Originally Published: March 9, 2026

The Jackson County Board of Education took a major step in opening the system's third high school on Monday night when it approved Mrs. Melissa Gillespie as Hoschton High School's inaugural principal, and named Mr. Lev Hartnup as Gillespie's successor as principal of Jackson County High School. Both Gillespie and Hartnup will begin their new duties on July 1.

"We are incredibly excited to announce these leadership changes, with Mrs. Gillespie leading Hoschton High School and Mr. Hartnup at Jackson County High School," JCSS Superintendent Dr. Philip Brown said. "These two leaders have spent years working alongside one another, and will work closely together to ensure a seamless transition, while also working to maintain the standard that has been established at JCHS."

The Board also approved Mr. Ryan Lesniak as Hoschton High School's first athletic director, a position he will begin in January 2027. Lesniak will remain in his current position of assistant principal at Jackson County High School until that time.

Gillespie is in her third year as principal of Jackson County High School, while Hartnup began serving at JCHS as an assistant principal in July 2019. Gillespie will work at the JCSS Central Office next school year as she prepares to open Hoschton High School in August 2027, working closely with Hartnup throughout the transition process for students, staff and families.

“It is an incredible honor to be named the founding principal of Hoschton High School,” Gillespie said. “I look forward to working with our community to build a culture of excellence, opportunity, and pride that will serve students for generations.  We have the amazing opportunity to build a school from the ground up: establishing traditions, setting high expectations, and creating a place where students are empowered to achieve, grow, and lead.”

Gillespie served as a social studies teacher at JCHS in 2018-19 before being named assistant principal at JCHS. Prior to JCHS, Gillespie served as a social studies teacher at E.A. Laney High School and then assistant principal at John T. Hoggard High School in North Carolina. She was named an assistant principal prior to the 2019-20 school year, when Harntup joined the school after serving as an assistant principal in south Georgia.

During his time at JCHS, Hartnup has overseen assessments, discipline, attendance, safety and security, facilities and operations and Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS). Hartnup has also assisted with raising CCPRI scores in all areas over the past two school years through concentrated professional development initiatives to improve literacy in all classrooms.

“I am honored to be named the next principal of Jackson County High School,” Hartnup said. “Over the past seven years at JCHS, I have developed a deep appreciation for the pride, commitment, and tradition of excellence that define our Panther community.  Our students and teachers are exceptional, and I am committed to building on this strong foundation to ensure every student is supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.  I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and lead Jackson County High School into the next chapter.”

Gillespie holds a Bachelor's Degree in History and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master's Degree in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She also holds a Secondary Education Licensure from UNC-Wilmington. 

Hartnup holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Valdosta State University, a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership and Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University, a Specialist Degree in Teacher Leadership from Valdosta State University, and is working on his Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership from VSU. Hartnup also holds his Tier I and Tier II Leadership Certification from Valdosta State, and is a 2023 graduate of the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) Aspiring Principals Academy.

Lesniak has served as an assistant principal at JCHS since 2023, after serving as athletic director and assistant principal at Peachtree Ridge since 2016. During his time at PRHS as athletic director, Lesniak built a high-performing athletic department and oversaw a complete rebranding of the Lions' athletic department. Lesniak, who was named the Region 7-AAAAAAA Athletic Director of the Year, also built strong relationships with Booster Clubs, sponsors and parents in supporting all athletic events.

Lesniak was part of the inaugural staff at Archer High School in 2009, serving as the girls basketball coach and moving to assistant athletic director prior to his appointment at Peachtree Ridge.

Lesniak holds a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, a Master's Degree in Business Administration and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia College and State University.