West Fargo, ND – (June 8th, 2023) – It is with great pleasure that Dr. Rachael Agre, Elementary Assistant Superintendent; Tom Gruchow, Eastwood Elementary School Principal; and Chris Kalsow, Westside Elementary School Principal, announce the hiring of Assistant Principals at two West Fargo Public Schools elementary schools. Nicole Choate has accepted the position of Assistant Principal at Eastwood Elementary School and Jessica Brown has accepted the position of Assistant Principal at Westside Elementary School. 

Mrs. Choate has 14 years of experience in public education and has been the Dean of Students at Aurora Elementary School for the past three years. During her time as Dean of Students, Choate has also served on the Aurora Elementary Leadership Team, Building Emergency Response Team, Crisis Team, MTSS Team, and the WFPS School Attendance Review Board. Additionally, she currently serves as the F-M Metro Public School’s Liaison for the United Way School Supply Drive. Choate has a master’s degree in counselor education from North Dakota State University and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of North Dakota.  

Brown has 11 years of experience in public education and has been the Dean of Students at both Deer Creek and Westside Elementary. During her time with the district, Brown has served in several different teaching roles and has also been an Instructional Coach. She is currently serving as a CHAMPS Committee Leader and Course Instructor, a Professional Development Instructor, a Multi-tiered Support System (MTSS) Committee Leader, is an active member of the Leadership Team, Crisis Team, Building Emergency Response Team, Student Attendance Review Board (SARB), and holds several other committee positions. Brown has a master’s degree in educational leadership from North Dakota State University, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Minnesota State University Moorhead.  

After interviewing and subsequently selecting Ms. Choate, Mr. Gruchow stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Choate as our new assistant principal at Eastwood. Her impressive leadership experience and counseling background make her a valuable addition to our team, bringing a wealth of assets that will greatly benefit our school community." 

After interviewing and subsequently selecting Mrs. Brown, Mr. Kalsow stated "Mrs. Brown's proven ability to form positive relationships with learners, families, and staff, paired with her extensive academic experiences and vast knowledge of behavior management has prepared her well to continue to serve the Westside Wildcat family as Assistant Principal.” 

Both Choate and Brown will assume their new roles on July 1st, 2023.