Finance Manager Debbie Piper, Facilities and Recreation Director Troy Meyer. 1. CALL 'TO ORDER. President Bradley called the meeting to order at 6:23 p.m. 2. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS. There was no one present wishing to address the Board. 3. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RETENTION OF CURRENT STUDENTS WHO WERE ACCEPTED IN THE PAST BUT WHO RESIDE OUTSIDE THE CURRENT SECONDARY GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARY ESTABLISHED BY THE ORIGINAL CHARTER; AND THE RETENTION OF ROBERT A. SCHULMAN OF THE LAW FIRM OF FELDMAN AND ROGERS TO REPRESENT THE ACADEMY IN MATTERS RELATING TO THE EDUCATION CODE. President Bradley introduced the item as asked for a motion. MOTION: Trustee Corson made a motion to approve Resolution No. 07-08, authorizing the retention of current students who were accepted in the past but who reside outside the current secondary geographic boundary established by the original charter, and authorize the retention of Robert A. Schulman of the law firm of Feldman and Rogers to represent the Academy in matter relating to the Education Code. Trustee Gallagher seconded the motion. Westlake Academy Trustees Special Meeting June 25, 2007 Page 2 of 2 Trustee Corson inquired if the Texas Education Authority has taken the position that the students cannot remain at the school. President Bradley advised that the original position of the TEA was that the students must leave the school immediately. Mr. Bradley further advised that the TEA revised their position to allow the students to remain until the end of the school year and subsequently to allow the students to remain at the school with the possibility that the Academy will not receive funding for the students. Head of School Brizuela advised that an amendment request will be filed with the TEA prior to the February 1, 2008, deadline for the 2008-2009 school year. Trustee Corson inquired if timing of the amendment would jeopardize the argument for funding. President Bradley responded that the TEA denial was with regard to waiving the deadline for submission and not denial of the amendment request. Trustee Timmerman stated that the proposed draft letter to the TEA addresses the student waiting list for the Academy and inquired if this implies that some type of judgment has been made by the TEA to the amendment in general. President Bradley stated that Mr. Schulman does not feel this is the case. VOTE ON MOTION: The motion carried by a vote of 4-0. 4. ADJOURNMENT. There being no further business, President Bradley adjourned the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m. APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN ON AUGUST 27, 2007. Scott Bradley, President ATTEST: Kim Sutter, TRMC, Town Secretary