Dani Barkey departing; Other WCS changes announced

From left, Leo Patiño, Emily Campbell, Aimee Lunsford and Kyle Carter. Photo provided.
News Release

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools announced key administrative changes affecting various positions at Monday’s school board meeting.

These changes include updates to the district administrative team, Warsaw Area Career Center and Adult Education.

Dani Barkey will be leaving WCS to join the University of Virginia after serving as Deputy Superintendent. With over 20 years of dedication to education, her legacy includes roles as an art teacher, assistant principal and central office administrator.  

 “We have been so thankful for Dr. Barkey and her commitment to Warsaw Community Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert. “Having her alongside as a member of my cabinet during these last 10 years has been a privilege and honor.  She is leaving a lasting legacy of excellence within our school, teachers, students and community.  We wish her the absolute best in her new role with the University of Virginia PLE program, where she will be providing professional development to school leaders throughout the nation.” 

Hoffert added, “With the start of a new school year looming, the transitions in administrative positions have provided an opportunity to reorganize a number of roles and responsibilities to match the needs of the future. We are excited to welcome Mrs. Aimee Lunsford to our central office team as the Chief Academic Officer and a job description and title change for Mr. Kyle Carter to the Chief Accountability Officer.  As a team, Kyle and Aimee will be directly serving the needs of our elementary schools.”

Lunsford served as the principal of Lincoln Elementary for four years before accepting the new role of Chief Academic Officer. She holds degrees from Manchester University, Ball State University and Indiana State University; she is currently pursuing her doctorate from Indiana State University.

 She has 14 years of teaching experience, covering grades from kindergarten to middle school special education. 

Kyle Carter, a Warsaw native and graduate of Warsaw Community High School, holds degrees from Grace College, IPFW and Indiana State University. His career has progressed from teacher to principal at Jefferson Elementary and then to Chief Technology and Analytics Officer.

Hoffert commented on a few additional administrative changes, “We wish to welcome Leo Patino as the Director of Adult Education covering both Kosciusko and Fulton Counties, and Emily Campbell as the Assistant Principal in the Warsaw Area Career Center.”

Leo Patiño brings extensive experience from Indiana Tech’s College of Professional Studies and a deep commitment to adult education. He has been active in the Warsaw community since 2020 when he received an internship with Orthoworx.  

  Emily Campbell, a lifelong Warsaw resident, has been selected as the new Assistant Principal for the Warsaw Area Career Center.  After graduating from Warsaw Community High School, she earned her degree from Ball State University and she joined the Warsaw Area Career Center as a Family and Consumer Science Educator. Emily has been serving as Interim Assistant Director since February.  

From left, Aimee Lunsford, Dr. Dani Barkey, Kyle Carter and Dr. David Hoffert. Photo provided.