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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-02-20 BOT Agenda Packet Page 1 of 2 WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEETING AGENDA 1500 SOLANA BLVD, BUILDING 7, SUITE 7100, COUNCIL CHAMBER WESTLAKE, TX 76262 March 2, 2020 5:00 PM MEETING Vision Statement Westlake Academy inspires college bound 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 Work Session 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 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. Any person desiring to make a public comment must first be recognized by the presiding officer and sign in at the podium with their name and address. Individual citizen comments are normally limited to three (3) minutes; however, time limits can be adjusted by the presiding officer. The presiding officer may ask the citizen to hold their comment on an agenda item if the item is posted as a Public Hearing. 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. The Board will receive the information, ask staff to review the matter, or an item may be noticed on a future agenda for deliberation or action. 4. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS LISTED ON THE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA. 5. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS. a. Presentation of the new Westlake Academy Virtual Tour Video – John Sasser and Kim Gardner b. Presentation and discussion of French International Trip - Dr. James Owen, Teri Watson, Ingrid Thebault and Christine King c. Presentation and discussion of Westlake Academy’s IB site visit - James Owen, Alison Schneider, and Terri Watson d. Presentation and discussion regarding Counseling Services - Dr. Mechelle Bryson, Carl Tippen, Lisa Phillips, Sara DeRaud, and Lakshmi Morgan 6. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION Page 2 of 2 Regular Session will begin immediately following the Work 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. 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 meeting on February 3, 2020. b. Consider approval of Resolution 20-02, Approving the trip to Canada regarding French language immersion experience in Montreal. 4. 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. 5. 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, 1500 Solana Blvd., Building 7, Suite 7100, Westlake, TX 76262, on February 28, 2020, by 5:00 p.m. under the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. _____________________________________ Todd Wood, Town Secretary If you plan to attend this public meeting and have a disability that requires special needs or translation services, please advise the Town Secretary 48 hours in advance at 817-490-5711 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, on state under God, on and indivisible.” CITIZEN COMMENTS: This is an opportunity for citizens to address the Board on any matter whether or not it is posted on the agenda. Any person desiring to make a public comment must first be recognized by the presiding officer and sign in at the podium with their name and address. Individual citizen comments are normally limited to three (3) minutes; however, time limits can be adjusted by the presiding officer. The presiding officer may ask the citizen to hold their comment on an agenda item if the item is posted as a Public Hearing. 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. The Board will receive the information, ask staff to review the matter, or an item 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 meeting on February 3, 2020. b. Consider approval of Resolution 20-02, Approving the trip to Canada regarding French language immersion experience in Montreal. Board of Trustees Item # 4 – Consent Agenda DISCUSSION ITEMS a.Presentation and discussion of the new Westlake Academy Virtual Tour Video – John Sasser and Kim Gardner b.Presentation and discussion of French International Trip - Dr. James Owen, Teri Watson, Ingrid Thebault and Christine King c.Presentation and discussion of Westlake Academy’s IB site visit - James Owen, Alison Schneider, and Terri Watson d.Presentation and discussion regarding Counseling Services - Dr. Mechelle Bryson, Carl Tippen, Lisa Phillips, Sara DeRaud, and Lakshmi Morgan Board of Trustees Item # 5 – Discussion Items estlake Academy Board of Trustees TYPE OF ACTION Regular Meeting - Consent Westlake Board Meeting Monday, March 02, 2020 TOPIC: Consider a Resolution approving the trip to Canada regarding French language immersion experience in Montreal. STAFF CONTACT: Dr. James Owen, Teri Watson, Christine King and Ingrid Thebault 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 MYP / DP Strengthen IB Philosophy & Implementation Strategic Initiative Outside the Scope of Identified Strategic Initiatives Time Line - Start Date: March 2, 2020 Completion Date: Ongoing Funding Amount: Ongoing Status - Funded Source - Self-funded 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 six years, the Academy has placed an increased emphasis on strengthening the international mindedness of stakeholders by creating partnerships with international schools and providing Academy students language immersion learning experiences. Currently, we do not have language immersion learning experiences for Westlake Academy’s students enrolled in French. In 2018, the Board of Trustees approved a trip to Quebec, however; the trip was cancelled due to lack of student participation. The Academy still believes in the value of a French immersion learning experience for our students and has begun plans for a trip in the spring semester 2021 to Montreal, Canada. According to Westlake Academy board policy 6.02, Board Parameters for School Sanctioned Trips, “all international trips must adhere to all Westlake Academy Board Policies and administrative procedures for school sanctioned trips. These school sanctioned trips may be offered at various times throughout the year upon the recommendation of the Executive Director and approval by the Board of Trustees”. Westlake Academy’s Executive Director has reviewed the request to add a French language immersion experience to Montreal and is seeking Board approval. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval ATTACHMENTS Resolution Page 1 of 2 estlake Academy Board of Trustees TYPE OF ACTION Workshop - Discussion Item Westlake Board Meeting Monday, March 02, 2020 TOPIC: Presentation and Discussion Regarding IB Site Visit STAFF CONTACT: James Owen, Alison Schneider, and Terri Watson 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 Strengthen IB Philosophy & Implementation Strategic Initiative Outside the Scope of Identified Strategic Initiatives Time Line - Start Date: January 7, 2019 Completion Date: March 6, 2020 Funding Amount: N/A Status - N/A Source - General Fund EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (INCLUDING APPLICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY) Westlake Academy as an IB World School and IB continuum school has an obligation to follow the IB framework and to create a rigorous learning environment grounded in the IB standards and practices. As such, students engage in learning experiences that construct and deconstruct knowledge, extend learning beyond the classroom walls and cultivate international mindedness through the IB learner profile. A crucial element of the IB is the evaluation process. Every five years, IB schools are evaluated by the IBO. Over the last 15 months, the Academy has conducted a year-long self-evaluation and has prepared for the site visit. It is important to note that the Academy is participating in a continuum visit instead of three separate evaluations processes. As such, all three programmes will be reviewed in tandem. Our IB site visit is scheduled for March 4, 5, and 6, 2020. Page 1 of 2 The purpose of this presentation is to inform the Board of Trustees of Westlake Academy’s IB site visit. The presentation will review Westlake Academy’s self-evaluation process, explain the unique features of a continuum site visit, share the site visit schedule, explain the Board of Trustees role, and answer any questions of the Board of Trustees. RECOMMENDATION Seeking continued support of the Academy’s IB continuum. ATTACHMENTS None Page 1 of 2 estlake Academy Board of Trustees TYPE OF ACTION Workshop - Discussion Item Westlake Board Meeting Monday, March 02, 2020 TOPIC: Presentation and Discussion Regarding Counseling Services STAFF CONTACT: Carl Tippen, Lisa Phillips, Sara DeRaud, and Lakshmi Morgan 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 Optimize Student Potential Strategic Initiative Outside the Scope of Identified Strategic Initiatives Time Line - Start Date: August 1, 2019 Completion Date: Ongoing Funding Amount: N/A Status - N/A Source - General Fund EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (INCLUDING APPLICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY) Westlake Academy’s goal as an IB World School is to inspire college bound student to achieve their highest individual potential in a nurturing environment that fosters the traits found in the IB Learner Profile. In doing so, the primary goal of the school counseling program is to promote and enhance learning through academic support, developmental responsiveness, and college and career readiness. In doing so, our counselors provide the following services: • Assist students in resolving academic issues; • Assist students in developing skills to improve organization, study habits, and time management; • Assist students in working through personal problems that affect academics and relationships; • Assist students in improving social skills; • Assist students in identifying college and career goals; Page 1 of 2 • Assist students in coping with trauma; and • Assist families in finding community resources. The purpose of this presentation is to inform the Board of Trustees of Westlake Academy’s counseling services. The presentation will review Westlake Academy’s counseling philosophy, counseling goals, progress of the threat assessment team, implementation of the hope squad, and suicide prevention and social emotion learning initiatives. In addition, connections to the IB framework and the Learner Profile will be discussed. RECOMMENDATION Seeking continued support of the Academy’s counseling services. ATTACHMENTS None BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION Board of Trustees Item # 6 – Board Recap / Staff Direction ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST: Mayor and Council Reports on Items of Community Interest pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.0415 the Town Council 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 Town Council events; (5) information about community events; and (6) announcements involving imminent threat to public health and safety.  Coffee & Conversation with the Mayor/Board President Monday, March 2, 2020; 8:00 – 9:30 am Westlake Fire-EMS Station No. 1, 2000 Dove Road (NW corner of Dove Rd. & Davis Blvd.) -We hope our residents and business partners are enjoying this opportunity to visit our community’s new fire station, have a cup of coffee or tea, and a chat with Mayor Laura Wheat about any and all things Westlake – including Westlake Academy, too. No reservation needed – just come-and-go as your schedule allows!  Board of Trustees Work Session/Meeting Monday, March 2, 2020* Westlake Town Hall, Solana Terrace-Bldg.7, Suite 7100 - Council Chambers  International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Site Visit at Westlake Academy Monday, March 4 – Wednesday, March 6, 2020 -Evaluation now done every 5 years on all three IB Programmes by the governing IB Organization. Questions? Contact Executive Director Dr. Mechelle Bryson via email or call at 817.490.5761  Metroport Chamber of Commerce 9th Annual Alliance Development Forum (ADF) Luncheon Friday, March 6, 2020; 11:00 – 1:00 pm -Join hundreds of developers, investors, site selectors, realtors, and other economic development leaders as they network and learn more about this northeast Metroplex fast growing region. This year’s topic: Visionary Mobility: The Future of Transportation in our Region. Keynote Speaker: Mike Berry, Hillwood President. For ticket pricing & availability, please visit the Metroport Chamber website.  Westlake Academy CLOSED for Spring Break Monday, March 9 – Friday, March 13, 2020  Westlake Academy Danish & Dialogue with School Leaders Thursday, March 19, 2020; 8:00 am–9:00 am WA Campus–Sam & Margaret Lee Fieldhouse Classroom -Open to all Westlake & WA parents/grandparents: current and for those considering or wanting to learn more about our community’s charter school. This month’s topic: College Readiness Data & Info Regarding Navigating the College Selection Process - presented by College Counselor Carl Tippen.  Westlake Academy Open Tour for Primary Grades (K-5) Thursday, March 19, 2019; 3:45 pm Main Academy Entrance/Primary Years Office, 2600 J.T. Ottinger Road -Been wondering about Westlake Academy and how your child might reach their highest potential there? If you are a Westlake resident or live within one of our approved secondary boundaries, join us for a tour of our Secondary grades campus this month. (Primary grades tour next month!) Your children are welcome to attend, and we ask they be supervised by their parents during the tour. No need for reservations – just show up between 3:45 – 4:00 pm on this scheduled day. Questions? Contact Registrar Kim Gardner via email for more info.  Simply Westlake hosts Charity Connection event, along with Timarron’s Our Neighborhood Life & the Starpower team Wednesday, March 25, 2020; 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Starpower, 1600 E. Southlake Blvd -Join our Simply Westlake team as they invite Westlake & Timarron residents to this inaugural event as we gather to learn more about volunteer and financial support opportunities, along with needs of our local charities. Each charity will have their own display and representatives will be on hand to visit and answer questions about their organization. For more information, email Connie Vernon-Chase to find out how you can attend & make an impact! Board of Trustees Item # 2 – Items of Community Interest Town Council Work Session/Meeting Monday, March 30, 2020* Westlake Town Hall, Solana Terrace-Bldg.7, Suite 7100 - Council Chambers  Board of Trustees Work Session/Meeting Monday, April 6, 2020* Westlake Town Hall, Solana Terrace-Bldg.7, Suite 7100 - Council Chambers *For meeting agendas and details on WA calendar events or Municipal calendar events, please visit the Westlake Academy website or the Town of Westlake website for further assistance. 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 meeting on February 3, 2020. b. Consider approval of Resolution 20-02, Approving the trip to Canada regarding French language immersion experience in Montreal. Board of Trustees Item # 3 – Consent Agenda BOT Minutes 02/03/20 Page 1 of 6 WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING February 3, 2020 PRESENT: President Laura Wheat and Trustees: Carol Langdon, Greg Goble, and Alesa Belvedere. ABSENT: Michael Barrett and Rick Rennhack. OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent Amanda DeGan, Deputy Town Manager Noah Simon, Assistant Town Manager Jarrod Greenwood, Board Secretary Todd Wood, Assistant to the Town secretary Tanya Morris, Communications Director Ginger Awtry, Communications Manager Jon Sasser, Director of Information Technology Jason Power, Finance Director Debbie Piper, Director of Planning & Development Ron Ruthven, Fire Chief Richard Whitten, Accounting Technician Marlene Rutledge, Westlake Academy Executive Director Dr. Mechelle Bryson, PYP Principal Rod Harding, Assistant Secondary Principal Jennifer Furnish, Westlake Academy Executive Director Shelly Myers, College Counselor Carl Tippen, Athletic Director Alan Burt, Special Education Coordinator Shannon Ward, Alumni & Communications Specialist Martha McKinney, Dyslexia Specialist Amy Henderson, DP Coordinator Dr. James Owen, and SPED Aide Meg Falcon. 1. CALL TO ORDER President Wheat called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE President Wheat led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags. 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS BOT Minutes 02/03/20 Page 2 of 6 Westlake Academy Foundation President Christine Ross provided an update to the Board. Ms. Ross expressed enthusiasm of the new sponsors that had recently been confirmed for Gallery Night, both for the live and silent auctions. Ms. Ross also informed the Board that several new volunteers would be assisting in the event, mostly from PYP families. The theme for the event would be from the 80’s, which was particularly supported by the parents of younger children at the Academy. Table sponsors and beverage sponsors are still needed for the event. Ms. Ross also indicated an opportunity to sponsor faculty members and their spouses to attend the event, which would be included in the bidding process. The Gallery night event will feature a new bidding platform designed to work on smartphones. For those who are unable to attend the event, bids may be submitted by smartphone or by computer. A two (2) week window would be provided for items to be previewed, and bidding would begin one (1) week prior to the event. Ms. Ross expressed hopefulness that this would attract bidders who would not be able to attend the event in person. 4. RECOGNITION OF SPORTS TEAMS. Athletic Director Alan Burt began with an overview of the activities of the Cheer Dance Team, coached by Maria Busico-Flight, Rhoda Hahn, and Sarah Firsching. This team has had a tremendous impact; adding a significant amount of energy and a new dynamic to our sporting events. Ms. Firsching expressed thanks to the Cheer Dance Team for their hard work in setting a great tone for our competitive events. She expressed thanks to the community, students and faculty for their support of the team. Mr. Burt provided an overview of the Drumline Team, coached by Creighton Hulse, who was unable to attend the meeting due to a professional development conference. Mr. Burt expressed the positivity of Westlake Academy’s Drumline team working together with the drumline teams of other schools during recent games. He stated that the efforts of this team for our athletic programs was outstanding, and they were a part of the recent championship win of Westlake Academy’s football team. Mr. Burt then introduced the Westlake Academy football team, coached by Ray Cheatham, who was attend the meeting due to other obligations. The football team recently won the state championship for the first time. The football team consisted of 33 players, and Mr. Burt praised the leadership of the senior class, noting that they lost the finals in the previous year. After last year’s game, the junior class said that they would bring the first championship ring to Westlake Academy the following year, and their leadership and determination prevailed in this effort. The Board expressed appreciation and congratulations to all teams. 5. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS LISTED ON THE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA. No additional discussion. BOT Minutes 02/03/20 Page 3 of 6 6. REPORTS a. Quarterly Financial “Dashboard” report for the quarter ending November 30, 2019. No additional discussion. 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS a. Presentation and discussion of Westlake Academy’s College Matriculation Data. Dr. Mechelle Bryson, Carl Tippen, and Martha McKinney provided a presentation on this item. Dr. Bryson began with Westlake Academy’s philosophy that all students should be ready for college or other secondary educational program following graduation. Ms. McKinney noted that college readiness embodied the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that every student should have upon graduation. Mr. Tippen and Ms. McKinney provided a comparison of data college graduation rates and indicated that IB students were more likely to a 4-year college or attend a school with higher selection criteria. The data showed that Westlake Academy graduates are completing a four-year (4) college program within four to six (4-6) years at a much higher percentage than the national average. Dr. Bryson provided Westlake Academy’s four-year (4) college graduation data: • 2012 WA Graduates: 82.2% completed, 10.7% in progress, and 7.1% are no longer enrolled. 32% have completed or are completing a graduate degree. • 2013 WA Graduates: 75% completed, 12.5% in progress, and 12.5% are no longer enrolled. 2.5% have completed or are completing a graduate degree. • 2014 WA Graduates: 65% completed, 22% in progress, 9.3% are no longer enrolled, and 3.7% are unaccounted for. 13% have completed or are completing a graduate degree. • 2015 WA Graduates: 58% completed, 32% in progress, 10% are no longer enrolled, and 3.7% are unaccounted for. 10% are completing a graduate degree. • 2016 WA Graduates: 5% completed, 84% in progress, 11% are no longer enrolled, and 1.6% have completed or are completing a graduate degree. • 2017 WA Graduates: 1.6% completed, 89% in progress, and 9.4% are no longer enrolled. • 2018 WA Graduates: 94% are completing their undergraduate degree, 1.5% are not enrolled, and 4.5% are involved in religious missions. • 2019 WA Graduates: 98% are completing their undergraduate degree, and 2% are involved in religious missions. BOT Minutes 02/03/20 Page 4 of 6 Mayor Wheat inquired about the definition of “IB for all” and if that specifically indicated the need to obtain an IB Diploma. Dr. Bryson and Superintendent Degan shared that this term more closely described the IB educational experience and the tools that it provides students to achieve success, and not graduating specifically with an IB Diploma. b. Presentation and discussion regarding 504, Special Education data and Shared Service Agreements. Dr. Mechelle Bryson and Shannon Ward provided a presentation on this item at the Board’s request. Dr. Bryson began by providing 504 program data for the current and previous school year. In 2019-2020 school year, 111 students (12.38%) were receiving these services. In 2018-2019 school year, 117 students (13.22%) received these services. Dr. Bryson then presented data from the Special Education Department for K-12 students. In 2017-2018 school year, 26 students (3.5%) received these services. In 2018-2019 school year, 34 students (2.5%) received these services. In 2019-2020 school year, 44 students (4.3%) were receiving these services. By contrast, the state statistic of students receiving Special Education is currently 9.5%. Mayor Wheat asked staff to refresh the Board’s understanding of everyone in attendance of the differences between Special Education and 504 programs. Dr. Bryson and Ms. Ward explained that the 504 program is an “umbrella” that encompasses students with general variations in how they learn (i.e., dyslexia, medical condition, or other reasons), whereas Special Education falls under a different law that warrants an individual education plan. Dr. Bryson explained that 504 programs do no modify what is learned; it is an approach to provide equal access to the curriculum. With Special Education, modifications to the curriculum are be made to provide equal access in addition to customizing other aspects based on the individual learning needs of each student. Dr. Bryson explained a potential shared services agreement for services and emphasized the complexity of this matter. It was then explained that Birdville ISD has certain day programs where Westlake Academy could join as a potential partner to serve students with certain needs. It was explained that it when there is a common need, there can be a mutual benefit with interlocal co-operation. At this time, transportation and other items have presented some challenges. Staff will continue to research the possibility of interlocal partnerships, along with other potential entities, including the Region 11 Service Center. c. Presentation and discussion of French International Trip - Dr. James Owen, Teri Watson, Ingrid Thebault and Christine King Dr. Bryson and Mr. Alan Burt provided an update on this topic, which pertains to the trip for next year. Mr. Burt indicated that several meetings have been held with the French teaching staff within the past week. Staff is ensuring that the vendors, methods of travel, and number of participating students would be the correct course of action. BOT Minutes 02/03/20 Page 5 of 6 After several discussions, staff felt that it was best to hold off on any decisions regarding this trip until additional information could be obtained. Staff has requested that this item be tabled until the March Board of Trustees meeting, which would allow additional time to obtain answers to pending questions that would not be able to be answered at this meeting. The Board tabled this item with no action and asked that it be included on the Board of Trustees meeting agenda for March 2, 2020. 8. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION None 9. ADJOURNMENT President Wheat adjourned the work session at 5:59 p.m. Regular Session will begin immediately following the work session 1. CALL TO ORDER President Wheat called the regular meeting session to order at 5:59 p.m. 2. ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST Communications Director Ginger Awtry provided an overview of upcoming events. 3. CONSENT AGENDA a. Consider approval of the minutes from the meeting on December 2, 2019. b. Consider approval of minutes from the meeting on December 16, 2019. c. Consider approval of Resolution 20-01, Approving the trip to Canada regarding French language immersion experience in Montreal. MOTION: President Wheat removed Item “3c” from the consent agenda for consideration at the March 2020 meeting. The motion to approve the consent agenda consisted of items 3a and 3b. Trustee Langdon made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Trustee Belvedere seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 3-0. 4. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND DISCUSSION OF WESTLAKE ACADEMY’S ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT 2019. Executive Director Dr. Mechelle Bryson provided a presentation of Westlake Academy’s Accountability Report. This is done on an annual basis within 60 days of receiving the Annual School Report Card from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The state accountability ratings are based on the overall performance of the school in the three (3) categories: Student achievement, student progress, and closing the gap. BOT Minutes 02/03/20 Page 6 of 6 Westlake Academy scored an “A” on the accountability report, with a score of 98 for the 2018-2019 school year. Dr. Bryson also confirmed that Westlake Academy received distinctions from all categories available from TEA. The passing scores by grade level were as follows: Grade 3: 100% (Reading) 100% (Math) Grade 4: 93% (Reading) 84% (Math) 89% (Writing) Grade 5: 100% (Reading) 100% (Math) 97% (Science) Grade 6: 97% (Reading) 99% (Math) Grade 7: 99% (Reading) 97% (Math) 96% (Writing) Grade 8: 100% (Reading) 95% (Science) 83% (Social Studies) End of Course English 1: 99% End of Course English 2: 97% End of Course Algebra 1: 98% End of Course Biology: 99% Dr. Bryson also noted that the PSAT and SAT scores for Westlake Academy were higher than the state average. President Wheat opened the public hearing. No one addressed the Board. President Wheat closed the public hearing. 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS No future agenda items. 6. ADJOURNMENT President Wheat asked for a motion to adjourn the Board of Trustees meeting. Trustee Langdon made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Trustee Belvedere seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 3-0. President Wheat adjourned the meeting at 6:14 p.m. APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON MARCH 2, 2020. ATTEST: ______________________________________ ______________________________ Todd Wood, Board Secretary Laura Wheat, President estlake Academy Board of Trustees TYPE OF ACTION Regular Meeting - Consent Westlake Board Meeting Monday, March 02, 2020 TOPIC: Consider a Resolution approving the trip to Canada regarding French language immersion experience in Montreal. STAFF CONTACT: Dr. James Owen, Teri Watson, Christine King and Ingrid Thebault 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 MYP / DP Strengthen IB Philosophy & Implementation Strategic Initiative Outside the Scope of Identified Strategic Initiatives Time Line - Start Date: March 2, 2020 Completion Date: Ongoing Funding Amount: Ongoing Status - Funded Source - Self-funded 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 six years, the Academy has placed an increased emphasis on strengthening the international mindedness of stakeholders by creating partnerships with international schools and providing Academy students language immersion learning experiences. Currently, we do not have language immersion learning experiences for Westlake Academy’s students enrolled in French. In 2018, the Board of Trustees approved a trip to Quebec, however; the trip was cancelled due to lack of student participation. The Academy still believes in the value of a French immersion learning experience for our students and has begun plans for a trip in the spring semester 2021 to Montreal, Canada. According to Westlake Academy board policy 6.02, Board Parameters for School Sanctioned Trips, “all international trips must adhere to all Westlake Academy Board Policies and administrative procedures for school sanctioned trips. These school sanctioned trips may be offered at various times throughout the year upon the recommendation of the Executive Director and approval by the Board of Trustees”. Westlake Academy’s Executive Director has reviewed the request to add a French language immersion experience to Montreal and is seeking Board approval. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval ATTACHMENTS Resolution WA Resolution 20-02 Page 1 of 2 WESTLAKE ACADEMY RESOLUTION 20-02 A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVING THE TRIP TO CANADA REGARDING FRENCH LANGUAGE IMMERSION EXPERIENCE IN MONTREAL. WHEREAS, Westlake Academy ensures the successful implementation of the International Baccalaureate framework; and WHEREAS, Westlake Academy ensures the successful integration of international mindedness through all International Baccalaureate Programmes; and WHEREAS, Westlake Academy ensures that all three components of international mindedness, cultural awareness, multilingualism and global participation, is visible within all International Baccalaureate Programme; 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 of Westlake Academy, hereby approves the addition of a trip to the master schedule of school travel opportunities. 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. WA Resolution 20-02 Page 2 of 2 PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 2nd DAY OF MARCH 2020. ___________________________________ Laura Wheat, President ATTEST: ________________________________ ___________________________________ Todd Wood, Board Secretary Amanda DeGan, Superintendent APPROVED AS TO FORM: ________________________________ Janet S. Bubert or L. Stanton Lowry, School Attorney 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 # 4 – Future Agenda Items Board of Trustees Item #5 – Adjournment Regular Session