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.
Interim Assistant Principal
Dr. Patricia E. Bell
pbell@dasd.org
610-269-4400 x42011
Administrative Assistant
Swapna Karpe
skarpe@dasd.org
610-269-4400 x42002
Dr. Bell retired from Downingtown West in June of 2023 after 24 years as an Assistant Principal with Downingtown Area School District. We are pleased to have her return to West as an Interim Assistant Principal.

Assistant Principal
Mrs. Lauren Raines, M.Ed.
lraines@dasd.org
610-269-4400 x42004
Administrative Assistant
Pam Snow
psnow@dasd.org
610-269-4400 x42004
Mrs. Raines is joining the administrative team as an Assistant Principal at Downingtown West from her previous position as an Assistant Principal of Student Affairs at Radnor High School. Prior to this, she held positions at Radnor Middle School, where she has served as a School Counselor and Science and Math teacher since joining the district in 2006. She started her teaching career in North Carolina as a High School Physics teacher before heading back to Pennsylvania to be a Middle School Science teacher in her alma mater, Upper Darby School District. Throughout her journey, her focus has always been to support students so they can reach their goals.
Mrs. Raines attended East Carolina University for her Bachelor's of Science in Science Education with a concentration in Physics. She then attended West Chester University where she earned her Master of Science in School Counseling and Higher Education/Post Secondary Counseling. Mrs. Raines attended Immaculata University for her K-12 Educational Leadership certificate and has continued to take courses that help her understand the current trends of education.

Assistant Principal
Mr. Jason Falconio, M.Ed.
jfalconio@dasd.org
Administrative Assistant
Michele Kennedy
mkennedy@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.