HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-06-17 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.
Mission Statement
Westlake Academy is an IB World School whose mission is to provide students with an
internationally minded education of the highest quality so they are well-balanced and
respectful life-long learners.
Page 1 of 4
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
Vision Statement
Westlake Academy inspires students to achieve their highest individual potential in a nurturing
environment that fosters the traits found in the IB Learner Profile.
Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled,
Open-Minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced and Reflective
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
AGENDA
March 6, 2017
1301 Solana Boulevard
Building 4, Suite 4202
2ND FLOOR, COUNCIL CHAMBER
WESTLAKE, TX 76262
Workshop Session 5:00 p.m.
Regular Session 6:00 p.m.
Page 2 of 4
Work Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Presentation and discussion regarding the qualifications of partner schools.
b. Discussion of Board Policy 1.01 Proof of Residency and Board Policy 1.02 Admissions.
4. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS LISTED ON THE REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA.
5. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board will conduct a closed session under Texas Government Code Chapter 551 for
the following:
a. Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which
the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary
Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with
this chapter regarding the following: Admissions and Residency policies for the
Academy.
6. RECONVENE MEETING
7. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
8. ADJOURNMENT
Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST: President and Trustee Reports on Items of
Community Interest pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.0415 the Board of
Trustees may report on the following items: (1) expression of thanks, congratulations or
condolences; (2) information about holiday schedules; (3) recognition of individuals; (4)
reminders about upcoming Board of Trustee events; (5) information about community
events; and (6) announcements involving imminent threat to public health and safety.
Page 3 of 4
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS: This is an opportunity for citizens to address the Board on any
matter whether or not it is posted on the agenda. The Board cannot by law take action
nor have any discussion or deliberations on any presentation made to the Board at this
time concerning an item not listed on the agenda. Any item presented may be noticed on
a future agenda for deliberation or action.
4. CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of
Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of
items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be
removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence.
a. Consider approval of the minutes from the February 6, 2017, meeting.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 17-05, Amending the Endorsements in the
Graduation Policy.
5. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board will conduct a closed session under Texas Government Code Chapter 551 for
the following:
a. Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which
the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary
Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with
this chapter regarding the following: Admissions and Residency policies for the
Academy.
6. RECONVENE MEETING
7. TAKE ANY NECESSARY ACTION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION, IF NECESSARY
8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Any Board member may request at a workshop and / or Board
meeting, under “Future Agenda Item Requests”, an agenda item for a future Board
meeting. The Board member making the request will contact the 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.
Page 4 of 4
9. ADJOURNMENT
ANY ITEM ON THIS POSTED AGENDA COULD BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION
AS LONG AS IT IS WITHIN ONE OF THE PERMITTED CATEGORIES UNDER SECTIONS
551.071 THROUGH 551.076 AND SECTION 551.087 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT
CODE.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the above notice was posted at the Town Hall of the Town of Westlake, 1301 Solana Blvd.,
Building 4, Suite 4202, Westlake, TX 76262, on March 2, 2017, by 5:00 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.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 2 – Pledge of
Allegiance
Texas Pledge:
“Honor the Texas flag;
I pledge allegiance to
the, Texas, one state
under God, one and
indivisible.”
DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Presentation and discussion regarding the qualifications of partner schools.
b. Discussion of Board Policy 1.01 Proof of Residency and Board Policy 1.02
Admissions.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 3 – Discussion
Items
estlake Academy Board of Trustees
TYPE OF ACTION
Workshop - Discussion Item
Westlake Board Meeting
Monday, March 06, 2017
TOPIC: Presentation and discussion regarding the qualifications of partner schools
STAFF CONTACT: Dr. Mechelle Bryson
Strategic Alignment
Vision, Value, Mission Perspective Curriculum Outcome
Objective
Vision: Westlake Academy
inspires college bound
students to achieve their
highest individual
potential in a nuturing
environment that fosters
the traits found in the IB
Learner Profile.
Academic
Operations PYP / MYP / DP
Strengthen IB
Philosophy &
Implementation
Strategic Initiative
Outside the Scope of Identified Strategic Initiatives
Time Line - Start Date: September 17, 2014 Completion Date: N/A
Funding Amount: Ongoing Status - Funded Source - Contributions/Grants
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (INCLUDING APPLICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY)
The world in which our students work, live and tweet require them to effectively communicate
with others around the world, to partner with them to collectively solve problems and to execute
these solutions in a way that demonstrates intercultural understanding and consideration of
different perspectives. As such, International Mindedness is the cornerstone of the IB mission.
Over the past two years, the Academy has placed an increased emphasis on strengthening the
international mindedness of stakeholders by creating partnerships with international schools.
Consequently, the purpose of this discussion is to create a shared vision of this initiative in order
to sustain it.
RECOMMENDATION
Seeking guidance on the process of selecting partnership with international schools.
ATTACHMENTS
Position Paper
1
MEMORANDUM
Date: February 25, 2017
TO: Superintendent, Honorable President and Board of Trustees Members
FROM: Dr. Mechelle Bryson, Executive Director
SUBJECT: Position Paper on Partnerships with International Schools
______________________________________________________________________
Our vast world is becoming smaller and flatter with every tweet, post, text and Skype.
The ability to communicate instantaneously has irrevocably changed our way of life.
Today, our accessibility to the world through innovations in communication and
technology is creating an increasingly smaller, flatter planet. Through these innovations,
we are able to virtually transport ourselves to any place on the globe, making the world
truly our world. Albert Einstein wrote, “Our separation from each other is an optical
illusion of consciousness.” Thus, it can be said that our interconnectivity is inevitable.
If we are to equip our students to succeed in a smaller, flatter 21st century world, we
must create new conditions in which our learners can embrace the inevitability of their
interconnectedness and hone the necessary skills for success.
Unlike those before them, our current generation of children is the first set of students
growing up as global citizens. As educators, we are in a unique situation in that we find
ourselves at a crossroads. What we do next will either prepare our future leaders for
successful participation in a global society or relegate a vast portion of our students to
limited access to the brave new world that will undoubtedly abound without them. The
question becomes how do we create these conditions to meet the unique needs of 21st
century students and assist them in becoming future-ready?
As in the nature of inquiry, there is not a single correct answer to this question. In fact,
the question begs myriad answers on such a scale as to rival the global complexity of the
issue itself. No doubt, there are many lines of thought that could support solutions to this
complex question. For those of us in International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools,
one very specific answer can be found in the 21st century soft skills embedded in the
principles of International Mindedness.
International Mindedness is the cornerstone of the IB mission. “The concept
International Mindedness was proposed in the early part of the war-torn twentieth century
to respond to the complex changes and challenges arising from the increasingly
2
interdependent globalised world.” (Singh & Jing, 2013). Today, this concept is
increasingly relevant as virtual worlds collide in a global economic and interdependent
marketplace where enormous demands for cultural awareness and a keen acumen in the
complexities of internationalism divide the wheat from the chaff. In response to the
needs of an interdependent world, IB World Schools have embraced International
Mindedness to prepare their students to meet the demands of living in a smaller, flatter
world with greater interconnectivity.
What is International Mindedness?
International Mindedness is “an attitude of openness to, and curiosity about, the world
and different cultures. It is concerned with developing a deep understanding of the
complexity, diversity and motives that underpin human actions and interactions”
(Sriprakash, Singh & Jing, 2014). To more fully ascertain the meaning of International
Mindedness, one must analyze the complexities of operationalizing this construct. The
IB has defined three dimensions that work in harmony to create a climate for
International Mindedness:
• Intercultural understanding;
• Global engagement; and
• Multilingualism. (IBO, 2015)
These dimensions of International Mindedness are enhanced by the realization of the IB
Learner Profile (IBO, 2008). As such, an internationally minded learner is an open-
minded thinker who is knowledgeable of the world and able to effectively communicate
the human condition in a reflective, caring, and principled manner. Internationally
minded learners are risk-takers in their disciplined inquiries of their world, yet are able to
balance the complexities of their lives.
How Can a School Operationalize International Mindedness?
The three dimensions of International Mindedness are complex entities in and of
themselves; together, the complexity is compounded. Consequently, creating the
conditions for International Mindedness to flourish in a school is complicated. However,
there is a lever embedded in this triad that when utilized with fidelity allows schools to
create the necessary environment for International Mindedness to thrive. Language
acquisition cannot be obtained in a vacuum nor can intercultural understanding permeate
our schools without authentic contextualization. Our students need an academic arena to
practice these two dimensions. Global engagement provides students with the
opportunity to cultivate global collaboration skills, including the authentic use of
language to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries.
The world in which our students will work, live and tweet will require them to effectively
communicate with others around the world, to partner with them to collectively solve
problems and to execute these solutions in a way that demonstrates intercultural
understanding and consideration of different perspectives. Multilingualism prepares
learners for cross-cultural communication.
3
In order to hone global collaboration skills such as critical thinking and problem solving,
students need opportunities to work with learners from around the world on issues
relevant to their curriculum and the greater global community. This is an important step
in creating the new conditions in which our learners can embrace the inevitability of their
interconnectedness and cultivate the necessary skills for success in the global
marketplace.
As an authentic vehicle for our students to practice and perfect their global collaboration
skills, Westlake Academy has embarked on a quest to create partnerships with
international schools. Below is a list of questions that guide our selection process:
• Is the perspective international partnering school’s mission and vision aligned to
Westlake Academy’s mission and vision?
• Does the perspective international partnering school’s curriculum align or
intersect Westlake Academy’s curriculum or content?
• Does the perspective international partnering school have a visible commitment to
international mindedness?
• Is there an equal level of commitment between partner schools to ensure
reciprocal benefits for both schools?
• Will learning goals of Westlake Academy be enhanced and deepened by
partnering with the perspective international school?
• Does the perspective international partnering school have the proper technology
infrastructure to maintain effective communication channels?
• Does a connection with the Academy already exist?
To date, we have selected partnering schools based upon networking. Mayor Wheat
introduced us to Bryan Aldridge who introduced the Academy to San Miguel.
Councilmen Stoltenberg introduced us to Costa Rica. Mrs. Busico-Flight introduced us
to her former school in Argentina. Through our International Mindedness Educator
Symposium, we created a relationship with educators from Monterey, Mexico and
Edmonton, Canada. We are currently, in conversations with schools in Mexico City
through our connections with the IBO.
Collaborating on the work with international schools provide our students with authentic
ways to explore other cultures, expand their cultural understand, practice their Language
B fluency and develop their global collaboration skills. This is indeed important work.
Page 1 of 2
estlake Academy Board of Trustees
TYPE OF ACTION
Workshop - Discussion Item
Westlake Board Meeting
Monday, March 06, 2017
TOPIC: Discussion of Board Policy 1.01 Proof of Residency and Board Policy
1.02 Admissions.
STAFF CONTACT: Tom Brymer, Town Manager/Superintendent of Westlake Academy
Strategic Alignment
Vision, Value, Mission Perspective Curriculum Outcome
Objective
Mission: Westlake
Academy is an IB World
School whose mission is to
provide students with an
internationally minded
education of the highest
quality, so they are well-
balanced life-long
learners.
Academic
Operations PYP / MYP / DP
Improve the
Efficiences of
Operational Systems
Strategic Initiative
Outside the Scope of Identified Strategic Initiatives
Time Line - Start Date: March 6, 2017 Completion Date: TBD
Funding Amount: N/A Status - N/A Source - N/A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (INCLUDING APPLICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY)
Why this is on the agenda for Board discussion? Recently, staff has been contacted by a local
home builder who has advised us that some of his clients (prospective residents) are having
difficulty with the Academy’s Residency/Admissions Policy in its current form. This is due, at
least in large part (but perhaps not entirely), to the delay by the original Granada developer in
finalizing the Granada Phase 2 infrastructure. This had to be done before the Town Council could
approve the Phase 2 Final Plat (which has been done), the final plat recorded, and lots sold to
homebuilders (and ultimately their customers, the home buyers). In turn, some of the customers
who purchased lots in Granada Phase 2, solely driven by the desire for their child to attend
Page 2 of 2
Westlake Academy, cannot have their home completed by the start of the next school year (SY17-
18). This, in turn, prevents them from enrolling in the Academy under the current residency policy.
Additionally, there is a shortage of available rental housing in Westlake, and what is available is
not inexpensive in terms of monthly rental costs.
A summary of the most recent amendments to these two policies is as follows:
• Policy 1.01 Proof of Residency. This policy was originally adopted in May of 2009 and
has been updated as our school and community has continued to grow. The most recent
amendment to this policy was approved by the Board on June 1, 2015. This amendment
to the policy removed the building permit enrollment category after August 1, 2015, and
clarified the leasing parameters for residents. Prior to that, we had allowed future residents
to enter the Academy under a conditional residency status so long as they obtained an
approved building permit and completed their home construction within a two (2) year time
limit. Also with this amendment, the policy clarified that any student, as of August 1, 2015
who enters the Academy via the grandparent residency status, will only be allowed
continued enrollment if the grandparent meet all the requirements for after school care and
remains a primary boundary resident of the Town of Westlake.
• Policy 1.02 Admissions. This policy is a companion document to the Proof of Residency
policy and helps to clarify the admissions process for those families who wish to enroll
their student at Westlake Academy. On June 1, 2015 the Board amended this policy by
removing the two (2) year primary boundary residency threshold for those students
admitted to the Academy after August 1, 2015. That is, prior to June 1, 2015, this two (2)
year residency requirement allowed a primary boundary (Westlake) family to move to an
extended (secondary) boundary while continuing to provide for enrollment at the school.
This June 1, 2015 admissions policy amendment requires a student that is attending the
Academy as a primary boundary student, but moves to the school’s secondary boundaries,
to withdraw from the Academy at the end of the current school year during which the move
to the secondary boundaries occurs (although they may seek re-entry via the secondary
boundary lottery waiting list). Those students that that were already attending the school
as residents, but had already moved to the secondary boundaries, were “grandfathered in”
under the previous policy. This allowed those families who had already relocated to the
extended boundary after the policy change to remain in the school.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Board discuss the information presented above as well as the
presented at the workshop on the current status of prospective Westlake residents, their home
construction, and their situation relative to the current residency/admissions policies. If the
Board wishes to explore options for changes to the residency policy, direction to staff regarding
same is requested.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Board Policy 1.01 Residency (Admissions) and Board Policy 1.02 Admissions.
2. Information on school admission policies from area public school districts (ISD ’s).
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 1.01:
Date Board Adopted: May 4, 2009
Date Board Amended: June 1, 2015
Effective Date: December 31, 2015
Policy Category: Admissions
Policy Name: Proof of Residency Policy
Policy Goal: Clear and concise communication for students and parents regarding the
criteria to establish residency status for individuals seeking admission to Westlake
Academy and development of a process/criteria for the consideration of documentation
from Westlake resident grandparents that they are providing substantial after school care
for their grandchild seeking admission to Westlake Academy.
Policy Description: If, during the enrollment period, Westlake Academy receives more
applications from eligible applicants than there are spaces available in a class, then
admission shall first be offered to eligible applicants residing within the Academy’s
primary geographical boundary, which is consistent with the geographic boundaries of
the Town of Westlake. The parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control
of an applicant seeking admission as a resident of the primary boundary must provide
proof of residency within the boundaries of the Town of Westlake.
Required Documentation to Establish Residency in the Primary Boundary
An applicant’s parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control shall provide
one or more of the following documents as proof of residence within the boundaries of
the Town of Westlake:
• Tax receipt from the current year indicating home ownership;
• Current lease agreement (subject to additional requirements below); or
• Current utility bill for the primary residential structure in the name of the applicant’s
parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control.
In addition to one of the documents identified above, the adult establishing residency must
provide a photo identification card that includes the person's photograph, name, and an
address that matches the address included on the document provided from the list above.
Acceptable photo identification cards shall include a current and valid state-issued driver's
license, a Texas identification card, a military or government-issued identification card, or
a consular card. Westlake Academy will not accept a credit card, debit card, or any club
or retail membership card for proof of residency, even if such card includes a photograph.
An applicant relying on a residential lease to establish residency must provide a copy of
a fully-executed lease with a lease-term that extends for the entire time period the
applicant intends to rely upon the lease to document residency. A residential lease shall
be considered acceptable documentation to establish residency only if the leased
premises is the primary residential structure on a property. Any family/person who
executes and submits a lease to document residency in the Primary Boundary without
occupying the leased property for as long as the applicant’s child attends the Academy,
shall subject their child(ren) to immediate removal from the school and such action may
be considered fraudulent activity, unless documentation of another Primary Boundary
residence is provided.
For a single-family residence, only one structure shall be recognized per legal address.
Secondary structures such as garages, garage apartments, cabanas, pool houses, or
cottages that are co-located on the property where the primary residential structure is
located, but are not recognized with a separate legal address, are not eligible to establish
residency under this policy. Further, a lease shall be accompanied with a utility bill
showing that the utility service for the leased residential premises is in the name of the
person leasing the primary residential structure.
Nonresident Student in Grandparent’s After-School Care:
A student seeking admission to Westlake Academy, after August 1, 2015, as a resident
of the primary boundary due to a grandparent providing substantial after-school care for
the student shall provide the required proof of residency based on the grandparent's
Westlake residence and will be subject to the admission policy applicable to all Westlake
residents regarding their continued enrollment. The grandparent must annually provide a
notarized affidavit, on a form provided by Westlake Academy, confirming the extent of
after-school care to be provided by the grandparent.
The Superintendent shall have authority to approve such admission applications in
accordance with the following criteria: a minimum of ten (10) hours per week of
documented after-school care provided by the grandparent at the grandparent's Westlake
residence.
Required Documentation to Establish Residency in Secondary Boundary
If all eligible applicants from the primary boundary are admitted and the Academy
chooses to admit transfer students from the secondary boundary, the same types of
documentation identified above shall be used to establish residency within the Academy’s
secondary boundary.
Residency Review
A Westlake Academy representative may make periodic visits to a residence to verify that
the student is actually living at the address provided on the enrollment application or is
entitled to enrollment as a resident because of after-school care provided by a
grandparent. A person who presents false information or false records to obtain
admission to Westlake Academy commits a criminal offense and is subject to prosecution
under Texas Penal Code Section 37.10.
Proof of residency shall be waived when a student is homeless as defined by law.
Dates Amended:
08/03/09
12/06/10
08/13/12
06/03/13
11/17/14
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 1.02:
Date Board Adopted: May 4, 2009
Date Board Amended: June 1, 2015
Effective Date: August 1, 2015; contingent upon TEA approval
Policy Category: Admissions
Policy Name: Westlake Academy Admissions Policy
Policy Goal: Communication/Transparency of student and parent requirements for
admission into Westlake Academy; Engagement of stakeholders and fiscal stewardship
Policy Description:
Applications from new students are accepted from December 1st through January 31st.
Currently enrolled students receive a Notice of Intent to Return form the first week of
January. This form asks students to state whether they intend to return to Westlake
Academy the following school year and to identify any siblings who wish to attend
Westlake Academy the following year. This form must be returned by January 31st.
Currently-enrolled students, admitted after August 1,2015, expressing a desire to return
and who continue to reside within an approved geographical boundary are automatically
enrolled for the following school year upon timely receipt of the Notice of Intent to
Return form, subject to the following limitations: (1) a currently-enrolled student who
originally obtained admission to the Academy based on the student’s residency in the
primary geographic boundary; and (2) a currently-enrolled student who obtains
admission as the child of a full-time Town of Westlake employee retains the right to re-
enrollment only if the student’s parent continues to be employed by the Town of
Westlake on a full-time basis. Vacancies in each class are then determined.
If the number of eligible applicants does not exceed the number of vacancies, then all
eligible applicants who timely applied will be offered admission. If there are more
eligible applicants than available spaces in a class, then admission shall first be offered
to eligible applicants residing within the geographic boundaries of the Town of Westlake
(primary geographic boundary). After consideration of all eligible applicants from the
primary geographic boundary, Westlake Academy may admit eligible transfer applicants
residing within the secondary geographic boundary.
If the number of eligible transfer applications exceeds the number of vacancies, the
admission of transfer applicants from the secondary boundary shall be determined by
lottery, except that the following applicants are exempt from the lottery and may be
given priority in admission, subject to the limitations identified. Exempt transfer
applicants will be admitted in the following order:
(1) the children of Town of Westlake employees, so long as the total number of
students admitted under this exemption as the children of employees assigned
to municipal duties constitutes only a small percentage of the total school
enrollment and the number of students admitted as the children of employees
assigned to Westlake Academy constitutes only a small percentage of the total
school enrollment; and
(2) the children of Founders of Westlake Academy, so long as the total number of students admitted under this exception constitutes only a small percentage of the total school enrollment; and
(3) siblings of admitted or returning students.
All eligible transfer applicants will be placed in the lottery. A name will be drawn for
each vacancy that exists, and each applicant whose name is drawn will be offered
admission. The remaining names will be drawn and placed on a waiting list for each
grade level in the order they are drawn. If a vacancy arises, the individual on the
waiting list with the lowest number assignment will be offered admission.
Applicants are not required to provide copies of transcripts or other academic records
prior to enrollment. In addition, a student will not be precluded from enrolling due to
Westlake Academy Charter School’s failure to receive the information required for
enrollment from the student’s parent and/or previous school.
Westlake Academy Charter School does not discriminate in admissions based on
gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, academic, artistic, or athletic ability
or the district the child would otherwise attend.
Westlake Academy will not enroll any student with documented histories of a criminal
offense, juvenile court adjudication, or discipline problems under Texas Education Code
Chapter 37, Subchapter A. The Academy further reserves the right to remove a student
per the Discipline Policy / Code of Conduct should it become known that a student has
a history of criminal offense, juvenile court adjudication or discipline problems, which
was not disclosed upon application to the school.
Date Amended:
08/03/09
01/10/11
08/15/11
09/12/11
08/13/12
06/03/13
06/02/14
Page 1 of 2
WA & ISD Current Residency Requirements
Westlake Academy
A building permit does not qualify as a conditional residency category for admissions to
the school while constructing a home in Westlake. Families seeking admission may apply
as a non-resident and go through the lottery process.
Northwest ISD
If building a new home, purchase of the house must occur within 90 days of expected
enrollment. Proof of purchase must be provided as well. To verify student residency, a
current utility bill with the address, name and date must be submitted. At the time of
enrollment, a photo ID of the parent/guardian that matches the address on the utility bill
must also be submitted.
Keller ISD
If building a new home, a builder’s contract must be provided showing the completion
date of the house. The completion date must be less than six (6) months away upon
submission. Upon reaching the expected completion date, proof of occupancy must be
provided by showing a driver’s license with the new address and a utility bill showing the
new address.
Carroll ISD
If a new home is being built, a nonresident student may be permitted to attend district
schools prior to establishing residency. To confirm future residency a valid, fully executed,
real estate earnest money contract or a contract of sale with the specified date on which
construction began and the date of closing must be submitted. Residency of the student
must be established by the end of the first semester of enrollment.
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
For a student to register in GCISD parents/legal guardians of students must verifiably own
or lease a residence within the GCISD boundary. Proof of residency includes a current
utility bill with physical address, property tax statement, executed lease, or deed of sale.
If living outside of the district a non-resident must submit an inter-district transfer request.
Page 2 of 2
What qualifies as residency?
Westlake Academy
• Certified Occupancy of the house. Non-residents must compete in the lottery
process.
Northwest ISD
• Purchase of the house within 90 days of expected enrollment.
Keller ISD
• Purchase of the house or home must be completed within 6 months of enrollment.
Carroll ISD
• Purchase of house. House must be in the progress of being built (i.e. slab must be
poured). Residency (occupancy) must be established by the end of the first
semester.
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
• Occupied residence. Non-residents must submit an inter-district transfer request
form and compete in a lottery as space permits.
REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
a. Consider approval of the minutes from the February 6, 2017, meeting.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 17-05, Amending the Endorsements in
the Graduation Policy.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 4 – Review of
Consent Agenda Items
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Council will conduct a closed session under Texas Government Code Chapter 551 for
the following:
a. Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which the
duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary
Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this
chapter regarding the following: Admissions and Residency policies for the
Academy.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 5 – Adjournment
Regular Session
Board of
Trustees
Item # 6 – Reconvene
Meeting
BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Board of
Trustees
Item # 7 – Board Recap /
Staff Direction
Board of
Trustees
Item # 8 – Adjournment
Work Session
ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST: President and
Trustee Reports on Items of Community Interest pursuant to
Texas Government Code Section 551.0415 the Board of
Trustees may report on the following items: (1) expression
of thanks, congratulations or condolences; (2) information
about holiday schedules; (3) recognition of individuals; (4)
reminders about upcoming Board of Trustee events; (5)
information about community events; and (6)
announcements involving imminent threat to public health
and safety.
Westlake Academy’s 14th Annual Gallery Night; Hosted by the WA Foundation
Saturday, March 4, 2017; The Speedway Club at Texas Motor Speedway
-For more information about this “All that Glitters” themed event , visit the Foundation’s website or contact Executive
Director Dr. Shelly Myers.
Coffee & Conversation with the Mayor/Board President
Monday, March 6, 2017; 8:00 – 9:30 am
Marriott Solana Hotel – Great Room
WA Board of Trustees Workshop/Meeting
Monday, March 6, 2017*
Westlake Town Hall, Solana – Council Chamber/Courtroom
Daylight Saving Time Begins
Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 2:00 a.m. (Spring forward one hour Sat. night)
-Westlake Fire-EMS personnel wish to remind our WA students, parents, & staff to change the batteries in their
smoke & carbon monoxide detectors!
Westlake Academy closed for Spring Break
Monday, March 13 – Friday, March 17, 2017
Planning & Zoning Meeting; if needed
Monday, March 20, 2017*
Westlake Town Hall, Solana – Council Chamber/Courtroom
Northwest Metroport Chamber’s 6th Annual Alliance Development Forum
Friday, March 24, 2017; 11:00 – 1:00 pm
The Speedway Club, Texas Motor Speedway
-Please contact Ginger to let her know of your attendance plans.
Westlake Historical Marker Dedication Day; Hosted by the Westlake Historical Preservation Society (WHPS)
Saturday, March 25, 2017; 2:00 – 3:00 pm
At Mahotea Boone Trail
Town Council Workshop/Meeting
Monday, March 27, 2017*
Westlake Town Hall, Solana – Council Chamber/Courtroom
Coming up in April …
• MasterWorks Spring Concerts (2) - Thursday, April 6 and April 20; 7-8 pm in Solana’s Plaza Courtyard
• MYP Personal Project Exhibition – Friday, April 21
• Bandana Bonanza – Saturday, April 22
• National Honor Society (& NJHS) Induction Ceremony – Thursday, April 27
• 18th Annual Westlake Arbor Day Celebration – Saturday, April 29
*For meeting agendas and details on calendar events, please visit our school or municipal website.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 2 – Items of
Community Interest
CITIZEN COMMENTS: 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.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 3 – Citizen
Comments
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 from the February 6, 2017, meeting.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 17-05, Amending the Endorsements in
the Graduation Policy.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 4 – Consent
Agenda
BOT Minutes 02/06/17
Page 1 of 4
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
February 6, 2017
PRESENT: Trustees: Carol Langdon, Alesa Belvedere, and Wayne Stoltenberg.
ABSENT: President Laura Wheat, Trustees Michael Barrett and Rick Rennhack,
OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent Tom Brymer, Assistant to the Superintendent
Amanda DeGan, MYP Principal Dr. Andra Barton, PYP Principal
Rod Harding, DP Principal/Coordinator Stacy Stoyanoff, Student
Services Administrator Jennifer Furnish, College Counselor Carl
Tippen, Director of Communications Ginger Awtry, and
Communications Manager Jon Sasser.
Work Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
Trustee Langdon called the work session to order at 5:07 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Trustee Langdon led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.
BOT Minutes 02/06/17
Page 2 of 4
3. RECOGNITION OF THE SPELLING BEE WINNERS AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE
STUDENTS FROM ARGENTINA.
Mr. Harding introduced Spelling Bee champions Grade 5 Madeline Sullivan, runner up
Grade 8 Ella Harmon. Both students then shared their experiences with the board.
Dr. Bryson stated that the students from Argentina could not attend this evening.
4. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Presentation and discussion revisiting graduation endorsements offered at Westlake
Academy under the State of Texas House Bill 5 (HB5) Foundation High School
Program.
Dr. Bryson provided an overview of the item. Mr. Stoyanoff and Mr. Tippen provided
a presentation regarding the endorsement.
Discussion ensued regarding Career/Technical Educations (CTE) pipelines, taking
Physics at an alternate location or online, the need for additional resources to
implement Business & Industry and Health Sciences tracts, and feedback from
colleges perspective.
b. Presentation and discussion of Special Education Policy Amendments.
Mrs. Furnish provided an overview of the updated policies.
Discussion ensued regarding the policies legal review, Pre-Kindergartner program,
and continuing services for students from their previous ISDs.
5. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS LISTED ON THE REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA.
Discussion ensued regarding the additional days added back to the calendar extending
the Winter Break for students.
6. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Prepare an amendment to the Graduation policy as discussed.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Langdon adjourned the work session at 5:40 p.m.
BOT Minutes 02/06/17
Page 3 of 4
Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
Trustee Langdon called the regular session to order at 6:03 p.m.
2. ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
Ms. Awtry provided an overview of the upcoming events and NFL luncheon.
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
No one addressed the Board.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Consider approval of the minutes from the January 9, 2017, meeting.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 17-03, Amending the Special Education policies
(SPED) in the Board of Trustees Manual.
c. Consider approval of Resolution 17-04, Amending the 2017-2018 Academic
Calendar.
MOTION: Trustee Belvedere made a motion to approve the consent
agenda. Trustee Stoltenberg seconded the motion. The motion
carried by a vote of 3-0.
5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM
No future agenda items.
BOT Minutes 02/06/17
Page 4 of 4
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat asked for a motion to
adjourn the meeting.
MOTION: Trustee Stoltenberg made a motion to adjourn the regular
session. Trustee Belvedere seconded the motion. The motion
carried by a vote of 3-0.
President Wheat adjourned the regular session at 6:06 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON MARCH 6, 2017.
ATTEST:
____________________________
Carol Langdon, Trustee
_____________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary
estlake Academy Board of Trustees
TYPE OF ACTION
Regular Meeting - Consent
Westlake Board Meeting
Monday, March 06, 2017
TOPIC: Consider the approval of a resolution amending Graduation Policy No.
6.04A to include the awarding of additional graduation endorsements for
Westlake Academy students.
STAFF CONTACT: Stacy Stoyanoff, DP Principal
Carl Tippen, College Counselor
Strategic Alignment
Vision, Value, Mission Perspective Curriculum Outcome
Objective
Academic Excellence Academic
Operations MYP / DP
Increase the Future
Readiness of All
Students
Strategic Initiative
Outside the Scope of Identified Strategic Initiatives
Time Line - Start Date: May 31, 2017 Completion Date: Ongoing
Funding Amount: 0 Status - Not Funded Source - N/A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (INCLUDING APPLICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY)
Graduation Policy No. 6.04A outlines the Westlake Academy graduation requirements under the
Foundation Plan with the Multidisciplinary endorsement and distinguished level of achievement.
The current graduation policy only allows Westlake Academy to award the Multidisciplinary
endorsement. However, with no changes to the current graduation requirements, Westlake
Academy students can also select and earn the Art & Humanities and/or the Science Technology
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) endorsement. These additional endorsements will
increase the future readiness and academic excellence of Westlake Academy students in their
transition to post-secondary education.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the approval of the resolution to amend Graduation Policy No. 6.04A
allowing Westlake Academy students to select and earn additional graduation endorsements.
ATTACHMENTS
Graduation Policy No. 6.04A with revisions
Resolution
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 6.04A:
Date Board Adopted: May 12, 2014
Date Board Amended:
Effective Date: ; contingent upon approval by TEA
Policy Category: Student Achievement
Policy Name: Graduation Policy
Policy Goal: Establishing graduation requirements and defining the commencement
participation requirements, and Valedictorian, Salutatorian and Honor Graduate criteria.
Policy Description:
Graduation requirements - As reflective of the Academy’s rigorous and enriching IB
curriculum and a desire to foster college readiness, students who graduate from Westlake
Academy will complete a program of study which includes high academic standards and
additional credit hours making them eligible for the Distinguished Level of Achievement
award. This policy applies to students entering ninth grade during the 2014-2015 school
year, or later, and may apply to students currently in grades nine through twelve, upon
request.
Only students who have completed all graduation requirements identified in this policy
will receive a Westlake Academy diploma. Those requirements are as follows:
• Completion of a minimum of 26 credit hours as required completing the curriculum
requirements to graduate under the Foundation High School Program with a multi-
disciplinary endorsement and a distinguished level of achievement.
• Satisfactory performance on required state end of course assessments.
• Completion of requirements to sit for and receive an IB Diploma.
To receive a Westlake Academy high school diploma students shall complete all course
work as identified by the State Board of Education, which includes a minimum of 26 hours
of coursework, reflecting the state’s higher level of academic achievement.
The Westlake Academy graduation requirements are as follows:
Westlake Academy Graduation Requirements
Foundation Plan with Multidisciplinary Endorsement and Distinguished Level of Achievement
Group 1
STUDIES IN
LANGUAGE AND
Group 2
LANGUAGE
ACQUISITION
Group 3
INDIVIDUALS AND
SOCIETIES
Group 4
SCIENCES
Group 5
MATHEMATICS
Group 6
ARTS AND ELECTIVE
Foundation Plan English (2.0)
DP English Literature
(2.0)
Language B 1 (2.0)
Humanities 2 (3.0)
DP Humanities (1.0)
Science (2.0)
DP Science (1.0)
Mathematics (2.0)
DP Mathematics (1.0)
PE (1.0)
Fine Arts (1.0)
MYP Elective3 (1.0)
TOK/Speech (2.0)
DP Group 6 (1.0)4
22.0
Multidisciplinary
Studies
Endorsement
and
Distinguished
Level of
Achievement
DP Language B5 (2.0)
DP Humanities (1.0)
DP Science (1.0)
All credits in Science
are required for
Distinguished Level of
Achievement
DP Mathematics (1.0)
All credits in
Mathematics,
including a credit in
Algebra II are required
for Distinguished
Level of Achievement
5.0
IB Requirements Personal Project 6
Extended Essay
CAS
Based on
classes taken in
9-12 grade 7
4.0
4.0
5.0
4.0
4.0
6.0
Total
Credits
Earned
27.0
1 For transfer students lacking Language Acquisition credits, a student who enrolls in Grade 10 will have a requirement of 3.0 credits for Group 2, and a student who enrolls in Grade 11 will have a requirement of 2.0 credits for
Group 2. Transfer students will have to still fulfill all other credit requirements. The total credits earned may be decreased based upon the transfer credits but not to fall below the 26.0 minimum credits required by the state.
2 A student may choose Economics HL from Group 6 and this will satisfy the 0.5 credit of Economics requirement. However, this choice will decrease the total credits earned by 0.5 but not to fall below the 26.0 minimum credits
required by the state.
3 Electives will be determined based upon course offerings and overall student interest in grade 10.
4 Depending on a student’s choice, DP group 6 courses can account for 1.0 or 2.0 credits.
5 For transfer students lacking Language Acquisition credits, a student who enrolls in Grade 10 will have a requirement of 3.0 credits for Group 2, and a student who enrolls in Grade 11 will have a requirement of 2.0 credits for
Group 2. Transfer students will have to still fulfill all other credit requirements. The total credits earned may be decreased based upon the transfer credits but not to fall below the 26.0 minimum credits required by the state.
6 Personal Project is a requirement for any student attending Westlake Academy in Grade 10. Students who enter in G11 are exempt from the Personal Project.
7 Pre-High School Credits can be earned in Language B and Mathematics in Grade 7 and/or Grade 8. Students may be awarded up to 3.0 credits on their high school transcript, however these credits do not
count towards the totals for the state minimum requirements. State requirements must be completed in grades 9-12. This could bring ring a graduate to 30.0 total credits awarded.
Additional Endorsements – Westlake Academy seniors can also graduate with additional
endorsements. Students who fulfill the Westlake Academy graduation requirements can
also select and earn the Arts & Humanities endorsement based upon the completion of
five social studies credits or the completion of four credits of the same language other
than English. Westlake Academy students can also select and earn the Science
Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) endorsement by choosing to take
Physics in high school. In addition, the STEM endorsement requires students to complete
five credits of mathematics including Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 with two credits
beyond Algebra 2 or complete five credits of science including Biology, Chemistry, and
Physics with two additional science credits.
Eligibility for Commencement – Westlake Academy seniors who have satisfied all
Westlake Academy requirements for graduation are eligible to participate in the
graduation ceremonies; however, disciplinary infractions may jeopardize a student’s
opportunity to participate in the commencement ceremony consistent with the student
code of conduct and any determination made by the Executive Principal Director.
For students who have not successfully completed all coursework, an exception may be
made in the event that a senior lacks one (1) credit towards the graduation requirements.
The student must have a plan approved by the Executive Principal Director to complete
the credit prior to the beginning of the next school year. No other exceptions to
participation in the graduation ceremony will be granted unless required by law.
Academic Recognition - Westlake Academy will encourage and recognize academic
achievement through the establishment of a class Valedictorian, Salutatorian and Honor
Graduates.
Valedictorian and Salutatorian – Graduating seniors with the top two Cumulative Grade
Point Averages (CGPA) will be recognized. In the event of a tie for Valedictorian, the
students will share the honor and no Salutatorian will be designated. Additionally,
valedictorian and salutatorian eligibility requires attendance at Westlake Academy for six
consecutive semesters preceding graduation. Further, the Superintendent or his/her
designee may deem a student ineligible who is in violation of Westlake Academy’s
student code of conduct, other school requirements, Town code, or State codes.
Honor Graduates - A graduating senior whose weighted CGPA, is 90% or above will be
determined to be an Honor Graduate and will be duly recognized at commencement
(please see Board Policy on Grading and Assessment for the calculation of the CGPA).
The Executive Principal and his/her designee are granted the authority to include students
whose CGPA is 90% or above at the end of the final semester.
Rank in Class - Rank in class is determined by CGPA and will used for the purposes of:
• Obtaining automatic admission to Texas public universities based upon the
uniform admission policy and in accordance with the Texas Education Code. This
information will be reported directly to institutions by Westlake Academy staff.
• Determining Valedictorian and Salutatorian.
Outside of the above circumstances, Westlake Academy is a non-ranking high school.
Operational guidelines consistent with the above policy directives will be detailed and
published in the Program of Studies and/or the College Application Handbook on an
annual basis.
In the event a student does not complete all Westlake Academy graduation requirements
by the end of the student’s twelfth (12th) grade year due to unexpected circumstances,
the student may seek Board approval for and the Board may approve an alternate
graduation plan consistent with the State’s foundation high school program requirements,
if it is determined to be in the best interest of the student.
* This policy is applicable beginning with students in the class of 2018
** Revisions enacted due to provisions pass by House Bill 5 approved during the
83rd Legislative Session
Dates Amended:
10/05/15
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION 17-05
A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
AMENDING THE ENDORSEMENTS IN GRADUATION POLICIES NO 6.04A.
WHEREAS, Westlake Academy has a strategic objective of increasing the future
readiness for all students;
WHEREAS, The current Policy 6.04A Graduation Policy outlines the Westlake
Academy graduation requirements under the Foundation Plan with the Multidisciplinary
endorsement and distinguished level of achievement; and
WHEREAS, Westlake Academy students can also select and earn the Art & Humanities
and/or the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) endorsement with no
changes to current course offerings; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best
interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and faculty of Westlake
Academy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
WESTLAKE ACADEMY:
SECTION 1: That, all matters stated in the recitals hereinabove are found to be true and
correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
SECTION 2: That, the Board of Trustees Westlake Academy, hereby approves the
above for mentioned amendments to the ranking provisions in Graduation Policies No 6.04 and
No 6.04A to begin from this day forward.
SECTION 3: If any portion of this resolution shall, for any reason, be declared invalid
by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions
hereof and the Council hereby determines that it would have adopted this Resolution without the
invalid provision.
SECTION 4: That this resolution shall become effective from and after its date of
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 6th DAY OF MARCH 2017.
___________________________________
Laura Wheat, President
ATTEST:
________________________________ ___________________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary Thomas E. Brymer, Superintendent
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
Janet S. Bubert or L. Stanton Lowry,
School Attorney
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 6.04A:
Date Board Adopted: May 12, 2014
Date Board Amended: March 6, 2017
Effective Date: March 6, 2017; contingent upon approval by TEA
Policy Category: Student Achievement
Policy Name: Graduation Policy
Policy Goal: Establishing graduation requirements and defining the commencement
participation requirements, and Valedictorian, Salutatorian and Honor Graduate criteria.
Policy Description:
Graduation requirements - As reflective of the Academy’s rigorous and enriching IB
curriculum and a desire to foster college readiness, students who graduate from
Westlake Academy will complete a program of study which includes high academic
standards and additional credit hours making them eligible for the Distinguished Level of
Achievement award. This policy applies to students entering ninth grade during the
2014-2015 school year, or later, and may apply to students currently in grades nine
through twelve, upon request.
Only students who have completed all graduation requirements identified in this policy
will receive a Westlake Academy diploma. Those requirements are as follows:
• Completion of a minimum of 26 credit hours as required completing the
curriculum requirements to graduate under the Foundation High School Program
with a multi-disciplinary endorsement and a distinguished level of achievement.
• Satisfactory performance on required state end of course assessments.
• Completion of requirements to sit for and receive an IB Diploma.
To receive a Westlake Academy high school diploma students shall complete all course
work as identified by the State Board of Education, which includes a minimum of 26
hours of coursework, reflecting the state’s higher level of academic achievement.
The Westlake Academy graduation requirements are as follows:
Westlake Academy Graduation Requirements
Foundation Plan with Multidisciplinary Endorsement and Distinguished Level of Achievement
Group 1
STUDIES IN
LANGUAGE AND
Group 2
LANGUAGE
ACQUISITION
Group 3
INDIVIDUALS AND
SOCIETIES
Group 4
SCIENCES
Group 5
MATHEMATICS
Group 6
ARTS AND ELECTIVE
Foundation Plan English (2.0)
DP English Literature
(2.0)
Language B 1 (2.0)
Humanities 2 (3.0)
DP Humanities (1.0)
Science (2.0)
DP Science (1.0)
Mathematics (2.0)
DP Mathematics (1.0)
PE (1.0)
Fine Arts (1.0)
MYP Elective3 (1.0)
TOK/Speech (2.0)
DP Group 6 (1.0)4
22.0
Multidisciplinary
Studies
Endorsement
and
Distinguished
Level of
Achievement
DP Language B5 (2.0)
DP Humanities (1.0)
DP Science (1.0)
All credits in Science
are required for
Distinguished Level of
Achievement
DP Mathematics (1.0)
All credits in
Mathematics,
including a credit in
Algebra II are required
for Distinguished
Level of Achievement
5.0
IB Requirements Personal Project 6
Extended Essay
CAS
Based on
classes taken in
9-12 grade 7
4.0
4.0
5.0
4.0
4.0
6.0
Total
Credits
Earned
27.0
1 For transfer students lacking Language Acquisition credits, a student who enrolls in Grade 10 will have a requirement of 3.0 credits for Group 2, and a student who enrolls in Grade 11 will have a requirement of 2.0 credits for
Group 2. Transfer students will have to still fulfill all other credit requirements. The total credits earned may be decreased based upon the transfer credits but not to fall below the 26.0 minimum credits required by the state.
2 A student may choose Economics HL from Group 6 and this will satisfy the 0.5 credit of Economics requirement. However, this choice will decrease the total credits earned by 0.5 but not to fall below the 26.0 minimum credits
required by the state.
3 Electives will be determined based upon course offerings and overall student interest in grade 10.
4 Depending on a student’s choice, DP group 6 courses can account for 1.0 or 2.0 credits.
5 For transfer students lacking Language Acquisition credits, a student who enrolls in Grade 10 will have a requirement of 3.0 credits for Group 2, and a student who enrolls in Grade 11 will have a requirement of 2.0 credits for
Group 2. Transfer students will have to still fulfill all other credit requirements. The total credits earned may be decreased based upon the transfer credits but not to fall below the 26.0 minimum credits required by the state.
6 Personal Project is a requirement for any student attending Westlake Academy in Grade 10. Students who enter in G11 are exempt from the Personal Project.
7 Pre-High School Credits can be earned in Language B and Mathematics in Grade 7 and/or Grade 8. Students may be awarded up to 3.0 credits on their high school transcript, however these credits do not
count towards the totals for the state minimum requirements. State requirements must be completed in grades 9-12. This could bring ring a graduate to 30.0 total credits awarded.
Resolution 17-05
Page 5 of 6
Additional Endorsements – Westlake Academy seniors can also graduate with
additional endorsements. Students who fulfill the Westlake Academy graduation
requirements can also select and earn the Arts & Humanities endorsement based upon
the completion of five social studies credits or the completion of four credits of the same
language other than English. Westlake Academy students can also select and earn the
Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) endorsement by choosing
to take Physics in high school. In addition, the STEM endorsement requires students to
complete five credits of mathematics including Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 with
two credits beyond Algebra 2 or complete five credits of science including Biology,
Chemistry, and Physics with two additional science credits.
Eligibility for Commencement – Westlake Academy seniors who have satisfied all
Westlake Academy requirements for graduation are eligible to participate in the
graduation ceremonies; however, disciplinary infractions may jeopardize a student’s
opportunity to participate in the commencement ceremony consistent with the student
code of conduct and any determination made by the Executive Director.
For students who have not successfully completed all coursework, an exception may be
made in the event that a senior lacks one (1) credit towards the graduation
requirements. The student must have a plan approved by the Executive Director to
complete the credit prior to the beginning of the next school year. No other exceptions
to participation in the graduation ceremony will be granted unless required by law.
Academic Recognition - Westlake Academy will encourage and recognize academic
achievement through the establishment of a class Valedictorian, Salutatorian and Honor
Graduates.
Valedictorian and Salutatorian – Graduating seniors with the top two Cumulative Grade
Point Averages (CGPA) will be recognized. In the event of a tie for Valedictorian, the
students will share the honor and no Salutatorian will be designated. Additionally,
valedictorian and salutatorian eligibility requires attendance at Westlake Academy for
six consecutive semesters preceding graduation. Further, the Superintendent or his/her
designee may deem a student ineligible who is in violation of Westlake Academy’s
student code of conduct, other school requirements, Town code, or State codes.
Honor Graduates - A graduating senior whose weighted CGPA, is 90% or above will be
determined to be an Honor Graduate and will be duly recognized at commencement
(please see Board Policy on Grading and Assessment for the calculation of the CGPA).
The Executive Principal and his/her designee are granted the authority to include
students whose CGPA is 90% or above at the end of the final semester.
Rank in Class - Rank in class is determined by CGPA and will used for the purposes of:
• Obtaining automatic admission to Texas public universities based upon the
uniform admission policy and in accordance with the Texas Education Code.
This information will be reported directly to institutions by Westlake Academy
Resolution 17-05
Page 6 of 6
staff.
• Determining Valedictorian and Salutatorian.
Outside of the above circumstances, Westlake Academy is a non-ranking high school.
Operational guidelines consistent with the above policy directives will be detailed and
published in the Program of Studies and/or the College Application Handbook on an
annual basis.
In the event a student does not complete all Westlake Academy graduation
requirements by the end of the student’s twelfth (12th) grade year due to unexpected
circumstances, the student may seek Board approval for and the Board may approve an
alternate graduation plan consistent with the State’s foundation high school program
requirements, if it is determined to be in the best interest of the student.
* This policy is applicable beginning with students in the class of 2018
** Revisions enacted due to provisions pass by House Bill 5 approved during the
83rd Legislative Session
Dates Amended:
10/05/15
10/02/15
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Council will conduct a closed session under Texas Government Code Chapter 551 for
the following:
a. Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which the
duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary
Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this
chapter regarding the following: Admissions and Residency policies for the
Academy.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 5 – Adjournment
Regular Session
Board of
Trustees
Item # 6 – Reconvene
Meeting
The Board will conduct a closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code, annotated,
Chapter 551, Subchapter D for the following:
a. Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which the
duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary
Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this
chapter regarding the following: Admissions and Residency policies for the
Academy.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 7 – Necessary Action
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.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 8 – Future Agenda
Items
Board of
Trustees
Item # 9 – Adjournment
Regular Session