HomeMy WebLinkAboutWAF 11-17-22 MinWESTLAKE ACADEMY FOUNDATION
Board Meeting
November 17, 2022
Board Members in Attendance: Lilly Jimenez, Patty Pinsonnault, Abu Primeaux, Rob Fitzgerald, Christine Ross,
Tiffany Hernandez, Debbie Kraska, Sean Shope, Heather Kilgore and Michael Colby (via phone call)
Others in Attendance: Amber Karkauskas, Kriss Quintana, Shelly Myers and Julie Kelly
I. C. Ross called the meeting to order at 8:34AM at the Council Chambers at Westlake Town Hall.
II. Motion to approve minutes of October 20, 2022 meeting by A. Primeaux, seconded by D. Kraska.
Motion carried.
III. Foundation Business
S. Myers introduced the possibility of making part of the WAF Administrative Fund available to the
Academy. The fund's current balance of $336K is substantially more than the amount required to
maintain WAF office operations. Discussion ensued, and the decision was made to leave the Admin
Funds as is with knowledge that they can be used for granting, should the Academy request more than
available in the current year's grant fund.
R. Fitzgerald introduced draft letter to the Westlake Town Council recommending that the Town form
a 501(c)(3) non-profit for all charitable activities other than Westlake Academy. This would then
allow WAF's mission and work to serve the Academy exclusively.
Motion to approve Letter and forward to Town Council by H. Kilgore, seconded by A. Primeaux.
Motion carried.
IV. Financial Report
• Tabled as the monthly Financial Report for October was not received.
• S. Myers reported that the Communities Foundation -North Texas Giving, Day recurring gifts fees
amount totaling $222.64 from past quarter will be transferred from Administrative Fund to
Blacksmith Annual Fund to make gifts whole.
V. Head of School Report
• Tabled. Kriss Quintana, Administrative Assistant, Assistant to the Head of School, was introduced,
and will attend WAF Board meetings going forward,.
V1. Grants Review
• S. Myers presented "MYP 6-8 Science Supplies" grant for $17,581.34. Motion to approve grant up to
requested amount by D. Kraska, second by A. Primeaux. Motion carried and grant approved.
• S. Myers and K. Quintana presented "Holiday Thank You Gift for Substitute Teachers" grant for
$1,625.00. Motion to approve grant up to requested amount by P. Pinsonnault, second by L. Jimenez.
Motion carried and grant approved.
• S. Myers presented "Teacher/Staff Retention Initiative (gift cards for November)" grant for
$52,337.50 for information only. The Board previously approved funding via the Baja Legacy
Teacher Fund initiative.
VII. Development Committee
• Blacksmith Annual Fund
o A. Primeaux reported that the current amount raised in gifts and pledges stands at $1.232M with
71 % parent participation and 60% of new families.
o The Grade Captain Team will reach out to non -donors to encourage year-end donations.
• WA Gala
o L. Jimenez and P. Pinsonnault reported that the event will have a Galaxy Gala/Space theme.
o Scratch Kitchen has confirmed availability as a catering vendor.
o Potential entertainment was discussed.
o S. Myers to reach out to last year's Westlake Baja donors/sponsors regarding change of events.
VIII. Marketing Committee
• T. Hernandez reported that Marketing has been focused on Grants/Gifts in Action and merging of
Westlake Baja and Gallery Night into one signature event, the WA Gala.
• S. Myers reported new plans for better tracking and feedback follow-up procedures for WAF Grants
to be coordinated with K. Quintana.
IX. President's Report
• C. Ross wished Happy Thanksgiving to Board Directors and their families.
X. Executive Director
S. Myers reported that endowment investment meeting took place with WA attorney, Finance
Director and RBC to review compliance legality of the endowment's investment products.
Other Business
P. Pinsonnault asked if the ThoughtExchange grant that was tabled in September still needed funding. S.
Wilson will be asked to report on it at next meeting.
D. Kraska moved to adjourn the Board meeting, seconded by R. Fitzgerald. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at
9:40AM.
Next Meeting: Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 8:30 AM, at Town of Westlake Town Hall
Signed by:
Christine Ross, WAF Board President
Attested by:
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