March 16, 2023
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Carrie Kolar will be moving into a new administration role within the district! Dr. Kolar will be serving as the new Chief of Human Capital Management for Grand Island Public Schools. We are excited to have her step into this important role and continue making a positive impact across the district!
Dr. Kolar has been a consistent leader of progress in GIPS since 2005. She has been serving as Principal at Engleman Elementary for the past 4 years. Prior to that, she served as Dodge Elementary Principal and Stolley Park Elementary Principal. Dr. Kolar carries a Doctorate Degree in Educational Administration from UNL and an Administrative Certificate in Educational Leadership from UNK.
While stepping away from the Principal seat at Engleman is a bittersweet move, Dr. Kolar recognizes the opportunity to continue leading in the district. Speaking about her new role, Kolar shared:
“I am honored to serve the students and staff of Grand Island Public Schools through this role. I look forward to building relationships district-wide with our dedicated staff. Together we will focus on building a place where staff members feel valued, grow professionally and work collaboratively to accelerate the learning for each student.”
As a reliable voice of staff and student advocacy, Dr. Kolar has been a part of meaningful growth and achievement everywhere she has been throughout the district.
Dr. Kolar will assume her new HR Chief role this summer as Mr. Wayne Stelk will re-enter retirement at the end of the school year. Mr. Brian Kort, who also served as an interim co-leader of the department, will continue his valuable work as GIPS Recruitment & Retention Coordinator.
To see our own leaders continue growing and leading the way within the district remains a source of pride for GIPS.
Mr. Matt Fisher, GIPS Interim Superintendent, affirmed:
“Dr. Kolar has a proven track record as a very capable leader. She has shown her adaptability and strong leadership skills as she has assumed various roles in our district. We anticipate her transitioning smoothly into this position and to be instrumental in keeping the district moving forward.”
We are excited to have Dr. Kolar help lead our efforts to support all of our staff members!
