Warrick Education Center

The administrative staff at WEC is fully dedicated to maintaining an environment that is conducive to academic success for every student.

Mrs. Julie Kemp

 Principal

Mrs. Kemp is beginning her 2nd year as the Principal of Boonville High School. Prior to guiding the Pioneers, she was Principal for six years at Boonville Middle School. Mrs. Kemp joined the Boonville Middle family in July of 2018 with experience as a teacher, principal and K-12 curriculum/ professional development coordinator.

Mrs. Kemp lives outside of Boonville with her husband, Mike. They are the proud parents of 2 children, Jordan and Zach. As a family, they love traveling to national parks, camping, hiking and spending as much time as they can together.

Mrs. Kemp is excited to continue the Pioneer legacy. She believes the sense of community, as well as the dedication of the staff and community to create the best possible experience for students, is what makes BHS the place to be.

Click to E-Mail Mrs. Kemp

Mr. Tad Powless

Vice Principal

Mr. Powless began his educational career at Washington Middle School in 1992. During his time at Washington Middle School, Mr. Powless taught 6th Grade Reading, Math, and Social Studies and 6th-8th Grade Physical Education.  He coached girls and boys basketball and boys track/cross country at Washington Middle School and football at Bosse High School.

Mr. Powless was hired as an administrator in Warrick County in 1999, and he has served in multiple capacities throughout his career. He is beginning his tenure as the Boonville High School Assistant Principal this school year (2024-25).

Mr. Powless and his wife, Krystal, have three daughters Kaci, Katelyn, and Karley and two granddaughters, Aubrey and Nora.

 Mr. Jason Byers

Assistant Principal

Mr. Byers began his teaching career at Sharon Elementary School in 2009. During his time at Sharon Elementary, he taught 5th grade and coached basketball, volleyball, and track. In 2012, Mr. Byers transferred to Castle North Middle School where he taught 6th grade social studies for seven years and computer science for one year. Along with his teaching responsibilities, he coached football and basketball and served as Castle North’s Athletic Director from 2016-2020. 

Mr. Byers was hired as the Assistant Principal at Castle South Middle School in the spring of 2020. Mr. Byers earned his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and his Master’s degree in Education  Administration. Both degrees were earned from Purdue University. 

 Mr. Byers and his wife Ashley have two daughters, Audrey and Riley. 

Mr. Ryan McKinney

Lead Teacher

Mr. McKinney is a 1992 Boonville High School grad.  After high school, he went on to play baseball at Purdue University and graduated in 1997 with a degree in Education.  He earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Oakland City University.  In addition to being the lead teacher at the Warrick Education Center, Mr. Mckinney coaches the Boonville High School Baseball team.  

Ryan and his wife Andrea, who is a guidance counselor at Castle High School, have three children, Avery, Cade and Trey.  

E-mail: rmckinney@warrick.k12.in.us

Mrs. Melanie Kleeman

Clerical Aid

Mrs. Kleeman is a Western Kentucky University Alumni with a Corporate and Organizational Communications degree.  She resides in Newburgh, IN with her husband and three daughters.  She enjoys spending time with family/friends, boating, community involvement, cheering on her daughters and watching Kentucky football/basketball. Melanie is also in her 7th year of coaching CSMS cheer.

Mrs. Danielle Russell

Treasurer

Mrs. Russell is originally from Glades County, Florida, and a 1996 graduate of Moore Haven High School. After serving in the United States Air Force for 6 years, she attended Hodges University receiving her degree in Computer Communications.  Mrs. Russell is also the secretary/treasurer for the Warrick Pathways & Career Center and operates the WCSC Print Shop.

Danielle and her husband, Shawn, have 4 sons and 2 daughters in the Boonville school district.

E-mail: dnrussell@warrick.k12.in.us

Mrs. Katy Barnes

Homeschool Advisor

Mrs. Barnes provides services to the students of the Warrick Education Center and the Warrick Pathways & Career Center. Prior to joining the WCSC, she worked as a probation officer for Warrick County. 

Mrs. Barnes is a lifelong resident of Warrick County and a 2008 Tecumseh High School graduate, where she now coaches girls' volleyball and tennis.  After high school, Mrs. Barnes went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Kentucky Wesleyan University.

E-mail: kbarnes@warrick.k12.in.us