Administration

Mrs. Krystin Hall

Krystin Hall, proud principal, is beginning her 25th year in education. She began her Fayette County career as the marketing teacher at Whitewater, where she was awarded the 2011 Teacher of the Year. She was promoted to an Assistant Principal at McIntosh High School where she served for 4 years and then served as an Assistant Principal at Starr's Mill High School for 6 years.

Mrs. Hall attended The University of Georgia where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and a Masters of Education degree. She also received her Specialist in Education from Valdosta State University.

Mrs. Hall and her husband, Casey, are the proud parents of four children—Tyler, Nash, Koen, and Ava—and are the proud grandparents of their granddaughter, Remy. Outside of school, she is an avid sports fan who enjoys going to concerts and spending time with her family and two dogs.

Mrs. Hall believes that strong relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to continuous growth create opportunities for every learner to succeed. She is honored to serve the Whitewater community. Go Cats!

Mr. Jason Barnes

Jason Barnes is beginning his 26th year in education. He currently serves as the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Whitewater High School. He has been a member of the Whitewater administrative team since 2019. Prior to joining Whitewater High School, he served as an Assistant Principal and Instructional Lead Teacher at Whitewater Middle School.

Mr. Barnes earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of West Georgia, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University.

Throughout his career, Mr. Barnes has taught a wide range of subjects, including Mathematics, Reading, Georgia Studies, World Geography, Health, and Physical Education. His teaching experience includes Fayette Middle School, Whitewater Middle School, Whitewater High School, and Rising Starr Middle School.

From 2011 to 2013, Mr. Barnes served as the head boys’ basketball coach at Whitewater High School, guiding the Wildcats to a Region Championship in 2013.

In recognition of his leadership and commitment to educational athletics, Mr. Barnes was named the 2024–2025 GHSA AAA Athletic Director of the Year. Most recently, under his leadership, the Whitewater High School Athletic Department was recognized with the 2025 GHSA Sportsmanship Award and was named the 2025–2026 Region Director’s Cup Champion, recognizing the school’s overall excellence in athletics.

Outside of school, Mr. Barnes enjoys traveling. A lifelong baseball fan, he has visited 26 of the 30 Major League Baseball stadiums, with a goal of seeing a game in all 30 ballparks.

He and his wife, Erin, a kindergarten teacher, have three daughters: Madison (Whitewater High School Class of 2023), Kallie (9th grade), and Ellie (5th grade).

Mrs. Kelly Hoofnagle

Kelly Hoofnagle began her education career in 2003 as a high school social studies teacher. In 2005, she returned to Fayette County and started teaching at Whitewater High School, where she spent nine years—five years as a classroom teacher and four years as a school counselor. From 2014 to 2019, she served as an elementary school counselor at Cleveland Elementary, earning the title of Fayette County’s Elementary School Counselor of the Year in 2016. In 2019, she returned to Whitewater High School as an assistant principal.

Mrs. Hoofnagle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Social Science Education from Brewton-Parker College, a Master of Education in Professional School Counseling from the University of West Georgia, and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University. She is married and has three children. When she is not attending Whitewater events, she is likely at one of her kids' sporting or fine arts events.

From a young age, Mrs. Hoofnagle knew she wanted a career in education. She is passionate about supporting students, parents, and teachers to create a learning environment where students can grow and thrive. Mrs. Hoofnagle considers it a privilege to work with the Wildcat team to provide a high-quality education for all students.

Mr. Jay Manning

Jay Manning is entering his 10th year in education and his 4th year as an Assistant Principal at Whitewater High School. Mr. Manning's educational journey began as a 7th grade teacher at Gardner Newman Middle School in Troup County. For six years, he then served as a 7th grade teacher at Bennett's Mill Middle School and a basketball coach at McIntosh High School. Mr. Manning's dedication to education led him to participate in the Fayette County Administrative Internship Program, where he served as an Administrative intern at McIntosh High School before officially joining Whitewater High School as an Assistant Principal.

Mr. Manning is a Texas native who grew up in Fayette County and excelled as an All-County and All-state student-athlete. He has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in middle grades education and in curriculum and instruction. Beyond his professional career, Mr. Manning is a man of faith who loves God, sports, and traveling with his wife Kayla. He also actively serves his community as a mentor, volunteer, contributing author, and personal trainer.

Mr. Manning is driven by a God-given purpose and passion for our youth, valuing inclusive learning environments for all students and the important roles of teachers, staff, parents/guardians, and community members. Mr. Manning is grateful to be a part of the Wildcat family and strives to build impactful relationships with all stakeholders. Go CATS!

Mrs. Christina Rufenacht

Christina Rufenacht brings over 15 years of educational experience to Wildcat Way, where she serves as Assistant Principal and Registrar. A Starr's Mill High School alumna, Mrs. Rufenacht pursued her education at Georgia Tech, earning a Bachelor's of Science in International Affairs and Modern Languages. During her time at Georgia Tech, she collaborated with NASA to deliver STEM programs to inner-city schools, sparking her passion for education.

After graduating, Mrs. Rufenacht began her teaching career as a high school Spanish teacher in Dekalb County and later in Atlanta Public Schools. She furthered her education with a Master's in the Art of Teaching Special Education and an Educational Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership from Valdosta State University.

Returning to Fayette County, Mrs. Rufenacht taught English to Speakers of Other Languages at Flat Rock Middle School. During her seven years there, she was honored as the school's 2019 Teacher of the Year and Fayette County's 2020 Teacher of the Year. She became the Assistant Principal at Whitewater High School in 2021 and is eager to continue serving the Wildcat community.

Mrs. Rufenacht and her husband Jacob have two children, Adrielle (10th grade) and Paul (6th grade). She enjoys being a soccer mom every weekend and is dedicated to investing in student success, supporting teachers, and creating an optimal learning environment. Go CATS!