Current Trustees

Leigh Ann Artho has served on the AISD School Board since 2023.

Mrs. Artho has been a dedicated resident of AISD since 2012. She lives with her husband, Dr. Matthew Artho, and their nine children: Reiter (Class of 2022), Amber (Class of 2024), Leah and Ella (both Class of 2026), Emma (Class of 2029), Owen (Class of 2030), Canon (Class of 2032), Autumn (Class of 2034), and Bonnie (Class of 2038).

She is a devoted mother and holds a BA in Biology with a Business Minor from Texas A&M University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Mrs. Artho is actively involved in the community, contributing to the PTA, PTO, National Charity League, Band Boosters, and church volunteer activities.

Why I Serve:
"For me, serving on the AISD Board of Trustees means just that: to serve. As a community member and mother, my utmost priority is ensuring the safest, most effective, and most opportunistic environment for our students. This sentiment extends also to having high standards for quality staff, teachers, and administrators. I believe our children are our future, and I have always believed in providing the most opportunities for the most students as possible in an environment that cultivates meaningful relationships."

Dr. Leona McDade has served on the AISD School Board since 2018.

Dr. McDade has been a resident of AISD for 14 years. She resides with her husband, Terry McDade, and their child, Preston Rushford, who graduated from AHS in the Class of 2020.

Dr. McDade is a retired principal with an impressive educational background, holding an M.Ed. in Elementary Education and Special Education, as well as a Ph.D. in Special Education and Education Administration. She actively contributes to the community, serving as the Board Liaison to the Argyle Education Foundation, a member of the Town of Argyle Planning and Zoning Commission, and a member of the Town of Argyle Municipal Development District.

Why I Serve:
"I choose to serve on the AISD Board of Trustees to pay forward the gifts I was given in my 30-year education career and use those experiences to help make AISD the best district for our students, staff, and families."

Matt Slaton has served on the AISD School Board since 2022.

Mr. Slaton has been a dedicated resident of AISD for 16 years. He and his wife, Cheryl have three children: Preston and Cooper (both Class of 2024), and Georgia (Class of 2028). Mr. Slaton is the principal of Slaton Capital Advisors Ltd., a wealth management and tax planning firm.

He holds a BBA in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management from the University of North Texas. Mr. Slaton is actively engaged in the community, serving as a Campus Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer, an Argyle Youth Sports Association coach for various sports, a Board liaison to the Bond Oversight Committee, and an advisor for Realco-Venture Capital Incubator.

Why I Serve:
"Argyle ISD has provided so much to me and my family. I serve to ensure that all future students of our great district are provided with the best opportunities to learn, grow, and become the very best versions of themselves.

Josh Westrom has served on the AISD School Board since 2022.

Mr. Westrom has been a resident of AISD since 2013. He and his wife, Erin have four children: Tyler (Class of 2024), Garrett (Class of 2025), Ella (Class of 2028), and Emma (Class of 2032). He is an attorney and partner at the Law Offices of Jones & Westrom in Denton, Texas.

Mr. Westrom holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech School of Law (2001) and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington (1998). He has served on the Board of Directors and as VP of Development for the Argyle Education Foundation (2014-2018) and is currently on the Board of Directors/Executive Committee for the Denton Chamber of Commerce (2021-present). He is also actively involved in the PTA/PTO at Hilltop, Argyle Middle School, and Argyle High School, as well as volunteering and coaching for the Argyle Youth Sports Association.

Why I Serve:
"It is an honor and privilege to serve as a Trustee. I appreciate the confidence placed in me by our community to weigh in on matters that impact our students, teachers, and administrators. Argyle ISD has been a blessing to my family. The students, teachers, coaches, and administrators have shaped and influenced my children's lives in so many positive and productive ways. I will be forever grateful for, and indebted to, Argyle ISD for the impact it has had on my family's lives. I want to do all I can as a Trustee to protect, preserve, and promote the qualities and characteristics that have made Argyle ISD one of the greatest public school districts in the State of Texas."

Rich McDowell was elected to the AISD School Board in 2024.

Mr. McDowell has been a proud resident of AISD since April 2017. He and his wife, Rachel have two children Rhett (Class of 2026) and Reese (Class of 2030). Mr. McDowell is a mortgage loan officer and a US Army veteran who served in the infantry.

His educational journey included various colleges, with his last stop being the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Rich is actively involved in the community, participating in the AEBC, Argyle Eagle Partner, and Watch Dogs programs.

Why I Serve:
I serve on the Argyle ISD board because I believe every child deserves an excellent education and a supportive learning environment. Being part of decisions that shape our students’ futures and strengthen our community is both a privilege and a responsibility I take seriously

He has dedicated his life to serving others, first in the United States Marine Corps Infantry (1989–1993), then through a 30-year law enforcement career that included leadership roles in Austin and Denton. Mr. Dixon currently serves as an Assistant City Manager for the City of Denton. He and his wife chose Argyle ISD as the district they proudly call their children’s academic home.

A lifelong learner, Mr. Dixon holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Lamar University and was selected as an inaugural member of the Claremont-Lincoln University Lincoln Vibrant Communities Fellows and Teams Programs.

He is deeply involved in the community, coaching youth sports and serving on several boards, including Medical City Denton, United Way of Denton County, Ranch Hands Rescue, and the Argyle Education Foundation.

Why I Serve

“As a parent in the community, I am passionate about supporting safe schools, strong academic opportunities, and a positive environment where all students and staff feel valued and capable of succeeding.

It is important that we uphold the level of excellence our community expects and represent those voices with care, honesty, transparency, and steady leadership.”

He is currently the Director of Project Management at Ideagen, a global enterprise software company, and holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration, both from Pennsylvania State University.

Mr. Ford frequently serves the AISD community by coaching youth sports through multiple organizations, volunteering regularly for the Watch D.O.G.S. program, and actively supporting and leading groups at The Well Community Church. He has also volunteered his time to support the High School Advisory & Planning Committee (2022) and the Bond Planning Committee (2024, 2025).

Why I Serve

Since my wife and I chose to make this community our home, we have seen Argyle ISD grow at a tremendous pace as other families also discover the amazing opportunities this district offers.

I firmly believe that as parents, coaches, and leaders in this community, we must set the example for our children by carrying ourselves with integrity and respect, regardless of the situation.

Serving on the AISD Board of Trustees provides me the opportunity to demonstrate this approach and use the skills that I’ve been blessed with to help lead the district through the continued growth and change that we’re experiencing, while providing open, honest, and transparent communication to everyone.