Rounding Out Our Admin Team: Final 2025-26 Introductions
Our final group of new administrators has been hired, and they officially stepped into their roles for the 2025–26 school year as of July 1. We’re excited to introduce these leaders to our Waukee CSD community and share more about the experience and energy they bring to our schools.
Derek Barnhouse — Interim Principal of Brookview Elementary
You might already know this familiar name! For the 2024-25 school year, Derek Barnhouse served Brookview Elementary as assistant principal. Now, he’s moving into the interim principal role.
“More than anything, I’m incredibly excited to continue serving a school I know and love. Brookview has a wonderful sense of community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on the great work already underway here.”
Barnhouse and his wife, Taylor, have a three-year-old son who keeps them busy! When he finds the time, he also enjoys running, reading, and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and Denver Broncos.
A fun fact from Mr. Barnhouse: “I have three siblings, and all four of us live in different states!”
Mackenzie Nichols — Assistant Principal at Brookview Elementary
Mackenzie Nichols will serve alongside Barnhouse as assistant principal at Brookview. She’s a familiar face to many, having spent the 2024–25 school year as an instructional coach at Radiant Elementary.
“I’m so excited to get to know the Brookview community — staff, students, and families. I look forward to supporting the amazing work already happening and growing alongside this dedicated team. There’s something truly energizing about stepping into a place where collaboration and care are at the heart of everything we do. I’m eager to learn, lead, and contribute to a thriving school community!”
Nichols is a proud Waukee graduate!
“It’s incredibly special to serve in the same district that helped shape who I am today. It’s an honor to give back to a community that means so much to me.”
In her free time, she enjoys gardening, baking, traveling, and spending time with her close-knit family of four.
“As a family, we make the most of every season — boating in the summer, sledding or ice fishing in the winter, and hiking in the spring. When fall rolls around, we’re all in on Iowa State football. There’s nothing quite like cheering on the Cyclones, especially as an ISU grad.”
Dr. Johanna Russell — Associate Principal of Waukee High School
We’re excited to welcome Dr. Johanna Russell as the new associate principal at Waukee High School. She brings valuable experience from her previous role as Dean of Students at Urbandale High School.
“I’m thrilled to join the Waukee High School community. WHS is a place that holds high expectations for all learners while genuinely caring for the whole individual. I’m excited to contribute to the WHS legacy and help strengthen the systems and relationships that will carry WHS into the future.”
Russell enjoys working with teenagers and has two of her own! She says her calendar is full of activities.
“Most of our evenings and weekends are spent getting everyone where they need to be and with what they need.”
When she’s not busy with her family and job, Russell enjoys traveling and reading.
She shares an interesting fact about herself:
“I’m dyslexic. As a child, this made my academic journey challenging and success often felt out of reach. But over time, it became one of the defining aspects of who I am. My dyslexia shapes the way I see students, learning, and possibility. I had educators who believed in me and made my success possible; I feel deeply committed to doing the same for students in my care.”
Christina Lienemann — Assistant Principal of Trailridge School
Christina Lienemann is excited to move from teaching special education at Radiant Elementary into the role of assistant principal at Trailridge School.
“I’m most excited to build meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families, and to be a steady, visible presence as students navigate the transition into high school. Ninth grade is such a pivotal year, and I’m honored to be part of that journey with them.”
Lienemann and her husband, Tom, have three children — ages 9, 7, and 3.
“I spend most of my free time with family. You can find me at a nearby ball field or court cheering on one of my kids. We love being part of the Waukee community.”
She shares two interesting facts: she broke both of her arms (at the same time!) when she was in sixth grade, and her husband has been a member of the Iowa Air National Guard for 15 years as an aircraft mechanic.
Andrew Hauptmann — Assistant Activities Director for Northwest High School
Andrew Hauptmann is a familiar face at Northwest High School. He’s moving from a teaching role into the position of assistant activities director.
“I’m excited to build strong relationships with students, coaches, and families in this role. I’m excited about providing so many opportunities for our students to perform, compete, and grow through their activities.”
Hauptmann enjoys being outdoors with his family. They love to golf, spend time at the lake, go fishing, and hit the ski slopes in the winter.
“You’ll definitely see my son running around at events, cheering on the Wolves. I’m grateful for their constant support and the joy they bring to everything we do.”
Life at home is just as busy as his job at school.
“My family lives on a small farm outside of town, where we take care of livestock and have a big garden. It has created great bonding time for us and provided many life lessons along the way. We’ve learned a lot through the work and enjoy our time together outdoors.”
