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West Independent School District

2025 Texas Education Agency A-Rated District

West ISD District Advisory Team (DAT) Members and Information

West ISD District Advisory Team (DAT)

The West Independent School District Advisory Team (DAT) involves the professional staff of the district, parents, and community members in establishing and reviewing the district's and campuses' educational plans, goals, performance objectives, and major classroom instructional programs. The ultimate purpose of all planning and decision making in schools is to attain the state's educational goals of equity and excellence in achievement for all students. This district level committee is responsible for providing assistance to the Superintendent in the development, evaluation, and annual revision of a District Improvement Plan (DIP). The purpose of the District Improvement Plan is to guide district and campus staff in the improvement of student performance for all student groups in order to attain state standards in respect.

The Role of WISDAT per West ISD Board Policy

From BQA (LOCAL) and (LEGAL) Policies, the DAT advises the Board of Trustees in establishing and reviewing:

  • All Educational Goals,
  • All Instructional Programs,
  • The Staff Development Plan,
  • The District Improvement Plan,
  • The Dropout Prevention Plan,
  • The District Technology Plan,
  • The District Scholastic Calendar and State Waiver Requests, and
  • The Parental Involvement Policy.

2026-2027 DAT Members:

  • Chair: David Truitt, Superintendent
  • Secretary: Sandra Kettler
  • Community Representatives: Vacant
  • Business Representative: Vacant
  • Parent Representatives: Whitney Smith, Vacant, and Vacant
  • Board Representatives: Justin Mechell and Paul Vanek
  • Campus Administrator Representative: Carrie Kazda, Principal, West Elementary School
  • West Elementary School Representatives: Angelica Abrego, Kassie Fitzhugh, Hannah Hart, Alli Ketchum, Michelle Russell, and Kera Zuehlke
  • West Middle School Representatives: Esther Derington, Mark Dorsey, Laura Howard, Tracy Matus, Lisa Theriot, and Vacant
  • West High School Representatives: Alyssa Biles, Wade Cook, Hope Gereghty, Christina Harwell, Donna Sexton, Stacy Slone, and Shea Vanek
  • District Level Representatives: David Timmons, Jarra Exum, Frances Karels, and Diane Wilson
  • District Advisory Roles (Non-Voting Members): James Villa, West High School Principal, Wendy Jones, West Middle School Principal, JoAnna Macik, Director of Business and Finance, and Ria Michener, Director of Special Programs

2026-2027 DAT Meeting Information:

  • Tuesday, September 30, 2026, 4:00 PM, West ISD Administration Building, Boardroom
  • Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 4:00 PM, West ISD Administration Building, Boardroom
  • Tuesday, February 2, 2027, 4:00 PM, West ISD Administration Building, Boardroom
  • Tuesday, April 6, 2027, 4:00 PM, West ISD Administration Building, Boardroom

Remember, all DAT meetings are open to the public. For additional information, please contact David Truitt, Superintendent, at (254) 981-2000.