News Flash

Meeting Opening and Recognitions

• Regular meeting for September 16, 2025, called to order at 5:00 PM with quorum present.
• Invocation delivered by Pastor Mike Dannen, focusing on peace, guidance, and appreciation for public service.
• Westlake Academy students, described as responsible and natural leaders, led the pledge of allegiance and Texas flag pledge.

Administrative Actions and Agenda Changes

• Motion and approval to table two agenda items: Westlake Academy Parent/Student Handbook (H5) and Technology Plan for Class of 2026 (H6) to allow more time for parent and community review. Items will be addressed next month.
• Citizen comments related to the tabled items were deferred until the next meeting.
• Council member (Michael) reflected on his year of service, emphasizing the commitment of council and community involvement and encouraging others to participate in local governance.

Community Updates and Announcements

• North Texas Giving Day approaching; fundraising goal for Westlake Academy is $1.75 million, with $888,000 already raised (~24% parent participation).
• Fall cleanup set for October 4th, 9–11 AM, for electronics, paper, hazardous waste; proof of residency required.
• Planning and Zoning Meeting tentatively scheduled for October 7; possible cancellation if not enough agenda items. Next Town Council meeting on October 21 at new 5:00 PM start time.
• Run to Remember 5K was successful, raised $1,400 for Tunnels to Towers and Westlake Academy Foundation, with good turnout and weather.
• Trash survey results: Residents prefer once-weekly pickup, with Thursday selected as the new collection day based on survey feedback. Issues discussed with trash outside bins and bulk pick-up schedule (noted challenges when five-week months occur). Enhanced communication and contract review planned.
• Town’s 70th birthday coming December 27, 2026—early planning underway for a significant celebration.
• Announcement of upcoming Mayor’s Volunteer Service Program to engage residents and students in local projects.

• Westlake Academy Student Performance Presentations

  • School leadership and principals presented results from STAAR, EOC, IB, and AP assessments, highlighting strong academic performance and improvement.
  • Elementary (PYP): Significant gains in language arts (31% increase in masters for 3rd grade), mathematics, and especially science (20% masters gain). Outperformed neighboring and peer IB charter schools.
  • Middle School: Passing and mastery rates remain strong, particularly in Algebra I EOC (20%+ mastery increase). Teachers focused on targeted intervention and shifted to formative assessment/data-driven instruction. New enrichment structure and flexible instructional time introduced.
  • High School: Near 100% passing on EOC exams; strong IB and AP results. 84% IB Diploma pass rate (above global average), 98 AP Scholars (record), with majority of AP subjects above national average. Identified areas for growth in high-achiever percentages, specific subjects, and student research skills.
  • Schoolwide: Robust use of root cause analysis and targeted interventions. Vertical and horizontal collaboration emphasized, particularly for progress tracking and assessment. Emphasis on continuous improvement and leveraging longitudinal data.
    • Board and council expressed appreciation for staff commitment and results, noting transformation into a unified K-12 IB campus.

  • Budget, Tax, and Financial Policy Approvals

    • Public hearings held and approved for:
      • Fiscal year 2025–2026 operating and capital budget: $35 million in revenues, $31 million expenditures, $4 million added to fund balance.
      • Property tax revenue increase ratification (required by law): Property tax revenue rising from $4.1M to $4.7M.
      • Adoption of an 18.5 cent per $100 property tax rate (first change since 2020), resulting in about $66 annual increase per average home (average taxable value decreased 8%); Westlake remains among the lowest local tax rates.
      • Debt service and capital funding covered, with $4.7M for debt obligations and $51.9M outstanding principal noted.
    • Council stressed seriousness of tax increases, minimal resident impact, and prudent financial management.
    • Atmos Energy rate settlement ordinance approved, with nominal monthly increases; Atmos representative summarized service and investments in Westlake.
    • Municipal Retirement System COLA ordinance adopted: 50% repeating and retroactive COLA for retirees, aligning with neighboring cities and TMRS best practices. Budget impact of $291,000 per year accounted for.
    • Financial policy updates for FY2026 approved, including updated spending authorities, codification of debt management practices, and reaffirmed council review of larger purchases despite higher state thresholds. Investment policy reaffirmed with no changes.

    • Zoning, Land Use, and Development Actions

      • Approved specific use permit and site plan for an above-grade water/sewage pumping station at 16150 Roanoke Road with required natural stone screening.
      • Approved text amendments to Entrada’s planned development and design guidelines, unifying standards for architecture and landscape to provide clarity and encourage investment. Emphasis on streamlining regulations for consistency and developer understanding.

    • Executive Session

      • Adjourned to executive session for attorney consultation regarding:
        • Westlake Academy affiliate group (Athletic Club)
        • Security audit report for Westlake Academy
        • Expansion of the Arts and Science building

    • Suggested Action Items

      • Share detailed information on new trash pickup day and bulk pickup schedule with all residents.
      • Continue planning for the town’s 70th birthday celebration, including potential tie-in events.
      • Launch the Mayor’s Volunteer Service Program with student and community involvement.
      • Maintain communication with community on budget/tax changes and impacts.
      • Prepare for further review and approval of tabled Westlake Academy documents at the next meeting.
      • Complete planned executive session follow-up actions as advised by legal counsel.