The Somerset Hills School District has selected Mr. Keith Koellhoffer as Acting Principal of Bedwell Elementary School for the 2024-2025 school year.
The Somerset Hills School District has selected Mr. Keith Koellhoffer as Acting Principal of Bedwell Elementary School for the 2024-2025 school year.
Koellhoffer began his career in 2012 as a School Psychologist in South Brunswick before transitioning to Warren Township Schools. He worked closely with students and families for a decade, supporting social-emotional learning and various aspects of mental health and wellness. Another facet of his role was to oversee special education programming.
In 2022, Koellhoffer joined the Somerset Hills School District as Assistant Principal of Bernardsville Middle School, serving alongside BMS Principal Lisa Garofalo. His primary responsibilities included scheduling, student discipline, and promoting a positive school climate. Being an active member of many groups within the school community, he eagerly facilitated anti-bullying parent and staff trainings, as well as aided the Safety and Security team.
As Acting Principal of Bedwell, Koellhoffer is looking forward to meeting families and working with them to foster the development of Bedwell’s 420+ students. While there are many similarities in a leadership position at both the middle and elementary level, Koellhoffer expressed his excitement about being able to witness such an amazing “snapshot” of students’ lives, and to have an integral part in shaping their PreK-4th educational experience. Koellhoffer shared, “Having worked at the middle school for two years, I look forward to working with Bedwell students, staff, and families to support a smooth transition in leadership.”
Being part of the Somerset Hills School District for three years, Koellhoffer is well-versed in many processes and procedures district-wide. He has collaborated with the current administrative team of principals, supervisors, and directors. Through attending professional development opportunities, meetings, and events, he knows countless SHSD staff, and looks forward to forming relationships with the Bedwell team. “Mr. Koellhoffer has served the Somerset Hills community well in his role as Assistant Principal at our middle school and is certain to contribute to our overall program at Bedwell, inclusive of adding expertise and oversight to special education programming and supports; the implementation of a new bilingual program for eligible students; and continuing great work in climate and culture as he serves all front-line staff members and our most prized asset - our students,” said Dr. Brian Brotschul, Superintendent of Schools.
Koellhoffer earned his B.A from Rutgers University, his M.A. and Ed. S. from Seton Hall University, and his M.A in Educational Leadership from Ramapo College.
Koellhoffer will replace Mrs. Jazmyn Allen, who leaves the district after serving Bedwell as its Principal for two years.