TOWN STAFF REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
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Discuss, consider and act regarding WA Resolution 24-30 approving the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Westlake Academy Foundation (Town Manager Wade Carroll)
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STAFF: Wade Carroll, Town Manager
BACKGROUND:
In 2003, the Westlake Academy Foundation (Foundation) was created by the Town of Westlake Town Council to serve as the fundraising arm for Westlake Academy and any new Foundation directors were required to be approved by the Town Council.
Throughout its 20-year history, the Westlake Academy Foundation has strived to remain neutral and apolitical as it focused on providing financial support for Westlake Academy. The Foundation Board has prided itself on collaborating with the many iterations of the Town Council over the years, enjoying positive working relationships in their mutual focus on making Westlake Academy the best school possible.
In recent years, members of the Town Council sought to exert political pressure on Foundation directors and operations. A fully independent Foundation Board will demonstrate to donors and the broader community the Foundation's commitment to transparency, stewardship and working in donors' best interest.
DISCUSSION:
Several changes to the Foundation Bylaws were needed since they were first written 20 years ago. Perhaps the most significant change that would affect the Town Council is the removal of Council's final approval of any new Foundation Board members. The Foundation Board follows an established process to identify, interview and select new directors. Current directors are the individuals who best know the needs and demands of board service and are best poised to select and appoint its own directors.
Additionally, the Council is not involved in the board appointment/approval process for any of the other Westlake Academy affiliates. This change to the Foundation Bylaws would apply the same practice to all Westlake Academy affiliates and standardize the process.
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