Superintendent Kelli Cogan and Treasurer Jennifer Knapp delivered their first State of the Schools Address on May 8 in the Independence Middle School auditorium as new administrators for Independence Local Schools. The event, attended by school board members, city officials, school leaders, families, and community members, celebrated the district’s accomplishments, addressed current challenges, and unveiled strategic plans to ensure long-term success.
Superintendent Cogan opened the evening by thanking the community for its continued partnership and emphasizing the importance of this moment for the district. “Tonight is about celebrating our accomplishments, being honest about our challenges, and most importantly, casting a shared vision for the future,” she said. That shared vision is the result of an extensive and inclusive strategic visioning process launched earlier this school year. Facilitated by the Schlechty Center, the process brought together more than 75 stakeholders through 15 engagement sessions, drawing on input from students, staff, parents, alumni, and local business leaders.
The district’s newly articulated vision—“Independence Local Schools will cultivate a legacy of excellence by empowering students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a supportive and innovative environment”—is rooted in a set of belief statements that prioritize student voice, purposeful decision-making, and the power of community partnership. Cogan emphasized that these beliefs are not theoretical—they guide every initiative, improvement, and daily decision in the district.
Academic Highlights and Student Achievement
Academic excellence took center stage as Cogan reviewed key performance indicators that illustrate the district’s strong foundation. The Class of 2024 achieved a 95.2% four-year graduation rate. Students continue to excel in advanced academic opportunities, with 79 high schoolers enrolled in Advanced Placement courses and 66 earning college credit through College Credit Plus (CCP). Honors courses saw 82 students enrolled, and the district celebrated two National Merit Scholars and four recipients of the Ohio Governor’s Scholarship. The district’s average SAT score of 1086 is above both state and national averages, and two seniors earned the prestigious University of Cincinnati President’s Scholarship—an award given to only 20 students statewide.
Career readiness is also a growing strength. Thirty-seven juniors and seniors are currently enrolled in programs at the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, gaining hands-on experience and industry certifications in high-demand fields. In gifted education, 26% of students have been identified as gifted, and 22% currently receive services—an area the district plans to expand to ensure equitable access.
Cogan also spotlighted success in the arts, athletics, and leadership. At Independence High School, five students submitted portfolios in AP Art, and the performing arts program earned Dazzle Award nominations in both technical and performance categories. The school’s Vocal Ensemble achieved a Superior rating at the district level and an Excellent at the state level. Athletic programs continue to thrive, with the baseball team clinching the CVC Championship just the night before the address and the girls volleyball team capturing both conference and regional titles earlier in the year.
The spotlight extended to Independence Middle and Primary Schools, where students are engaging in hands-on, culturally inclusive experiences. The middle school recently launched a pilot partnership with the Cleveland Clinic and CVCC to expose students to medical careers. The district also earned Purple Star designation for its commitment to supporting military-connected families. At the primary level, the district celebrated vibrant student showcases including an art show, Right to Read Week, and a heartfelt Veterans Day assembly. These school-wide efforts reflect the district’s holistic approach to developing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Despite these many successes, Cogan addressed one area of growth: the “Progress” measure on the Ohio School Report Card. While the district earned a strong 4.5 out of 5 overall rating, with five stars in Achievement, Graduation Rate, Gap Closing, and Early Literacy, it received three stars in Progress, indicating that student growth did not meet district expectations. To address this, the district is implementing targeted interventions, strengthening Tier I instruction, increasing professional development for teachers, and using real-time data to make instructional decisions.
Facilities and Financial Outlook
Treasurer Jennifer Knapp detailed the district’s strategic approach to spending, noting that district expenses have increased at an average rate of 4.4% between FY21 and FY24—below the national inflation rate of 4.8%. Property taxes provide the bulk of the district’s funding, accounting for more than $12 million in FY25, or 60% of total revenue.
Knapp emphasized the importance of long-term financial planning and pointed to a cash balance policy adopted this year to ensure responsible taxation and fiscal management. The district also plans to refinance its high school bond in 2027, saving taxpayers an estimated $228,400. The district’s ability to deliver high-quality programming while maintaining financial discipline reflects its commitment to accountability and stewardship.
A major portion of the evening was devoted to facilities planning. Cogan presented a compelling case for facility modernization, citing a comprehensive assessment that identified significant infrastructure issues—including outdated HVAC systems, limited accessibility, and classrooms that lack the flexibility and technological integration necessary for modern instruction. The district is now exploring a bond issue that would fund the construction of a new PreK–8 building, as well as safety, accessibility, and efficiency upgrades throughout the district.
“This bond issue isn’t about luxury—it’s about equity, safety, opportunity, and pride,” Cogan said. “Our students show up every day ready to succeed. They deserve schools that match their potential.” Community feedback will play a crucial role in the planning process, with open houses and public forums scheduled in the coming months. Residents are encouraged to read the AVG facilities assessment that was conducted this past winter. “Our current spaces simply do not match the level of instruction we’re providing. This is about creating environments where students can truly thrive,” said Cogan.
Community Partnership and Forward Momentum
Throughout the address, both leaders reiterated the importance of community involvement. Future planning will include open houses, public forums, and input sessions to ensure that residents are active participants in shaping the next chapter of Independence education.
“Our schools are the heart of Independence,” said Cogan. “The achievements of our students are the result of shared commitment—from teachers, families, and this community. Let’s continue to dream big, plan smart, and do right by our students. Thank you for being our partners in this incredible journey.”
The community can watch the State of the Schools presentation on the district YouTube channel.
