HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-14 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.
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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
September 8, 2014
WESTLAKE TOWN HALL
3 VILLAGE CIRCLE – 2ND FLOOR
WESTLAKE, TX 76262
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Workshop Session 5:00 p.m.
Regular Session 6:00 p.m.
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Work Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE SEPTEMBER 8, 2014,
TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
4. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Discussion regarding the ACT testing results. (10 min)
b. Discussion regarding Initiatives for Improving K-12 Mathematics. (15 min)
c. Discussion regarding the One-to-one Technology Initiative. (10 min)
d. Discussion regarding proposed amendments to the Board Parameters for School
Sanction Trips. (20 min)
e. Discussion regarding teacher turnover and student/teacher ratios for Westlake
Academy and three surrounding school districts over a five-year period. (10 min)
f. Update on school funding lawsuits pending before the courts. (10 min)
g. Standing Item: Update and discussion regarding Westlake Academy Phase I
expansion project, enrollment projections and technology for the Secondary building.
(15 min)
5. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
6. 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 August 11, 2014, meeting.
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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
September 3, 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 August 11, 2014, meeting.
Westlake Academy
Item # 3 –
Review of Consent
Agenda Items
DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Discussion regarding the ACT testing results. (10 min)
b. Discussion regarding Initiatives for Improving K-12 Mathematics. (15 min)
c. Discussion regarding the One-to-one Technology Initiative. (10 min)
d. Discussion regarding proposed amendments to the Board Parameters for School
Sanction Trips. (20 min)
e. Discussion regarding teacher turnover and student/teacher ratios for Westlake
Academy and three surrounding school districts over a five-year period. (10 min)
f. Update on school funding lawsuits pending before the courts. (10 min)
g. Standing Item: Update and discussion regarding Westlake Academy Phase I
expansion project, enrollment projections and technology for the Secondary
building. (15 min)
Westlake Academy
Item # 4–
Discussion Items
Page 1 of 1 1
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: DP Meeting Date: September 8, 2014
Staff Contact: Dr. Mechelle Bryson Workshop Board Report
Executive Principal/
Director of Education
Subject: ACT Results
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this r eport is to inform the board of the ACT results for the 2014 graduating
cohort. As such, the results for the 2014 graduating cohort will be compared to previous
graduating cohorts to measure the effectiveness of Westlake Academy. Analysis will be
provided and areas of strength and weakness will be identified.
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? This is a discussion item. This is not a governance
issue.
Which policy governs this? This does not fall under a policy; it does fall under our vision to
produce college ready graduates.
What addit ional direction is necessary? None
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
None Needed
ATTACHMENTS
PowerPoint to be presented at the board meeting
Page 1 of 1
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: K-12 Mathematics Meeting Date: September 8, 2014
Staff Contact: Dr. Andra Barton & Rod Harding Discussion
Subject: Initiatives for Improving K-12 Mathematics
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Board of Trustees received reports during the 2013-2014 SY of the progress in alignment of
the MYP mathematics curriculum. The alignment in the PYP in the previous year involved the
written implementation of the new Mathematical Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
This report highlights the initiatives that have taken place over the summer period and the steps
taken by staff and the administration to further improve the conceptual development of
mathematics from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
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
The report relates directly to Westlake Academy’s Vision of inspiring “…students to achieve
their highest individual potential…” in the subject area of mathematics.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
Discussion and insights from the Board of Trustees
ATTACHMENTS
See attached document
1
WESTLAKE ACADEMY MATHEMATICS PROGRESS AND INITIATIVES REPORT The development of the mathematics program at Westlake Academy has focused on the horizontal (grade level) development and the vertical alignment (across grade levels) from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Work will continue in 2014-2015, particularly in the implementation of the new Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). The summary that follows indicates further steps by the administration and staff to ensure Westlake Academy’s mission of a high quality of education in the conceptual development of mathematics. The majority of this development in 2013-2014 has focused on alignment, due to the introduction of new TEKS at K-8 and we are poised for implementation in 2014-2015.
Initiatives for 2014-2015 (1) Recruitment and hiring efforts have targeted teachers who have advanced knowledge in mathematics. (2) The Texas Regional Math Grant has a K-12 alignment focus with teachers tasked to come back and train staff with this learning. Teachers participating in this initiative are funded through a state- wide grant at no cost to Westlake Academy. (3) Monthly K-12 curriculum meetings in the subject areas are scheduled to ensure proper alignment. (4) Appointment of Director of Curriculum who will be supporting the alignment of mathematical strands in grades K-12. (5) We are reviewing curriculum compacting specific to grades 5-7 due to the duel booking of mathematics in grades 6 and 7. (6) Obtainment of a grant from the Westlake Academy Foundation has allowed us to duel fund a mathematics specialist for grades 3-8. Our math chair, Simon Aisthorpe has been given extra time in his schedule to help students and teachers in grades 9-12. “Mathematics is a language that is used to describe the natural world.” This quote comes from the IB Mathematics Scope and Sequence’, which also states that mathematics “can be seen as a service discipline to other parts of the curriculum,
2
providing tools, symbolic language and ways of thinking to the scientist, social scientist and musician.”
1. Recruitment and hiring efforts: Administration targeted efforts to hire highly qualified teachers to teach mathematics. We believe we reached this effort.
2. Texas Regional Mathematics Initiative:
This grant was obtained from The State of Texas under the direction of the Region Service Center. It has provided PYP and MYP teachers the opportunity to gain 120 content hours within the Mathematics area of study. They are then tasked and held accountable for mentoring other teachers on the campus with the knowledge and skills they gained during the process. All expenses related to this training are reimbursed at no cost to Westlake Academy.
3. K-12 Curriculum Meetings: All math instructors in MYP, DP and representation from PYP will collaborate in monthly alignment meetings lead by the department head Simon Aisthorpe.
4. Director of Curriculum: By means of a grant from the Hudson Foundation along with local funds we were able to reinstate the Director of Curriculum and Instruction position for the current school year. The targeted efforts of our hire, Amanda Cawthra will help to ensure alignment of Mathematics alignment in all grade levels.
5. Review of Curriculum Compacting Related to Grade 5-7: Due the intensity of the curriculum related and this level of study the Director of Curriculum and Instruction along with teachers and administration will be reviewing compacting mathematics study to better prepare students for advanced learning. Currently, Grade 7 students are working on Grade 7 & Grade 8 math during this year. Our desire is to spread that process out over a 3 year period of time. In addition, students in Grade 6 and 7 are currently double booked for Mathematics in a desire to support their current learning.
6. Specialist Role: The mathematics specialist role is part of the math initiative for Westlake Academy. We are aiming to provide enrichment opportunities for students who are ready for deeper knowledge and understanding of certain concepts and offer remediation for students who need more time on identified mathematical standards. We are delighted to announce that Ms. Cynthia Hague, formally the MYP mathematics teacher in 2013-2014 will take on this position for grades 3-8. Simon Aisthorpe will focus his efforts on grades 9-12.
3
How will students be identified for enrichment and remediation?
Students will be identified by formative assessments, teacher collaboration and/or formal assessments. This process will take the form of a push-in/pull out method based on the needs of the classroom. External assessment is used to validate those findings. The math specialist will collaborate with classroom teachers to identify students who need remediation are extensions. The goal is offer support to students who may need additional support on a mathematical concept and provide the deeper understanding for those students who are able and ready to move beyond. Evaluation of students will occur prior to each unit and student groupings will last for the duration of the mathematical concept or unit We look forward to seeing the impact on mathematics achievement with these math initiatives for this school year. In the words of Brad Henry, “No other investment
yields as great a return as the investment in education. An educated workforce is the
foundation of every community and the future of every economy.” Rod Harding Dr. Andra Barton PYP Principal MYP Principal
Page 1 of 1 1
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: DP Meeting Date: September 8, 2014
Staff Contact: Dr. Mechelle Bryson Workshop Board Report
Executive Principal/
Director of Education
Subject: Update on 1-1 iPad Initiative
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this r eport is to inform the board on the 1-1- iPad Initiative. This report will
cover the deployment to staff, professional learning plan for staff, deployment to students, parent
information meetings and technology support for students and teachers.
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? This is a discussion item. This is not a governance
issue.
Which policy governs this? This does not fall under a policy; it does fall under our technology
usage agreement and our whole school goal of authentic engagement.
What addit ional direction is nec essary? None
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
None Needed
ATTACHMENTS
PowerPoint to be presented at the board meeting
Page 1 of 1 1
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: DP Meeting Date: September 8, 2014
Staff Contact: Dr. Mechelle Bryson Workshop Board Report
Executive Principal/
Director of Education
Subject: Amendment to the Board Parameters for School Sanctioned Trips
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this r eport is to inform the board of the impeding amendment to the Board
Parameters for School Sanctioned Trips and to seek input on the proposed changes. The goal of
the school sanctioned trips policy is to assist student in becoming well balanced, life long
learners. In order to reach this goal, the policy needs to be amended.
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? This is a discussion item. The current policy lacks
clarification and new direction of school requires modification.
Which policy governs this? This falls under our Board Parameters for School Sanctioned Trips
Policy.
What addit ional direction is necessary? A discussion is needed to align the Westlake
Academy’s vision with the vision of the Westlake Academy Board of Trustees’ vision.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
None Needed
ATTACHMENTS
Proposed Amendment to the Board Parameters for School Sanctioned Trips
PowerPoint to be presented at the board meeting
Page 1 of 2
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP/MYP/DP Meeting Date: September 8, 2014
Staff Contact: Tom Brymer Workshop - Discussion
Town Manager / Superintendent
Subject: Update on school funding lawsuits pending before the courts
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Over the past several months, we have updated the Board as to the status of the pending lawsuits
regarding the current funding mechanisms for public schools within our state. We received
correspondence and a request from the Texas State Charter School Association for continuing
participation in the legal efforts.
Recently, State District Judge John Dietz issued a 400-page opinion on August 28, and
reaffirmed his 2013 decision that public school funding is inadequate. He stated the "Robin
Hood" system does not share funding fairly between school districts in wealthy and poor areas.
Legislators cut $5.4 billion from public education in 2011, prompting more than 600 school
districts statewide to sue. Dietz's initial ruling, in 2013, followed a trial that lasted more than
three months. He reopened the case in January and heard new evidence in the case, after
lawmakers restored $3.4 billion to schools in 2013. The written ruling can now be appealed
directly to the state Supreme Court.
Regarding the claims raised on behalf of the state's charter schools, the judge's findings held that
the state's funding to charter schools is inadequate to meet state standards, but the court denied
the charter schools' efficiency claim.
Our school attorney, Janet Bubert, and staff will further update the Board during the workshop
discussions.
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
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
Page 2 of 2
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
Review and discussion of the legal status and possible future actions.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Report – Comparison of Teacher Turnover and Student/Teacher Ratios Page 1 of 2
Westlake Academy
Comparison of Annual Teacher Turnover & Student/Teacher Ratios
At the request of the Board of Trustees, staff has collected data for Westlake Academy and three
adjacent school districts measuring teacher turnover and student/teacher ratios over a five-year
period. Data was collected beginning in the 2008-2009 school year and ending in 2012-2013
school year for this comparison. Although data for the 2013-2014 school is not yet available
from other districts , data for Westlake Academy has been included in this report.
Teacher Turnover
2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013
Westlake Academy 28.8% 14.1% 13.8% 24.6% 26.6%
Keller ISD 13.0% 9.0% 8.7% 12.0% 11.9%
NWISD 14.7% 12.4% 10.5% 9.8% 14.2%
Carroll ISD 10.0% 9.1% 12.6% 8.9% 12.2%
State Average 14.7% 11.8% 11.9% 12.6% 15.3%
Westlake Academy’s teacher turnover percentage for FY 13-14 is 25.8%, a 3.1% decrease from
FY 12-13. The following graph illustrates the data located above:
Report – Comparison of Teacher Turnover and Student/Teacher Ratios Page 2 of 2
Student/Teacher Ratios
2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013
Westlake Academy 12.6 13.6 12.8 14.3 14.0
Keller ISD 15.8 16.1 16.5 17.6 17.1
NWISD 15.5 14.9 14.8 16.0 15.9
Carroll ISD 14.6 14.2 14.7 15.0 15.1
State Average 14.4 14.5 14.7 15.4 15.5
Westlake Academy’s student/teacher ratio for FY 13-14 is 13.7%. The following graph
illustrates the data located above:
Page 1 of 1
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP / MYP / DP Meeting Date: September 8, 2014
Staff Contact: Todd Wood Discussion
Dir. of HR & Administrative Services
Subject: Discussion regarding teacher turnover and student/teacher ratios for
Westlake Academy and three surrounding school districts over a five-year
period.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Board of Trustees has requested teacher turnover data and student/teacher ratios for
Westlake Academy compared to three adjacent school districts. This report contains data for a
five-year period, and includes Carroll ISD, Keller ISD, and Northwest ISD in addition to the
state average. Data for other districts is not yet available for the 2013-2014 school year, and is
expected to be available in December.
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? School policy is a responsibility of the Board of
Trustees.
Which policy governs this? Previous policy and authority of the Board of Trustees.
What addit ional direction is necessary? Input and questions from the Board of Trustees.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
• Report containing teacher turnover data and student/teacher ratios for Westlake Academy
and three surrounding school districts for a five-year period.
Standing agenda item during the construction project
Standing Item: Update and discussion regarding Westlake Academy Phase I
expansion project, enrollment projections and technology for the Secondary building.
(15 min)
Westlake Academy
Item # 4g – No
Supporting
documentation
BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Westlake Academy
Item #5
Board Recap /
Staff Direction
Westlake Academy
Item # 6 –
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 August 11, 2014, meeting.
Westlake Academy
Item # 3 - Consent
Agenda
BOT Minutes 08/11 /14
Page 1 of 5
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
August 11, 2014
PRESENT: President Laura Wheat, Trustees: Alesa Belvedere, Carol Langdon, and Wayne
Stoltenberg. Michael Barrett arrived at 5:54 p.m.
ABSENT: Rick Rennhack
OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent Tom Brymer, Board Secretary Kelly Edwards,
School Attorney Janet Bubert, Executive Principal & Director of
Education Dr. Mechelle Bryson, Primary Principal Rod Harding, DP
Coordinator & College Counselor Chris Hill, Asst. Secondary
Principal & Athletic Director Alan Burt, Finance Director Debbie
Piper, Director of Facilities and Parks & Recreation Troy Meyer,
Administrative Coordinator Ben Nibarger, Jason Power Director of
Information Technology, Director of Communications &
Community Affairs Ginger Awtry, Director of HR & Administrative
Services Todd Wood and Communications Specialist Susan
McFarland.
Work Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the work session 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.
BOT Minutes 08/11 /14
Page 2 of 5
3. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE AUGUST 11, 2014, TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
No additional discussion.
4. REPORTS
a. International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) PYP Self-study Summary of Five Year
Evaluation Report.
b. Update on Athletics Offerings for the 2014-2015 School Year at Westlake Academy.
c. Update on Discipline for SY 13-14 and Publication of Discipline Grid / Charts.
Director Burt provided and overview of the report.
Discussion ensued regarding faculty instruction of procedures, prior year statistics,
buddy room options, Great Expectations, and number of offenses for cutting classes.
d. HB5 Community Engagement Component.
Discussion ensued regarding the report and the group of staff and faculty.
e. Academia Internacional San Miguel de Allende.
5. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Discussion of proposed Amendments to the Assessment and Grade Reporting Policy
Secondary – Middle Years Program and Diploma Program.
Dr. Bryson provided a presentation and overview of the proposed amendments.
Discussion ensued regarding the process of weighted grades, beginning with the 2018
cohort, core content areas, an option to un-weight grades, and methods to
communicate the changes to students and parents.
b. Discussion of proposed amendments to the Promotion & Retention Policy.
Dr. Bryson provided a presentation and overview of the proposed amendments.
Discussion ensued regarding promotion methods, red flag meetings, core class
failures and completion timeframe, and methods of communication to students and
parents.
BOT Minutes 08/11 /14
Page 3 of 5
c. Discussion regarding the Diploma Programme’s IB exam results for the 2014
graduating cohort.
Dr. Bryson introduced our Mr. Chris Hill, DP Coordinator & College Counselor.
Coordinator Hill provided a presentation and overview of the exam results.
Discussion ensued regarding the comparison of academy students’ exam results to
the world exam results, ordering students results back to the faculty to review,
providing additional statistics and the academy pass rate of exams.
d. Continued Overview Presentation of Proposed Westlake Academy Proposed FY14-15
Operating Budget.
Administrative Coordinator Nibarger provided a presentation and overview.
Discussion ensued regarding the transparency showing the total costs funded by the
Town, Service Level of Adjustments, current litigation regarding State funding,
projected fund balance, and projected revenues.
The Council asked staff to separate the Foundation and local revenues and total debt
and debt services.
e. Standing Item: Update and discussion regarding Westlake Academy Phase I
expansion project, enrollment projections and technology for the Secondary building.
Director Meyer provided a presentation and update of the expansion project.
Discussion ensued regarding the opening of the facilities and ribbon cutting ceremony
on September 15, 2014.
6. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Provide additional data points of IB diploma results.
Investigate local college practices regarding weighted and un-weighted transcripts.
Retention policy clarification regarding the completion of failed courses.
7. ADJOURNMENT
President Wheat adjourned the work session at 6:58 p.m.
BOT Minutes 08/11 /14
Page 4 of 5
Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the regular session to order at 6:58 p.m.
2. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
No one addressed the Board.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Consider approval of the minutes from the June 2, 2014, meeting.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 14-11, Amending the Promotion & Retention
policy.
c. Consider approval of Resolution 14-12, Amending the Assessment & Grading
Policy.
d. Consider approval of Resolution 14-13, Approving the firm of Weaver, L.L.P. to
perform Westlake Academy’s audit for a 3-year period with the option of 2
additional years and authorizing the Finance Director to execute the FY 2013-2014
and subsequent engagement letters on behalf of Westlake Academy.
e. Consider approval of Resolution 14-14, Amending the Westlake Academy
Personnel Manual.
f. Consider approval of Resolution 14-15, Approval of the ESC Region 11 Benefits
Cooperative Interlocal Agreement.
g. Consider approval of Resolution 14-16, Authorizing the Superintendent to sign a
one-year contract for property insurance.
MOTION: Trustee Langdon made a motion to remove item d from the
consent agenda for additional discussion. Trustee Stoltenberg
seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 4-0.
MOTION: Trustee Stoltenberg made a motion to approve items a-c and
items e-g of the consent agenda. Trustee Langdon seconded
the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 4-0.
Director Piper provided an overview of the RFP, performance of the current
auditors, and cost of each Auditor.
MOTION: Trustee Langdon made a motion to approve the item d of
consent agenda. Trustee Barrett seconded the motion. The
motion carried by a vote of 4-0.
BOT Minutes 08/11 /14
Page 5 of 5
4. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER RESOLUTION 14-17, ADOPTING
THE REVISED OPERATING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31,
2014 AND THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31,
2015 INCLUDING INVESTMENT POLICY, FISCAL AND BUDGETARY POLICIES ,
COMMITTED AND ASSIGNED FUND BALANCES.
President Wheat opened the public hearing.
No one addressed the board.
President Wheat closed the public hearing.
MOTION: Trustee Barrett made a motion to approve Resolution 14-17.
Trustee Belvedere seconded the motion. The motion carried by a
vote of 4-0.
5. BOARD CALENDAR
Discussion ensued regarding the changes of events made to the calendar as presented.
6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Trustee Rick Rennhack: Discuss employee turnover past five (5) years at Westlake
versus surrounding school districts Carroll, Keller and Byron Nelson; include student
teacher ratios.
Trustee Stoltenberg seconded Trustee Rennhack’s item for further discussion.
7. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat asked for a motion to
adjourn the meeting.
MOTION: Trustee Belvedere 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 7:14 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2014.
ATTEST: ____________________________
Laura Wheat, President
_____________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary
Final Public Input Workshop for Westlake’s Comprehensive Plan Update in WA
Wednesday, September 10, 2014; 6:00 p.m.
WA Performance Hall
Planning & Zoning Meeting (Tentative pending quorum)
Monday, September 15, 2014
Constitution Day Event (Tentative); hosted by the WHPS
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Time & Location TBD
Official Ribbon-Cutting for the Sam & Margaret Lee Field House (& all new buildings)
Monday, September 22, 2014; 8:30 a.m.
WA Campus-Field House (north side)
Town Council Workshop & Meeting
Monday, September 22, 2014
Board of Trustee Workshop & Meeting
Monday, October 6, 2014
WA Homecoming
Friday, October 17, 2014
Westlake Annual Car Show; Hosted by the WHPS
Saturday, October 18, 2014; 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Awards at 3 pm!)
Solana’s Larry North Fitness Center - parking lot
Town Council Workshop & Meeting
Monday, October 20, 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.
- None
Westlake Academy
Item # 5 –
Future Agenda
Items
Westlake Academy
Item # 6 –
Adjournment
Back up material has not
been provided for this item.