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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.