HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-10-14 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 3
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
February 10, 2014
WESTLAKE TOWN HALL
3 VILLAGE CIRCLE – 2ND FLOOR
WESTLAKE, TX 76262
COUNCIL CHAMBERS/MUNICIPAL COURT ROOM
Workshop Session 5:00 p.m.
Regular Session 6:00 p.m.
Page 2 of 3
Work Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE FEBRUARY 10, 2014,
TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
4. REPORTS
Reports are prepared for informational purposes and will be accepted as presented.
(there will no presentations associated with the report items) There will be no separate
discussion unless a Board Member requests that report be removed and considered
separately.
a. Update on the progress of Math alignment at Westlake Academy.
5. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Discussion of the proposed amendments to the Secondary Grading Policy. (20 min)
b. Discussion regarding the athletic facility and development of the whole child at
Westlake Academy. (20 min)
c. Update and discussion regarding Westlake Academy Phase I expansion project and
enrollment projections. Standing Item (15 min)
6. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
7. ADJOURNMENT
Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: This is an opportunity for
citizens to address the Board on any matter whether or not it is posted on the agenda.
The Board cannot by law take action nor have any discussion or deliberations on any
presentation made to the Board at this time concerning an item not listed on the agenda.
Any item presented may be noticed on a future agenda for deliberation or action.
3. 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 January 13, 2014, meeting.
Page 3 of 3
4. BOARD CALENDAR
5. 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.
6. ADJOURNMENT
ANY ITEM ON THIS POSTED AGENDA COULD BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE
SESSION AS LONG AS IT IS WITHIN ONE OF THE PERMITTED CATEGORIES UNDER
SECTIONS 551.071 THROUGH 551.076 AND SECTION 551.087 OF THE TEXAS
GOVERNMENT CODE.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the above notice was posted at the Town Hall of the Town of Westlake, 3 Village Circle, on
February 5, 2014, 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.
Westlake Academy
Item # 2 – Pledge of
Allegiance
Texas Pledge:
"Honor the Texas
flag; I pledge
allegiance to thee,
Texas, one state under
God, one and
indivisible."
REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
a. Consider approval of the minutes from the January 14, 2014, meeting.
Westlake Academy
Item # 3 –
Review of Consent
Agenda Items
REPORTS
Reports are prepared for informational purposes and will be accepted as presented.
(there will no presentations associated with the report items) There will be no separate discussion
unless a Board Member requests that report be removed and considered separately.
a. Update on the progress of Math alignment at Westlake Academy.
Westlake Academy
Item # 4–
Reports
Page 1 of 1
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP / MYP / DP Meeting Date: 02/10/14
Staff Contact: Dr. Andra Barton Report
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Subject: Update on the progress of Math alignment at Westlake Academy.
PLAN DESIRED OUTCOMES
High Student Achievement
Strong Parent & Community
Connections
Financial Stewardship &
Sustainability
ACADEMY VALUES
Maximizing Personal Development
Academic Excellence
Respect for Self and Others
Personal Responsibility
Compassion and Understanding
Effective Educators & Staff
GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
This report relates directly to Westlake Academy’s Vision of inspiring “students to achieve their
highest individual potential…” and the Mission of “an internationally minded education in the
highest quality…”
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded X N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
No action is required at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Adjustment report for the Math Department at Westlake Academy.
1
February Curriculum - Math Update High performing school communities continually reflect on opportunities of improvement. At Westlake Academy we use various forms of input to ensure on-going student growth. During the 2013-14 school year, Westlake Academy administration has focused their efforts on improvement and alignment in mathematics. Below is the adjustment plan presented to the Board of Trustees during their December meeting. A new column has been added with updates and development of those efforts.
Adjustments Time Line for
Implementation
Status/Development
Examination and alignment of new math
standards (TEKS) and how they impact
Westlake Academy.
PYP – 02/14
MYP –01/14
DP – 02/14
PYP – On target for completion.
MYP – Alignment is completed with
State standards and we are now
working on designing unit planners.
DP – On target for completion.
Redrafting of curriculum documents related
to new alignment standards.
All areas - 05/14 Currently, the MYP Math Department
is advanced in t his area. Our addition
of the MYP Curriculum Coordinator
and “MYP – The Next Chapter” from
the IB has aided in the development of
these efforts.
Interview and hire an additional FTE
($25,000) to assist with G7 & G8
compacting. A grant applicant for this
position will be submitted to the Education
Foundation for consideration.
01/14 The hiring of an additional FTE was
funded by the Westlake Academy
Foundation. We hired, Cynthia
Hague, who has over 15 years of
mathematical instructing experience to
assist in the 7th grade area. The cost
for this adjustment was $19,730.
Student assignments in Grade 7 were
broken down into smaller groups.
Currently, administration is working to
identify a candidate that can work
alongside Grade 8 students for the
remainder of the school year. We
have $5,270 allotted for this
adjustment.
Development of Scope and Sequence
documents in the K-8 setting.
PYP - 04/14
MYP - 01/14
PYP – On target for completion.
MYP – Year 1 & 2 documents are
completed. Currently staff is working
on Algebra 1 and beyond.
2
Quartley student benchmark development
that will gauge student’s mathematical
understanding and performance.
PYP/MYP -
Development in
the Spring of -14
and set for
implementation
during the 14-15
school year
On target for completion.
Development of an internal tracking tool,
which provides staff and parents with
reflective data relative to their child’s
performance.
PYP/MYP –
Development in
the Spring -14 and
set for
implementation
during the 14-15
school year
On target for completion.
Consideration of compacting math
curriculum strands in the 4th, 5th and 6th
grade in response to the compaction that
occurs in 7th grade math.
14-15 School Year No recommendations from
administration on this item at this time
PYP/ MYP planner development and IB
Learning Outcomes/TEKS upload in
Mathematics onto the Third Learning/IB
Learns curriculum management system.
Ongoing Significant improvement in MYP has
been made within this area.
Reflection of current plan and ad justments Monthly by
administration
until
implementation is
successful
Monthly administration is closely
monitoring the plan as evidenced by the
monthly agendas.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Discussion of the proposed amendments to the Secondary Grading Policy. (20 min)
b. Discussion regarding the athletic facility and development of the whole child at
Westlake Academy. (20 min)
c. Update and discussion regarding Westlake Academy Phase I expansion project
and enrollment projections. Standing Item (15 min)
Westlake Academy
Item # 5 –
Discussion Items
Page 1 of 1
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: MYP / DP Meeting Date: October, 2013
Staff Contact: Clint Calzini Discussion
Subject: Overview of Secondary Assessment Policy Changes
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This presentation is a preview to amendments we will bring forward during the March Board of
Trustees Meeting. The amendments will provide alignment of MYP assessment philosophy,
changes in MYP Next Chapter and Texas reporting requirements. The presentation will outline
the need for change, the process and direction of the amendments.
PLAN DESIRED OUTCOMES
High Student Achievement
Strong Parent & Community
Connections
Financial Stewardship &
Sustainability
ACADEMY VALUES
Maximizing Personal Development
Academic Excellence
Respect for Self and Others
Personal Responsibility
Compassion and Understanding
Effective Educators & Staff
GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
Why do we need governance guidance on this agenda item?
Potential changes to assessment policy requires Board of Trustees approval.
Which policy governs this agenda item?
Policy No. 6.01 (Student Achievement: Grading System, Westlake Academy); Policy No. 6.03
(Student Achievement: Assessment and Grade Reporting Policy Secondary – Middle Years
Program and Diploma Program)
What additional direction is necessary for this agenda item?
Further BOT direction pending the presentation and ensuing discussion.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A (self-funding)
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
None at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Page 1 of 1
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP / MYP / DP Meeting Date: February 10, 2014
Staff Contact: Alan Burt Discussion
Athletic Director
Assistant Principal
Subject: Discussion regarding the athletic facility and development of the whole
child at Westlake Academy
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A new athletic complex is currently under construction with plans for opening in SY 2014-15.
Included in this state of the art complex, is a weight training area with advanced equipment
intended to enhance the physical development of a child. The board requested, in their January
2014 meeting, an update on how this complex and equipment will support the direction for our
students at Westlake Academy. Attached is a summary of the extensive planning that is being
done at the campus level.
PLAN DESIRED OUTCOMES
High Student Achievement
Strong Parent & Community
Connections
Financial Stewardship &
Sustainability
ACADEMY VALUES
Maximizing Personal Development
Academic Excellence
Respect for Self and Others
Personal Responsibility
Compassion and Understanding
Effective Educators & Staff
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
No administrative recommendations are considered at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
Report on curriculum development relative to the athletic complex
Westlake Academy
Athletic Complex Update
Westlake Academy is currently under construction to build a new state of the art athletic facility (Fieldhouse) that will include a weight room and training area for our campus. The Fieldhouse will be operational in the fall of 2014 and full usage of the amenities will begin immediately for our students and staff. The building will contain a weight and training area which has been intentionally planned for integration into the Physical Fitness curriculum standards as defined by the state of Texas and the International Baccalaureate organization. Currently, our staff has been working within their field of study to develop topics and units that surround physical development of the whole child. Th e new facility will allow staff to place an intentional focus on a student’s physical development - recognizing that we must create situations to mature the entire child at Westlake Academy. In an IB Physical Education setting, the aim of the course is to cultivate a healthy and active lifestyle for students. It therefore advocates activities that are not only enjoyable but also contribute to healthy living. Students are encouraged and helped to develop the motor skills necessary to enable them to participate successfully in a variety of physical activities, and to learn about the nature of physical fitness. In the Texas Education Agency TEKS, physical education has many different components that challenge the students in both an anaerobic and aerobic setting. This includes the ability to develop muscle yet be more cardio aware. Defining lifetime fitness will be different for every person. Some will enjoy the opportunity to lift weights and use this as their own personal workout. Others will use aerobic activity to maintain fitness. It is the goal of the physical education department to demonstrate the many different options to our students so they can determine for themselves what may be the best option for a lifetime of fitness The question then becomes – “how will the addition of a weight room facility
contribute the achieving the goals of IB Physical Education”. Over the course of a Westlake Academy student’s time in MYP, the weight room and adjacent classroom will be utilized in many ways. Below is a brief list:
• Weight room to be used for Muscular Strength
o Students will learn about gaining muscle strength through the lifting of weights. A variety of different types of lifting will be used to show students the range of exercises that can help develop muscular strength.
• Weight room to be used for Muscular Endurance
o This involves the capacity of a muscle to exert a submaximal force through a given range of motion or at a single point over a given time. The weight room will contain supplemental exercise activities that range from bands, ladders, exercise balls, dumbbells, jump ropes, etc. The objective is to provide students with an alternative to true lifting of weights. These activities can be done in the weight room as accessory work.
• Classroom
o The field house was also designed with a classroom that opens into the weight room. This layout will provide teachers with the option/opportunity to teach concepts with a portion of the class while the remainder of the students are using these concepts in the actual weight room or outdoor on the fields. The configuration saves the teachers time of having to leave and return to the gymnasium thus losing valuable classroom time. The definition of a lifetime of physical fitness is truly up to each individual. The students at Westlake Academy have not had the opportunity to learn about all the possibilities in the previous years. With the addition of the weight room and adjacent room for accessory items, the instructors will be able to provide many different options that people can use when determining what might be the best methodology for them to stay physically active. In addition to the physical components of the class, the students will be better prepared for making the best choice for a lifetime of fitness.
Standing agenda item during the construction project
c. Update and discussion regarding Westlake Academy Phase I expansion project and
enrollment projections.
Westlake Academy
Item # 5 – No
Supporting
documentation
BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Westlake Academy
Item #6
Board Recap /
Staff Direction
Westlake Academy
Item # 7 –
Workshop
Adjournment
Back up material has not
been provided for this item.
CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: This is an opportunity for citizens to
address the Board on any matter whether or not it is posted on the agenda. The Board cannot
by law take action nor have any discussion or deliberations on any presentation made to the
Board at this time concerning an item not listed on the agenda. Any item presented may be
noticed on a future agenda for deliberation or action.
Westlake Academy
Item # 2 – Citizens’
Presentations and
recognitions
CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of
Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of
items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be
removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence.
a. Consider approval of the minutes from the January 13, 2014, meeting.
Westlake Academy
Item # 3 - Consent
Agenda Items
BOT Minutes 01/13/14
Page 1 of 5
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
January 13, 2014
PRESENT: President Laura Wheat, Trustees: Clif Cox, Carol Langdon, and Rick Rennhack.
Wayne Stoltenberg arrived at 5:12 p.m.
ABSENT: Michael Barrett
OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent Tom Brymer, Assistant to the Superintendent
Amanda DeGan, Board Secretary Kelly Edwards, Primary Principal
Rod Harding, Secondary Principal Clint Calzini, Administr ative
Coordinator Ben Nibarger and Director of Curriculum &
Instruction Andra Barton and Communications & Community
Affairs Director Ginger Awtry.
Work Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the work session to order at 5:09 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Wheat led the pledge of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.
3. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE JANUARY 13, 2014, TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
No additional discussion.
BOT Minutes 01/13/14
Page 2 of 5
4. REPORTS
a. Report of the Quarterly Financial “Dashboard” report for the quarter ended November
30, 2013.
Trustee Langdon asked for clarification regarding the collection of fees.
Administrative Coordinator Nibarger explained that fees are collected during the end of
one fiscal year and the next year begins.
5. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Presentation Regarding the IB Symposium in Oman.
Mr. Alan Burt, assistant secondary principal and athletic director, and Ms. Heather
McCown, director of student life, provided a presentation and overview of the trip.
Students Callie Sherrod, Emily Moren, Gabrielle Swistara, Annemarie Dunford and
Vernie Covarrubias each spoke briefly about their experience and leadership skills
they learned while in Oman.
Discussion ensued regarding any preconceived prejudices they had prior to their trip,
additional opportunities for similar travel, the water system, the student selection
process for the trip, and to discover new teaching methods to help students become
better leaders.
b. Presentation of the FY 2012-2013 annual audit report from Pattillo, Brown & Hill, LLP.
Mr. Gregg Shropshire provided an overview of the 2012-2013 fiscal year audit.
Discussion ensued regarding the ability to verify that the correct document was
received by TEA in a timely manner.
c. Presentation of PYP Self-study (5 year evaluation).
Primary Principal Harding and Primary Years Coordinator Alison Schneider provided a
presentation and overview of the Self-study.
Discussion ensued regarding the scoring process and establishing recommendations,
implementation of the action plan, preparation of the self-study, the action plan for
the library, off-site visits, and single scope and sequence.
BOT Minutes 01/13/14
Page 3 of 5
d. Balanced Scorecard Dashboard Report.
Administrative Coordinator Nibarger provided an overview of the report.
Discussion ensued regarding the turnover rate, the reduction in the number of
students failing, and SPED resources.
e. Discussion of Board Policy 2.09 Regarding Board Input into the Process Utilized for
the Selection of Section Head Positions.
Superintendent Brymer provided an update on the process and interviewing of the
semi-finalist, the reporting structure of principal, and the combination of the interview
panels.
Board Secretary will draw names for an order of Trustees selected for the interview
panel.
f. Follow-up Discussion from Board’s May 17, 2013 Planning Retreat Regarding the
Vision Statement for Westlake Academy.
Superintendent Brymer provided a presentation and overview of the clarifying
statements as discussed during the retreat.
g. Update and discussion regarding Westlake Academy Phase I expansion project and
enrollment projections. Standing Item
This item was not discussed.
6. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Include ‘college bound’ in the vision statement clarification statement.
Draw numbers establishing the position of Trustees for the finalist interviewing process.
7. ADJOURNMENT
President Wheat adjourned the work session at 7:29 p.m.
BOT Minutes 01/13/14
Page 4 of 5
Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the regular session to order at 7:29 p.m.
2. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS:
Coordinator Nibarger presented a Resolution from Senator Kelly Hancock's office (District
9) in honor of Westlake Academy being ranked in US news and world report.
President Wheat proclaimed January as School Board Recognition Month.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Consider approval of the minutes from the December 2, 2013, meeting.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 14-01, Approving the Fiscal Year 2012-2013
Annual Audit Report.
MOTION: Trustee Rennhack made a motion to approve the consent
agenda. Trustee Langdon seconded the motion. The motion
carried by a vote of 4-0.
4. BOARD CALENDAR
Superintendent Brymer reminded everyone to save the date for Gallery Night on March 1,
2014.
5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Trustee Stoltenberg - Discussion regarding potential utilization of the Fieldhouse for
fitness opportunities through the Physical Education Courses at Westlake Academy.
Staff will provide an overview of the Physical Educations Courses how those courses may
benefit from the use of new facilities.
BOT Minutes 01/13/14
Page 5 of 5
6. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Trustee Rennhack made a motion to adjourn the regular session.
Trustee Langdon seconded the motion. The motion carried by a
vote of 4-0.
President Wheat adjourned the regular session at 7:37 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON FEBRUARY 10, 2014.
ATTEST: ____________________________
Laura Wheat, President
_____________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary
BOARD CALENDAR
Board of Trustees Workshop & Meeting
Monday, February 10, 2014
“Small but Mighty” *Neighborhood Town Meeting
Thursday, February 13, 2014; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Home of Greg & Vicky Goble; *Includes residents in Terra Bella, Wyck Hill, Paigebrooke,
and along Mahotea Boone, Aspen Lane, N. Pearson, Dove, and JT Ottinger Roads
Northeast Tarrant County 5th Annual Transportation Summit
Friday, February 21, 2014; 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
Hurst Conference Center
Sponsors’ VIP Gallery Night Reception
Friday, February 21, 2014
Town Council Workshop & Meeting
Monday, February 24, 2014
Last Day to File for a Place on the Ballot, Westlake General Election
Friday, February 28, 2014
Comp Plan Steering Committee Meeting (not Public Input)
Wednesday, February 26, 2014; 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Town Council Chambers/Courtroom
WA Foundation’s 11th Annual Gallery Night
Saturday, March 1, 2014; 6:00 – 11:30 PM
Texas Motor Speedway
WA Spring Break
March 10 – March 14, 2014
Westlake Academy
Item #4
Board Calendar
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Any Board member may request at a workshop and / or
Board meeting, under “Future Agenda Item Requests”, an agenda item for a future
Board meeting. The Board member making the request will contact the Superintendent
with the requested item and the Superintendent will list it on the agenda. At the
meeting, the requesting Board member will explain the item, the need for Board
discussion of the item, the item’s relationship to the Board’s strategic priorities, and the
amount of estimated staff time necessary to prepare for Board discussion. If the
requesting Board member receives a second, the Superintendent will place the item on
the Board agenda calendar allowing for adequate time for staff preparation on the
agenda item.
Westlake Academy
Item # 5 –
Future Agenda
Items
Westlake Academy
Item # 6 –
Adjournment
Back up material has not
been provided for this item.