ACADEMY STAFF REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
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Discuss, consider and act regarding WA Resolution 25-02 to add one additional section of 4th grade for School Year 2025-2026 and one section of Pre-K (4 year old) class for School Year 2025-2026 (Dr. Kelly Ritchie, Head of School)
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STAFF: Dr. Kelly Ritchie, Head of School
BACKGROUND:
In response to the Baker Tilly report, which identified opportunities for increased revenue generation, Westlake Academy decided to add an additional 4th grade class and a new Pre-K (4) class. These additions were designed not only to meet growing demand but also to strengthen enrollment and enhance the academy’s financial sustainability, creating more opportunities for both students and the institution.
DISCUSSION:
Adding a 4th grade class to Westlake Academy will help accommodate the growing demand for enrollment, addressing the current waitlist and providing more opportunities for students. By expanding the grade offering, the Academy can reduce waitlist pressures while maintaining its commitment to smaller class sizes and personalized attention. This addition also supports the Academy’s long-term growth and sustainability by mitigating the impact of the attrition that often occurs after 5th and 8th grades.
The addition of a Pre-K (4) class at Westlake Academy comes in direct response to a growing need for quality early childhood education within our community. As more families in the area seek structured learning environments for their young children, the demand for pre-kindergarten programs has steadily increased. By offering this new class, the Academy not only addresses this need but also reinforces its commitment to providing educational excellence at every stage of a child’s academic journey. A Pre-K program will offer foundational learning experiences that help prepare young students for success as they transition into Kindergarten and beyond.
This new Pre-K class will serve as a pilot program and will allow time to assess the level of interest and the effectiveness of early childhood education as an ancillary private offering to the Academy’s current framework.
The Pre-K program would be a standalone private institution, Westlake Day School, separate from Westlake Academy’s charter school structure. This expansion of services would allow for further growth and specialization, offering more families in the community access to a premium early childhood education option. By establishing the Pre-K as a separate, private entity, it allows for funding and revenue generation. The success of this pilot class could be the first step in positioning Westlake as a leader in both K-12 and early childhood education in the region.
FISCAL IMPACT:
4th Grade Class: one additional teacher (salary and benefits)
Pre-K Class: curriculum, furniture, materials - approx. $20,000; salaries associated with this venture (leadership, teacher, and paraprofessional)-approx. $100,000.
Both of these initiatives will have positive net financial impacts of approx.$200,000 during the 25-26 SY.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
The administration met and reviewed the information from the Baker Tilly report. We recommend approval of WA Resolution 25-02 authorizing the addition of an additional 4th grade classroom for SY 25-26 and an addition of a private Pre-K (4 year old) class for SY 25-26.
ATTACHMENT(S):
None.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES ACTION/OPTIONS:
1) Motion to approve
2) Motion to amend with the following stipulations (please state stipulations in motion)
3) Motion to table
4) Motion to deny