Jared Kahmar believes the best part about being an educator is having the opportunity to serve his students, families and community.
Service is at the heart of everything the new Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and George F. Baker High School Principal does. Jared started his career in education in Port Jervis as a high school social studies teacher and wrestling coach, advancing quickly to assistant principal at Port Jervis High School and principal of the Port Jervis Alternative Program. As an administrator, he was responsible for resolving disciplinary issues and shepherding at-risk students through credit recovery and attainment. His efforts increased the graduation rate at Port Jervis High School from 65 percent to 87 percent in four years. “It was really difficult work, but really rewarding,” he said.
After making his mark at the high school, Jared transitioned to the principalship at N. A. Hamilton Bicentennial Elementary School. When he arrived at the school, nine percent of the sixth grade was reading on grade level. Under his leadership, that percentage jumped to 55% in two years.
Increasing the literacy rate in Port Jervis is one of Jared’s most proud accomplishments. “It makes a real difference in their lives–now a student has options they may not have had before. The product of the effort is the increased literacy scores, but the stories you remember and the things you smile about when you look back on are the specific kids, specific families, specific staff and those relationships,” he explained.
As an agent of change, Jared subscribes to a philosophy of “culture, collaboration and feedback”, inspired by education speaker and consultant Principal Baruti Kafele. Jared explained, “Walking alongside someone instead of pushing them from behind is the fastest way to move a school forward.”
After ushering Hamilton Bicentennial through the pandemic, Jared took on the role of Principal at Greenwood Lake Middle School, rounding out his grade level experience.
Jared believes it is his connections with students that have solidified the impact he has made. “It all comes down to investing time,” he says. “My former students would tell you that I care for all of my students and always work really hard on their behalf, especially in helping to create and promote opportunities to help them find their own success. It is my hope that our Tuxedo students will one day say the same.”
Since his arrival, Jared has been a regular presence in the hallways and classrooms at George F. Baker, building relationships with students and faculty. He says his primary focus for the short term is getting to know the TUFSD team, and working together to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement. “I look forward to collaborating with the Tuxedo staff to create and implement a plan that will make our district the best it can be.”