As an educator, administrator and aspiring principal, the opportunity to lead a high-quality team of education professionals at Silver Bluff High School was one Jennifer Kolmar simply could not pass up.
Kolmar has a deep connection to Silver Bluff High School and the community. She began her teaching career as a high school math teacher at the school in 2009, and even conducted her student teaching at Silver Bluff.
“Having started my career here, I have a profound appreciation for the school’s values and traditions, and I am committed to contributing to its continued success and growth,” she shared.
Kolmar says her time with Aiken County Public Schools and other educational roles have provided her with invaluable experiences and insights.
“Aiken County Public School District has supported my leadership goals by offering numerous opportunities for professional growth and development, enabling me to implement successful programs and initiatives,” commented Kolmar, who has served in district leadership and assistant principal roles since 2012.
Aiken County Board of Education members approved Kolmar’s appointment as the new principal at Silver Bluff High School for the 2024-25 school year during the school board’s May 28 regularly scheduled meeting.
“I am deeply honored to take on the role of Principal at Silver Bluff High and eagerly anticipate working closely with our dedicated staff, inspiring students, and supportive community to foster a nurturing and effective learning environment where every student can thrive,” she shared.
Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education Mathematics from the University of South Carolina Aiken in 2008, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Augusta State University in 2011. She went on to earn her Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia Regents University in 2014.
After spending her first three years in education as a math teacher at Silver Bluff High School where she served as the Math Department Chair and Technology Coach, Kolmar transitioned from the classroom to administration as an assistant principal at Aiken High School from 2012-2018 then South Aiken High School from 2018-2022. During the 2022-23 school year, she served as Aiken iNNOVATE Coordinator where she assisted with providing leadership and supervising Aiken County Public School District’s full-time virtual program for students in grades 6-12.
Recognizing a need for non-traditional educational settings, Kolmar successfully wrote and secured a $600,000 grant to establish an evening high school program, Summit Evening High School for At-Risk Students, which achieved a remarkable 95% success rate in students earning their high school diplomas.
Kolmar most recently served as an assistant principal at Evans High School where she designed and implemented a Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) monitoring system to identify and monitor students needing additional supports.
“The 2024-25 school year is poised to be a year of remarkable growth and achievement at The Bluff,” Kolmar says. “I am excited to build on our strengths and introduce innovative practices that will enhance the educational experience for all our students.”
Over the course of her career, Kolmar has helped research, plan, and implement the first Cambridge International High School Program in South Carolina. She has also been instrumental in supporting schools with data-driven instructional strategies, leading to notable improvements in standardized test scores and accountability ratings.
“Silver Bluff High School is a school rich with traditions,” Kolmar acknowledged. “I am excited to engage with the community to uphold and build upon these cherished traditions. Together, we will create a vibrant and inclusive environment that celebrates our unique culture and history.”
Aiken County Public School District is excited to welcome Kolmar back to Aiken County and knows she will accomplish all that she aspires to achieve at Silver Bluff High School.
“I am thrilled to return to Silver Bluff High School, Kolmar shares. “This full-circle moment is incredibly meaningful to me, and I am excited to give back to the community that has played such a significant role in my professional journey.”
Kolmar will begin her duties as Silver Bluff High School principal in July.