Originally Published: April 17, 2026

The Jackson County Board of Education has approved the hires of a pair of new assistant principals at Jackson County High School for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. Hali Chase and Matthew Raettig will begin their new assistant principal duties in July.

Chase and Raettig will step into roles vacated by Lev Hartnup, who will assume his position as Jackson County High School principal in July following Melissa Gillespie’s appointment as the inaugural principal of Hoschton High School, and Ryan Lesniak, who will serve as an assistant principal at JCHS through January before transitioning into his new role as athletic director at HHS.

"We are excited to welcome Mrs. Chase and Mr. Raettig to our administrative team at Jackson County High School," Hartnup said. "Both are passionate about supporting the educational needs of all students while ensuring they provide the necessary support to our educators. Both will make a tremendous impact on our administrative team at JCHS."

Chase is currently a Spanish teacher at Jackson County High School, a position she has held since 2022. She previously served as a coach and teacher at Collins Hill High School and Kell High School. During her time at JCHS, Chase has served in leadership training through Northeast Georgia RESA and is a member of the JCHS Leadership Team. She has also served as the CLAWS Professional Development Lead, New Teacher Orientation Lead, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) 9th Grade Team Lead, Spanish Professional Learning Community Lead and is a sponsor of the Jackson Student Leadership Team.

"I am honored to be named an assistant principal at Jackson County High School. As a teacher at Jackson County, I have been able to serve our community through empowering cultural lessons and strong student connections," Chase said. "As an administrator, I look forward to the opportunity to expand my impact by supporting not only our students, but also our teachers and staff, and the incredible families in our community. Following the examples of the current leadership team, it is my goal to continue to create opportunities for growth and personal discovery across our school.

"I believe that every student deserves a safe space to learn and explore their interests, and I look forward to helping continue Jackson County’s traditions of excellence in all areas. I am very grateful for this new role, and I am excited for what the future holds for our community."

Chase holds a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish Education from Appalachian State University, a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Georgia Southern University and a Specialists Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont University. She also has a Tier 1 Leadership Certificate from Piedmont.

Raettig currently serves as an assistant principal and athletic director at Mountain View High School in Gwinnett County. Raettig has served in the dual role in 2023, but has served as an assistant principal at MVHS since 2017. During his time as an AP, Raettig has overseen discipline, testing, health response, attendance, transportation and technology support, in addition to serving as the instructional leader for the mathematics, world languages and fine arts departments. He has also served as the Teach Gwinnett Assistant Principal and Mentor. 

Raettig has also served as a Local School Technology Coordinator and a Special Education Teacher, in addition to a varsity baseball and softball coach, in Gwinnett County. 

Raettig holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Columbus State University, a Masters of Arts in Teaching Degree from Valdosta State University and a Specialists Degree in Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia.

"It is an honor to serve in the county in which I live," Raettig said. "I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to the great work taking place at Jackson County High School. I am honored for the opportunity to join the Jackson County family and to use my knowledge and passion for working with students, staff, and the community to continue the tradition of excellence at JCHS."