Current Trustees

Sam Slaton has served on the AISD School Board since 2017.

Mr. Slaton has been a dedicated resident of AISD since 2009. He and his wife, Sarah, chose to move to Argyle for exceptional educational opportunities, aiming to raise their daughters, Sophie (Class of 2022), Samantha (Class of 2025), and Sawyer (Class of 2028), in this enriching environment.

Mr. Slaton is the CEO of Santé Center for Healing and holds a BA in Psychology and an M.Ed. in Counseling from the University of North Texas, as well as an MBA and a Masters in Health Systems Management from Texas Woman's University. He is deeply involved in the community and serves as a Deacon at The Door Church in Argyle. He is also the Past President of the Argyle Education Foundation and a proud Eagle Scout.

Mr. Slaton's term expires May 2026.

Why I serve:
"Argyle ISD was the reason we moved to Argyle. My wife and I saw the value of the educational opportunities happening and we wanted to raise our daughters here. I believe in giving back and in servant leadership. As a Board Trustee, I am grateful for the opportunity and responsibility to serve the students and future students of this district well."

Craig Hawkesworth has served on the AISD School Board since 2014.

Mr. Hawkesworth has been a resident of Argyle for 17 years. He and his wife, Marla have two children Merritt (Class of 2024) and Presley (Class of 2026). He is a sales executive and holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas. He is actively involved in the community as a Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer, Argyle Youth Sports Association coach, select softball coach, and volunteer at Argyle Community Church.

Mr. Hawkesworth's term expires May 2026.

Why I Serve:
"Over the last 17 years in Argyle, 10 of those as an Argyle ISD Trustee, I have had the honor of meeting hundreds of students, staff, and families. Collectively, they are what make Argyle ISD unique, and it is my privilege to serve them and do all I can to maintain the cultural values, educational excellence, and the highest standards for success. I look forward to continuing to serve the students, staff, and community of AISD."

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.

Mr. Slaton's term expires May 2025.

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.

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.

Mr. McDowell's term expires May 2027.

Why I Serve:
Mr. McDowell shares a John Maxwell quote - "The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails. It is my absolute honor to serve Argyle ISD."

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.

Dr. McDade's term expires May 2027.

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."

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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.

Mr. Westrom�s term expires May 2025.

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."

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.

Mrs. Artho's term expires May 2026.

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."