Administration

Mrs. Krystin Hall

Krystin Hall, proud principal, is beginning her 24th 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 is married to Casey and is the proud mother of four children- Tyler (West Georgia), Nash (Brown University), Koen (12th grade) and Ava (11th grade). Mrs. Hall is an avid sports fan who enjoys watching her kids play sports and loves spending time with her family and two dogs.

Mrs. Hall was selected to the Governor's Office of Student Achievement Leadership Academy for the 2023-2024 school year. Mrs. Hall is honored to serve the Whitewater community and loves the tradition, culture and high expectations for all stakeholders. Whitewater provides an environment where students excel in and out of the classroom and Mrs. Hall is dedicated to providing opportunities that help students achieve their personal best. GO CATS!

Mr. Jason Barnes

Jason Barnes is embarking on his 25th year in education. Before joining Whitewater High School as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, he served as Assistant Principal and Instructional Lead Teacher at Whitewater Middle School. Mr. Barnes holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of West Georgia, a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University, and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University.

Mr. Barnes has a rich instructional background, having taught Mathematics, Reading, 8th Grade Georgia Studies, 7th Grade World Geography, Health, and Physical Education across several schools: Fayette Middle School, Whitewater Middle School, Whitewater High School, and Rising Starr Middle School. From 2011 to 2013, he was the head boys' basketball coach at Whitewater High School, leading his team to a region championship in 2013.

In recognition of his leadership and impact on high school athletics, Mr. Barnes was honored as the 2024–2025 AAA Athletic Director of the Year.

Outside of his professional life, Mr. Barnes enjoys traveling, watching movies, and spending quality time with his family and friends. He is married to Erin and is a proud father of three daughters: Madison (WHS Class of 2023), Kallie (8th grade), and Ellie (4th 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 ninth year in education and his third year as an Assistant Principal at Whitewater High School. Mr. Manning's journey in education began as a 7th grade teacher and Head Boys' Basketball Coach at Gardner Newman Middle School. For six years, Mr. Manning then served as a 7th grade teacher at Bennett's Mill Middle School and coached basketball at McIntosh High School- serving as a Varsity Assistant, Head JV, and Head 9th Grade Coach.

Mr. Manning's dedication led to his participation in the Fayette County Administrative Internship program, where he served as an Assistant Principal intern at McIntosh High School before joining Whitewater High School as an Assistant Principal. Originally from Texas and raised in Fayette County, Mr. Manning earned All-County and All-state honors as a high school student-athlete. Mr. Manning has also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Middle Grades Education from Point University, a Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Columbus State University, and completed the Ed. Leadership Tier I program at the University of West Georgia.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Manning is a man of faith who enjoys sports and traveling with his wife, Kayla. Mr. Manning actively serves numerous communities as a mentor, contributing author, church leader, and personal trainer. Mr. Manning is driven by a deep purpose and passion for the youth, believing in the need for inclusive learning environments and valuing the essential roles of teachers, parents/guardians, and community members in every student's success. Mr. Manning is grateful to be a part of the Wildcat family and is committed to building impactful relationships with students, staff, and the community. 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 (9th grade) and Paul (5th 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!