JEFFERSON — Jade Paustian will serve as an assistant principal at West Jackson Middle School beginning in August for the 2023-24 school year. Paustian’s promotion to assistant principal was approved by the Jackson County School System Board of Education during the March 13 meeting.

Paustian is currently the instructional coach for West Jackson Middle School.

“Mrs. Paustian has come into West Jackson Middle School and made an immediate impact as an instructional coach, providing the needed support for our faculty and students,” West Jackson Middle Principal Dr. Melissa Conway said. “I have the utmost confidence she will continue her tremendous work as an assistant principal.”

Paustian is in her first year at West Jackson Middle School and her eighth year as an educator. She previously served as a teacher and coach at North Oconee High School, where she was named the Teacher of the Year in 2020 and the Area 4-AAAAA Girls Lacrosse Coach of the Year in 2022. Paustian founded the North Oconee Girls Lacrosse team in 2018, after serving on the inaugural lacrosse team at Young Harris College. 

Paustian says she is looking forward to working with the students and staff in her new role. 

“I am looking forward to the new challenges ahead,” Paustian said. “I am very passionate about supporting our students, teachers, and community as we continue to grow. The future of WJMS is very bright and I am honored to be selected to facilitate this work.”  

Paustian holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with an Education Certificate from Young Harris College and a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from Western Governors University. 

Paustian and married to her husband, Brandon Paustian.