FWAFA parent Lydia North requested that the Board consider all possible future choirs be placed under the umbrella of the Texas Boys Choir so that the participating students would benefit from the weight of that association.
FWAFA PTSO President Angelic Poe read a statement prepared by teacher Ryan Wiggins regarding her experience as a teacher at FWAFA over the past 13 years.  Miss Wiggins shared her experiences with the Board in order that they be considered as the Board discusses growth and expansion of the organization.

Executive Director Clint Riley presented FIRST Financial Management Reports for Texas School of the Arts and Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts.  He reported that both schools received the highest possible score of 30.  There were no reimbursements or compensation received by the Director or the Board members from TeSA, and the only reimbursement from FWAFA was to Mr. Riley for a required training certification.  The Executive Director salary is reported on each of the school's websites.

Mr. Riley presented the September financials and stated that there was nothing significant or out of place to report.  The cash accounts are operating as expected. Board President Michael Wellbaum accepted the financials to be filed for audit.

The Board voted unanimously to approve the Artistic committee's recommendation to use up to $15.000.00 from FWAFA reserve funds to repair the Steinway Grand at FWAFA for use by The Singing Girls of Texas.

Facilities & Operations chair Bill Lamkin and Clint Riley presented a growth plan for FWAFA expansion and introduced three proposals for Board review and discussion.

Texas Dance Conservatory Director and FWAFA teacher Sheyna Ferraro addressed the Board to convey her experiences as a teacher and to provide input from herself and other teachers on staff at FWAFA regarding the discussion for expansion. While admitting that these changes were big and scary, she expressed support for the Board's past decisions and confidence for future decisions to grow the school and it's programs because she had experienced the organization's successful track record through prior growth and program changes.

FWAFA teacher Debbi Herrera also addressed the board as a teacher representative.  She asked that the Board consider the possible implications of moving established classes and teachers to a smaller, possibly more limited space and all of the challenges that the teachers and students would encounter in doing so.  

Each speaker thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak and represent the FWAFA staff in this discussion.

Mr. Wellbaum asked Principal Natalie Texada to comment on her experience while at Temple Beth-El.  Mrs. Texada reported that there were pros and cons, but that it was overall a good experience while TeSA was located there.

Mr. Lamkin expressed that expansion is needed to continue progress, and that whatever is necessary will be done to maintain the quality of the school. 

Committee member Alisha Hudman encouraged the Board to use the upcoming special events as opportunities to cultivate relationships and sponsors for the organization.   There will be a private reception prior to the TBC Arborlawn concert in December and planning for Gala in February is in full swing.

Principal Craig Shreckengast informed the Board that FWAFA has 3 commended scholars this year in the National Merit program. He encouraged the Board to attend the FWAFA performances that have been excellent this year.  Principal Dean shared that his former collegues that attended the Cabaret performance were so impressed that they will be sending teachers to FWAFA for observations.

Mrs. Texada invited the Board to attend TeSA performances and exhibits that are scheduled for each Tuesday in December at several locations including TeSA, FWAFA, and Southwest High School.  Each performance begins at 7 p.m.

Bryan Priddy updated the Board on the Regional vocal competitions and said that the sheer number of students that have advanced to round 3 is very impressive.  FWAFA will represent 40% of the students in this round on Saturday.  Round 4 will be held next week in Midland, Texas.

Clint Riley introduced and welcomed Texas Center for Arts + Academic new Communications Director Rob Hosier.

Melissa Goodroe presented the results of assessments completed by the Board and instructed the Board on usage of the new Board On Track site for reviewing documents and assesment results.