Argyle ISD Superintendent and Two Board Members Exit Following High School Dispute

Argyle Independent School District Superintendent Courtney Carpenter is the sole finalist for the superintendent position at Glen Rose ISD, according to an announcement released late last week. The move follows the abrupt departures of two school board members and a shift in board leadership within the same Argyle ISD governing body. Glen Rose ISD, located in Somervell County, reports an enrollment of 2,091 students. The current superintendent at Glen Rose ISD earns a base salary of $189,673. In contrast, Carpenter’s total compensation package in Argyle is listed at $387,322 by the Texas Education Agency. Argyle ISD currently serves 6,601 students.

The leadership turnover began in May when Josh Westrom stepped down from the board. He cited a loss of confidence in his ability to focus on critical issues as the reason for his departure. The board appointed Sam Slaton to fill the vacancy, noting that a special election would be costly. Slaton’s appointment covers a term that expires in 2028. Before his recent resignation, Slaton had served on the board from 2017 to 2026 and held the presidency for most of that nine-year period. He was instrumental in developing the district’s 10-year strategic growth plan under former Superintendent Telena Wright.

Tensions rose in the district after board leaders voted against allowing families to keep rezoned students at Argyle High School. Many critics pointed to disruptions in athletics and fine arts programs caused by the opening of Legacy High School. Other concerns have focused on slowing growth projections, with some suggesting these figures justify delaying the opening of the new high school. The district also faced scrutiny regarding its acquisition of land for future campuses.

Matt Slaton, a Place 6 board member, announced his resignation during the regular board meeting on Oct. 19. He cited dissatisfaction with the board’s leadership and walked out of the boardroom immediately after speaking. In a statement, Slaton said he did not make the decision lightly and resigned effective immediately. He claimed that recent board actions focused on personal agendas rather than the collective interest of the district. He described a lack of effective leadership and direction that made it difficult for him to serve with a clear conscience.

During that same Oct. 19 meeting, Place 2 member Leigh Ann Artho stepped down as board president. She revealed she had made the decision during the first executive session of the evening. The board voted unanimously to appoint Sam Slaton as president before moving Artho to the vice president’s seat. Sam Slaton announced his resignation from Place 7 on Thursday, Nov. 1. In a written statement, he praised the district’s teachers, staff, and administration. He credited the district with providing an exemplary educational experience throughout his service.

Sam Slaton acknowledged that his appointment was likely to be brief. He stated his goal was to provide support and stability while the board continued its planned strategic path. He said the time was right to step away so he could spend more time with his youngest daughter during her final year and a half of high school. Westrom, the former board member, said-Chronicle that he did not anticipate further resignations when he left in May. He said he appreciated the differing opinions on whether the district should operate as a multi-high school district or a single large high school on a split campus.

Argyle ISD officials did not answer specific questions about the recent leadership changes in an email to the Record-Chronicle. Instead, they provided a link to the agenda for a special meeting scheduled for Monday, Nov. 2. The agenda includes executive and open session discussions regarding board reorganization, filling board vacancies, and next steps in the superintendent search process. The special meeting will address the immediate structural changes within the district’s leadership.