It was the summer of 1999 when Katrina Haley started her run as director of technology for Warren County Schools. Now she is leaving that position in the summer of 2021. Haley has been a part of the school system for 37 years.

In 1984, Haley started teaching at the high school. With an interest in technology, she taught programming, web design, and computer app classes. Her co-workers called her the “teacher technician” because she helped teachers with computer problems. 

“It was a job pertaining to something I already liked,” Haley said about being hired as director of technology. The job description used to have her write grants, but as technology became bigger in the 2000s, that was taken from her to focus on technology fully. In this past year, her workload has increased with the large volume of students learning from home.

Now after spending 22 years as director, a new opportunity for the tech expert has emerged. She has accepted a position as a software program manager at a private-sector company. 

“I always wanted to do something like this,” Haley said. She will be do a similar job, but slightly different and in a new environment. 

When the opportunity presented itself, Haley thought, “Why not?” She said that it’s time for a change. 

“I will miss everybody,” she said, “I backed out twice from the job.” She went back and forth about if this is the best decision to make, but from the support of the new company, she decided the new opportunity was worth exploring.

“It’s very hard to walk away. The hardest part is the transition,” said Haley.

The new company also has allowed her to finish the school year before asking her to start. “I will miss all the people I work with,” she said, “WCS has come a long way with technology, and I couldn’t do that without the staff.” 

Haley’s last day with the school system is May 28.