Meet the Principal
Dear Leawood Elementary Families,
My name is Kevin Kolasa, and I am pleased to write this letter of introduction to you as the new principal of Leawood Elementary and to welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year. It is my privilege and honor to join the Leawood community. I am excited about the upcoming school year, especially since I have personally witnessed so many wonderful things from the staff, students, and the supportive community at Leawood! I am also elated to be continuing my work in Jefferson County School District again from where I first began as an assistant principal at D’Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School from 2009 to 2011 and obtained my first principal position at Glennon Heights Elementary in Lakewood. While Jeffco has been my professional home for the last four years, it is also the district in which we reside and where our children attend school.
My career started as an elementary special education teacher at a day treatment center. I have also taught elementary school in both the private and public sectors, with my last teaching experience as a special education teacher at Goddard Middle School. Throughout my time as an educator, I have also enjoyed teaching summer school at Arapahoe Community College, tutoring, and coaching various sports teams. I firmly believe that I am a consummate learner who thrives on growing myself as a teacher, leader, and coach. I am also trying to learn how to cook more than just tacos, but my kids would attest that I have a long way to go.
One of my core beliefs is that education is our most important institution because what we do as educators today impacts the outcome of tomorrow. The landscape of education should continually adapt to fit the needs of our students regardless of race, ethnic background, language acquisition, or economic status. All can be successful in school as well as in life. However, this exceptional education does not happen in isolation. This success can only occur when schools work collaboratively with their community and families.
In my tenure, I have had many diverse experiences which have helped me grow as an educator and as an effective leader. Of all my achievements, I am happy to say that I am undoubtedly most proud of my family. My three wonderful children, my son Tatum (16) and twin daughters Elyn (12) and Malia (12), and my wife, Abby, a hospital social worker who is so supportive and teaches me each day how to gain balance between my career and home.
In partnership,
Kevin Kolasa
Principal at Leawood Elementary