Board Members
Dr. Carolyn J. Booker - President
District 7
Term Expires 2028
Dr. Carolyn J. Booker has been a dedicated member of the Westwood ISD School Board of Trustees for over 25 years, serving as president for 15 of those years and also holding the positions of vice-president and secretary. She is a distinguished graduate of the Class of 2008 Leadership TASB program and has achieved the title of Master Trustee. Dr. Booker has been an active member of various organizations, including the Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members, the TASB Legislative Advocacy Network, and the Federal Relations Network, where she represented Congressional District V. Prior to her retirement, she worked as a Senior Project Management Analyst at the NASA Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility. Currently, she serves as the CEO of CarolynBooker.Com. Dr. Booker holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree in Management from Argosy University/Sarasota, Florida, as well as a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from LeTourneau University/Longview. Dr. Booker has been married to her husband, Charles, for 48 years and they have two children, Charles Booker and Crystal Booker Clark, who are both proud graduates of Westwood High School.
Mr. Bryan Jones - Member
District 6
Term Expires 2026
bajones@westwoodisd.net
Mr. Jeff Cooper - Member
District 2
Term Expires 2026
jccooper@westwoodisd.net
Jeff Cooper is a graduate of the 1998 class of Westwood High School. Jeff was involved in Baseball, FFA, and Academic Decathlon teams during his 12 years at Westwood. After his years at Westwood, Jeff graduated from Kilgore College Fire Academy and received his EMT-Intermediate at TVCC. Since December of 1999, Mr. Cooper has been employed as a firefighter, with the Palestine Fire Department and currently holds a Master Firefighter, HazMat Technician, Instructor 1, and Driver-Operator certifications with the Texas Commision on Fire Protection. Mr. Cooper has completed year 1 of the Texas Fire Chiefs Academy and currently serves as the President of the Palestine Firefighters Association since 2008. Mr. Cooper is proud of his family's heritage at Westwood, His sister is a 1989 graduate, Brother a 1992 graduate, his Father Bill Cooper served as a Board Member and both Mom and Dad were highly active in the Athletic Booster Club for many years. His 3 kids also attend Westwood, Alton(11th), Hope(8th), and Austin(6th). Jeff enjoys serving his community and spending time with his wife Jayme and their kids.
Mrs. Angela Choate - Vice President
District 1
Term Expires 2027
Angela Choate was born and raised in Palestine, Texas and is a proud 1999, 12 year graduate of Westwood ISD. Angela was involved in Track, Choir, and the Drill Team. She attended Trinity Valley Community College. Mrs. Choate has been married to TJ since 2002 and they have two sons that go to Westwood ISD. She tries to attend everything she can to support Preston (8th) and Landon (3rd) in their school activities. Mrs. Choate has worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice since 2000. She is currently at the Regional Director’s Office as the Regional Business Manager. Mrs. Choate has over fifteen years in Accounting and Business. She loves hunting, fishing, and UTV riding with her family and friends every chance they get. Angela cherishes every adventure and all the time they spend on the road, at the Baseball Parks and any other activity with both her sons. Angela enjoys serving her community in any way that she can and loves spending every minute she can with her husband, kids, and family. Angela was sworn in on January 28, 2021 and hopes to help and support Westwood in any form or fashion that she possibly can.
Mrs. Kay Denison- Member
District 3
Term Expires 2028
kdenison@westwoodisd.net
Kay Denison is a proud 46-year resident of WISD District 3 where she has lived in the same house with her husband, Al, and raised all three of their children: Brandie (c/o 1997), Taylor (c/o 2003), and Zak (c/o 2009). Kay had the pleasure of working at Westwood High School for 25 years as an Administrative Assistant, and recently retired in June 2024. For 12 of those years, she was the WHS Cheer Sponsor, and was also awarded Paraprofessional of the Year in 2016 and again in 2019. Kay even spent some time as a student at WHS in the 70s! She was sworn in as a new WISD School Board Trustee on May 12, 2025 and looks forward to serving and working together to achieve results that truly make a difference! Thank you for your trust and support, and let's keep building a brighter future for Westwood ISD!
Mr. Jess Huddleston - Secretary
District 4
Term Expires 2027
jhuddleston@westwoodisd.net
Jess Huddleston was born and raised right here in Palestine, Texas. He is a 12 year senior who graduated in 2008. Jess met his wife of 11 years, Cassie, while attending Westwood High School. They have spent most of their adult life residing in Westwood and now their 3 kids are Westwood Panthers. Lyla is in 8th grade and very active at Westwood Junior High. She is involved in advanced classes, Science Club, volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, and track. Jessa is in 3rd grade and excited about attending Westwood Elementary. Jack is in pre-k and eager to attend a “big school” like his sisters. Jess has many nieces and nephews who are also in attendance at Westwood.
Ten years ago Jess began his career at Nucor. Much like serving on the school board, he serves on many committees within Nucor. When he isn’t working, Jess enjoys spending time with his family and friends as much as possible. Jess and family spend most of their weekends at basketball, softball, and volleyball tournaments.
Jess’ grandfather, Harold Dean, was a graduate of Woodhouse in 1958. Jess’ mother and father are both 1982 graduates of Westwood High School. His older brother, Reggie Coker, is a class of 1998 WHS graduate. His sister, Britni (Huddleston) Calzada, is a class of 2003 WHS graduate.
Mr. Jed Barron - Member
District 5
Term Expires 2028
jabarron@westwoodisd.net
Jed Barron is a lifelong resident of Anderson County. He attended Westwood from kindergarten through 12th grade and graduated in 1999. He played football and baseball.
For the past 25 years, he has worked in the oil and gas industry.
Jed and his wife, Erin have been married for 21 years and have three children. Brayden, a member of the Class of 2025, recently graduated. Brayci is currently a junior, and Brynlee will be starting 6th grade. All three attend Westwood. Erin is a dyslexia interventionist at Westwood Elementary.
Jed is actively involved in the school community and volunteers at as many events and activities as he can. He enjoys spending time with his family and working on their farm. He’s excited to serve as a school board member and looks forward to helping shape the future of Westwood ISD.