Dr. Matt Stratemeyer, Principal

Dr. Matt Stratemeyer is the principal of East Jackson Comprehensive High School. He began his teaching career at Peachtree Ridge High School, where he was a social studies teacher, basketball coach, and interim athletic director. In 2016, he started as an assistant principal at Mountain View High School, a role he held for six years. 

Dr. Stratemeyer graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree and later earned his master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. He later returned to the University of Georgia, earning his Doctorate in Education Leadership in 2017.

Dr. Stratemeyer resides in Jackson County with his wife, Ashley. They have one son, Camden, and one daughter, Kaitlyn.

Ms. Jessie Wood, Assistant Principal

Ms. Jessie Wood works as the 8^th grade assistant principal. She taught Georgia Studies for 8 years, along with English Language Arts for a few of those years. She has also taught Civics and Economics. She has previously served as the social studies department chair as well as the district lead for social studies. Her own educational journey began at Young Harris College where she received an associate's degree before going to the University of Georgia to earn a B.A. in Political Science. Ms. Wood then attended Georgia State and earned a M.A.T. in Secondary Social Studies Education. She also has a specialist's degree from Piedmont University. Ms. Wood and her family are proud to live and work in Jackson County.

Mr. Shawn Lindsey, Assistant Principal

Shawn Lindsey is from Sandersville, Georgia, where he graduated from Washington County High School.  In 1999, he received his Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Georgia.  Shawn also attended the University of Alabama and earned his masters degree in Health Sciences in 2005.  In 2009, he received his educational specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University. He began teaching in the Jackson County School System in 1999. Mr. Lindsey has taught Health & PE and has coached a variety of sports teams at West Jackson Middle School, Jackson County Comprehensive High School, Kings Bridge Middle School, and well as East Jackson Comprehensive High School.  This is Mr. Lindsey’s 9th year as the Assistant Principal. He is married to Angel Beatty Lindsey of Jefferson and they have two sons, Logan and Luke.

Ms. Katy Stone, Assistant Principal

Katy Stone will transition from her previous role as a science teacher within the building to an administrator beginning for the 2025-26 school year. Stone’s presence was felt quickly at East Jackson. The staff recognized her as the EJHS Teacher of the Year last fall. She was named the Jackson County School System Teacher of the Year in Sept. 2024. Stone is entering her third year at East Jackson High School. Along with her role as a science teacher, Stone has also served as a cross country and track and field coach. Through her various roles, which includes assisting with the launch of the high school STEM program, Stone has come to know and love the East Jackson community. Stone earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Master of Secondary Education in Science from the University of Georgia. The Mountain View High School graduate began her teaching career at Dacula High School, spending three years in Gwinnett County before moving to East Jackson. Stone and her husband, Will, recently welcomed their first child, daughter Charlie.

 

Mr. Steven McGarvey, Assistant Principal — Lighthouse  

 

Mr. McGarvey brings over two decades of diverse education experience to his role as Site Coordinator and Behavior Specialist for the Lighthouse Program at East Jackson High School, a proud member of the Georgia Network of Educational and Therapeutic Support (GNETS). Throughout his career, Mr. McGarvey has taught various levels of high school and middle school, cultivating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
His professional journey includes significant contributions to several program start-ups, notably Shepherd's Hill Academy, a residential program in northeast Georgia, and Summit Academy, an alternative school within Franklin County. Most recently, Mr. McGarvey dedicated his expertise to the special education community at The Futures Center (GNETS) in Cornelia, Georgia, where he worked with a diverse group of students, offering tailored educational strategies and support. Mr. McGarvey earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a focus on History from Toccoa Falls College. He furthered his education with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction specialization in Special Education. Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. McGarvey cherishes his family life. He is a proud father to four children, a supportive father-in-law to one, and has celebrated 27 wonderful years of marriage with his wife. Together, they enjoy nurturing a loving and dynamic family environment.

Mr. Wesley Wheeler, Athletic Director

Wesley Wheeler officially began his tenure as the athletic director at East Jackson High School on June 1, 2024. Wheeler is a Jackson County native, and has served in the East Jackson community in various educational positions since 2006. Wheeler first began as a special education teacher at East Jackson Middle School, serving there until 2015, when he moved to the physical education department at East Jackson High School. During his time at EJHS, Wheeler has coached football and track and field, while assisting former athletic director and current EJHS assistant principal Shawn Lindsey in athletic department duties. Wheeler was named the EJHS Teacher of the Year in 2022 and was a finalist for the award in 2019. Wheeler graduated from Jackson County Comprehensive High School in 1999, earning a full athletic scholarship in football to Elon University. He was named to the Jackson County High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019.