Dear Columbia High School Families,

It is with great pleasure and excitement that we introduce ourselves as the new administrative team at Columbia High School. Our professional backgrounds are rooted in servant leadership by building meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff.

My name is Brian Siftar, and this will be my twentieth year in education. I have worked in public education as a teacher, coach, mentor, director, and principal at all levels for Garfield Heights, Lakewood, and, most recently, Midview. I am driven by a passion for public education and a belief in the potential of every student by valuing each student's unique strengths and interests so that students may realize their dreams and aspirations. On a personal note, my wife, Monica, and I have a senior daughter and two sons in the ninth and sixth grades involved in sports. At home, when I am not supporting them at their sporting events, I enjoy attending high school events, gardening, and cheering on Cleveland sports teams, especially my beloved Browns.

My name is Jason Ward, and this will be my 21st year in education. I have been an English Teacher and Head Football Coach at Columbia for 18 years. I taught and coached at North Ridgeville High School for three years before coming here. I'm extremely honored to be filling a new role as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director this year, along with continuing to be the Head Football Coach. My wife, Lisa,  will be entering her 3rd year as a first-grade teacher at Copopa after many years of teaching in the Elyria City School district. We love Columbia, and even though our daughters, Marisa, 21, and Lydia, 19, went to Midview, they also have many great memories in Columbia. Marisa is now a Senior at Bowling Green, and Lydia is a sophomore at Ashland.

I look forward to watching Raider Nation continue to grow and strive for excellence in the classroom and athletics. 

In the coming weeks and months, we look forward to meeting each of you personally and getting to know our students and families better. Please reach out to us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. Together, we will build a strong foundation for your child's future.

We look forward to meeting everyone at our

OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

5-6 p.m.

We are thrilled to embark on this journey with all of you and are confident that, as a school community, we will achieve great things and inspire one another to reach new heights.

Your Partners in Success,                     
                             Brian Siftar                                             Jason Ward                
                                    Principal                                                   Assistant Principal/Athletic Director        
                                    [email protected]                           [email protected]