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Our Principals

Principal
Dr. A. Kurt Barker

(610) 269-4400 x42010
abarker@dasd.org

Administrative Assistant
Sherry Tuerk
610-269-4400 x42001
stuerk@dasd.org

Dr. Barker received his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Immaculata University.  He earned his Master of Science degree in Educational Administration and his K-12 Principal Certification from Gwynedd Mercy College and his teaching certificate in Science from Calvin College, Michigan.  Prior to joining Downingtown West High School, Dr. Barker taught Biology/Anatomy and Physiology at Abington High School and served as an Assistant High School Principal in the Unionville/Chadds Ford School District.

Dr. Barker is a resident of the Downingtown Borough. He and his wife Sarah, a Downingtown High School graduate, have three children. One is currently enrolled at Beaver Creek Elementary School, one is enrolled at Downingtown High School West and one is a graduate of STEM Academy.

Matt Barr

Assistant Principal
Mr. Matthew Barr, M.Ed.
mbarr@dasd.org
610-269-4400 x42011

Administrative Assistant
Jen Donovan
jdonovan@dasd.org
610-269-4400 x42004

In 2003, Mr. Barr began his football coaching and teaching career as a member of the Special Education department at Downingtown West High School.  For six years he served as an Emotional Support teacher within the district’s SAILS program, and acted as the Building Leader for the Special Education department for two years.  Mr. Barr earned his Bachelor’s degree from West Chester University in 2002, and completed his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in addition to his K-12 Principal’s Certification from Immaculata University.

Mr. Barr currently resides in Downingtown with his wife Jennifer, and their two daughters.  Both are currently enrolled in the Downingtown Area School District.

Assistant Principal
Dr. Patricia Bell
pbell@dasd.org
610-269-4400 x42002

Administrative Assistant
TBD
 dasd.org
610-269-4400 x42002

I believe that every student should be given the opportunity to learn in a safe, nurturing and inviting environment. As an educator, it is my responsibility to make sure students are motivated and excited about learning as they strive to reach their potential.

The DASD consists of outstanding students, dedicated teachers and supportive parents. I am proud to be a Downingtown Whippet and part of the West family.

Biography- Patricia began her career in education as a middle school teacher and a Small Learning Community Coordinator for the School District of Philadelphia. She was hired in 1999 by the Downingtown Area School District as an Assistant Principal at the Ninth Grade Center. Currently, as an Assistant Principal at DHS West, Patricia serves as a grade level principal, and organizes school-wide testing throughout the academic year, facilitates the DHS West Whippet Wellness Committee, and leads bi-weekly meetings with the Guidance Department. Additionally, Patricia works with a variety of committees, task forces and student-based activities which support the school’s instruction and enhance a productive environment.

Patricia earned her Bachelor’s degree from Temple University, a Master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University, and her doctorate from Neumann University. She is also a member of several professional educational organizations.

Assistant Principal
Mr. Jason Falconio
jfalconio@dasd.org
610-269-4400 x42013

Administrative Assistant
Laura Romans
lromans@dasd.org
610-269-4400 x42003

Mr. Falconio earned his Master of Education in Educational Leadership, K-12 Principal Certification, and Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education from The Pennsylvania State University.  Before joining the Downingtown High School West team, he was a biology teacher, department chair, instructional coach, and then an assistant principal at Freire Charter High School in Philadelphia, PA.

Mr. Falconio is a resident of Ardmore, PA.  He is excited to serve the Downingtown School District and West High School students, families, and staff.