The town of Westlake school board unanimously voted to name Kelly Ritchie as the lone finalist in March.
Carolyn Anderson served as the interim head of school in the 2023-24 school year.
Town Manager Wade Carroll said the contract became effective on May 20, but Ritchie told the officials that she would not be able to be on campus full-time until June 24. Carroll said she would be paid for the days she is on campus in Westlake.
The details
The town hired Diversified Search Group to conduct a search and in November listening sessions were held with with community stakeholders, teachers, parents, the school board and a community survey that yielded over 50 responses to determine a candidate profile. The nationwide search drew 34 candidates from across Texas and seven other states, the release states.
The Westlake Academy board met in a special meeting on March 21 to select Ritchie as the lone finalist, the release states.
The background
Ritchie earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Austin College, and her doctorate in educational curriculum and instruction from the University of North Texas. She earned her principal certification from Lamar University.
Ritchie formerly served as the associate head of school for the Middle School, Upper School and International Baccalaureate program at Alcuin School in Dallas.
