HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-14-20 WAF MinWESTLAKE ACADEMY FOUNDATION
Board Meeting
December 14, 2020
Board Members in Attendance: Christine Ross, Debbie Kraska, Laura Luckett, Meghan Dorr, Wendy
Greenwood, Rob Anderson, Ahu Sieg and Sean Shope
Others in Attendance: John DeBurro with Weaver and Tidwell, LLP, Noah Simon, Todd Wood, Jason
Power, Kelsey Wong, Ginger Awtry, Marlene Rutledge, Debbie Piper, Mechelle Bryson, Shelly Myers
and Julie Kelly
I. C. Ross called the meeting to order at 8:31AM. Meeting took place via remote call due to
pandemic and requirement for social distancing.
II. Motion to approve minutes of November 16, 2020 meeting by W. Greenwood, second by L.
Luckett. Motion carried.
III. Financial Report
● S. Shope introduced John DeBurro with Weaver and Tidwell, LLP, independent auditors, to
present annual Foundation audit report.
● Audit resulted in an “unmodified opinion” that the Foundation had no significant deficiencies
or material weaknesses on internal controls. The audit was “clean” and discovered no unusual
transactions or findings of transactions of fraud.
● J. DeBurro provided financial highlights comparing 2020 with 2019.
● Motion to accept audit results and report by L. Luckett, second by D. Kraska. Motion carried.
● S. Shope presented financial report as of November 30, 2020. Notable activity included
Teacher Gift Card purchase of $50k to fulfill the Legacy Teacher Fund Initiative #2
commitment to distribute $500 gift cards prior to Thanksgiving Break.
● Current assets of the Foundation total $2.7M
● S. Shope recognized D. Piper’s upcoming retirement from the Town of Westlake and thanked
her for her many years of dedicated service to the Academy and Foundation.
● Motion to approve financials by D. Kraska, second by R. Anderson. Motion carried and
financials approved.
IV. Grants Committee
● No progress report provided.
V. Marketing Committee
● W. Greenwood presented latest Blacksmith Annual Fund marketing campaign efforts,
including videos, eBlasts, social media and targeted group emails which have resulted in
increase in participation percentage and social media follows.
● Baja marketing has included videos of teachers receiving gift cards and teacher montages,
eBlasts and donor thank yous.
● Next steps include BAF year-end tax donation encouragement and to extend Baja donations
campaign at least through 12/31.
● Discussed communication regarding difference between Baja Legacy Teacher Fund gift cards
and the WAHOC teacher holiday gift cards. R. Anderson suggested adjusting our wording to
emphasize “retention” as the purpose of the gift cards to differentiate.
VI. Development
● Blacksmith Annual Fund
o A. Sieg reported that BAF is currently at $976k pledged and 68% parent participation.
o Year-end targeted non-donor solicitations will be sent. Need to discuss how grade captains
can continue to support.
● Westlake Baja
o S. Myers provided updates on initiative fundraising thus far:
#1 – Teacher of the Year Awards = $ 16,700
#2 – Teacher Gift Cards = $ 32,490
#3 – Increased Coaches and Club Advisor Stipends = $ 6,770
● Gallery Night
o L. Luckett reported that committee researched venues that would allow GN to take place
outdoors and later in spring to increase odds of warmer weather. Tentatively, GN will be
held April 10 at the Vaquero Club Ranch House. All silent auction items will be online.
o Next committee meeting will be 12/16/20.
VII. President’s Report
● C. Ross reported that Board Director holiday cocktail party may be rescheduled for the
Spring.
● The Board is currently looking for new Directors to fill vacancies. Directors were encouraged
to invite prospective members to join a committee to learn more about Foundation work.
● C. Ross and S. Myers have been attending a bi-monthly Academy affiliates meeting.
VIII. Executive Director’s Report
● S. Myers thanked Board for their work on the various WAF initiatives. She took a screenshot
of Zoom call attendees for “annual WAF Board photo.” Wished all happy holidays.
Other Business
None
S. Shope moved to adjourn the Board meeting, second by A. Sieg. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at
9:43AM.
Next Meeting: Monday, January 11, 2021 at 8:30 AM, via remote call