HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-18-20 WAF MinWESTLAKE ACADEMY FOUNDATION
Board Meeting
May 18, 2020
Board Members in Attendance: Christine Ross, Sean Shope, Debbie Kraska, Ahu Sieg, Leah Rennhack,
Wendy Greenwood, Laura Luckett, Zan Jones and Michael Colby
Others in Attendance: Shelly Myers, Debbie Piper, Marlene Rutledge, Mechelle Bryson, Amanda DeGan
and Julie Kelly
I. C. Ross called the meeting to order at 8:32AM. Meeting took place via call-in due to COVID-
related social distancing requirement.
II. Motion to approve minutes of February 10, 2020 meeting by Z. Jones, second by D. Kraska.
Motion carried.
III. Financial Report
● S. Shope presented Financial Position as of April 30, 2020, informing Board that Endowment
value balance is currently $1,694,482 and that Total Assets balance is $2,604,294.
● Current outstanding donor accounts total $45,000. Additional invoices will be mailed this
week.
● S. Myers reported that several of the approved grants from this school year will not be spent
due to COVID lockdown and the inability of students and teachers to return to campus.
● M. Colby moved to approve Financials, second by L. Luckett. Motion carried, and Financials
approved.
● S. Myers and J. Kelly reviewed the Foundation office’s financial practices with Board. M.
Rutledge discussed the internal controls that the Town has in place to ensure validity of the
Foundation’s financial records.
IV. Marketing Committee
● W. Greenwood reported that our WAF social media has focused on humorous posts related to
remote schooling and lockdown.
● Yard signs were distributed last month to homes of seniors and teachers/staff. L. Luckett
wrote sentiments to go with signs thanking teachers and congratulating seniors.
● Cookies were delivered to homes of Gallery Night volunteers as appreciation gifts in lieu of
the traditional thank you luncheon.
● Year in Review themes are in process, and Giving Day marketing will be discussed later this
summer.
V. Development
● Blacksmith Annual Fund
o A. Sieg discussed possibility of marketing to non-donors. L. Luckett to work on
appropriate communication.
o Discussed possibility of lower enrollment for 2020-21, and effects on BAF donations.
Questioned if parents should be surveyed to determine plans for fall enrollment in order to
plan budget, which is being discussed currently by the Town and Academy.
o Discussed possibility of using Endowment funds to supplement BAF and cover Academy
budget should donations be lower than requested amount.
● Gallery Night
o L. Luckett reported that revenue numbers for Gallery Night 2020 were down this year, but
expenses were as well, resulting in a higher net revenue compared to last year.
o Discussed possible reasons for lower than usual attendance this year (e.g., February date
“felt” early; competing events on special Leap Year date).
o S. Myers informed Board that TMS has penciled in 3/6/2021 for next year’s event.
● Westlake Baja
o M. Colby stated that this fall’s event will be held at the Sansone’s home instead of
Vaquero Club. Entertainment will be a singer-songwriter again given the great success of
the 2019 concert.
o W. Greenwood suggested undertaking pre-Baja giving efforts as appreciation for teachers
as school begins this fall.
VI. President’s Report
● C. Ross thanked the directors who assisted with distributing yard signs and cookies this
Spring.
VII. Executive Director’s Report
● S. Myers expressed appreciation for the Board’s ongoing willingness to work in support of
the Foundation and the Academy.
Other Business
M. Bryson thanked S. Myers and the WAF Board for being so supportive of the Academy,
staff and teachers.
D. Kraska moved to adjourn the Board meeting, second by L. Luckett. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned
at 9:51AM.
Next Meeting: Monday, June 15, 2020 at 8:30 AM, Town Hall of the Town of Westlake