Michael Janatovich was hired as the new Independence High School principal at the June 29, 2023, Board of Education meeting.
Janatovich previously was the principal of Chagrin Falls High School. Prior to that, he was the principal of Cuyahoga Heights Middle and High School, the assistant principal at Harmon Middle School at Aurora City Schools, and the assistant principal, athletic director, and middle school science teacher at Cuyahoga Heights Schools.
At Chagrin Falls, Janatovich led the high-quality learning experiences inquiry group for the district’s new strategic plan. He supported the students’ and teachers’ needs, revamped student transition to high school through planning meetings, parent nights and support programs, as well as engaged stakeholders with monthly PTO meetings.
In his time at Cuyahoga Heights, he developed and implemented a multi-tiered system of support that has positively impacted all students in a variety of aspects including academic success, end of course remediation, social-emotional needs, and other needs based on individual learners. He also implemented a teacher leadership collaborative to grow teacher leadership, was involved in the district’s strategic planning process, created a positive working culture for staff and students, and developed a master schedule which included 14 AP classes and flexible options for students. He also was named president of the Chagrin Valley Conference.
Janatovich received his Bachelor of Science from Baldwin Wallace College in middle childhood education and a Masters of Science from Indiana Wesleyan University in curriculum and instruction. He received his principal licensure from Baldwin Wallace and superintendent and educational leadership licensure from The University of Findlay. He is expected to receive his Doctorate of Education from The University of Findlay in 2024. He has presented at numerous local, state and national conferences. He also is a member of several professional education organizations.
“Mike has an excellent reputation of school leadership in very accomplished districts,” said Superintendent Ben Hegedish, Independence Local Schools. “He came into Independence and just connected…connected with staff, students, parents and community members. I got a chance to see him interacting with our students through the interview process and his compassion and authenticity are two of the qualities that stood out the most to me. His understanding of small school communities and wanting to become embedded in that school community are some of the things we are most excited about with the hiring of Mike.”
“I am truly excited to be here,” said Janatovich. “Throughout the interview process, I had the opportunity to meet so many staff, students and residents, and along the way, knew that Independence was a special place…a place that cares about the community, the children, and shows support for the schools and staff. This is a place I want to be and where my family wants to be. They love coming to games and events, and living so close, are able to do that. It’s such a wonderful community and I can’t wait to fully emerge into the district and continue to do the great things you already do and provide new and innovative opportunities for the students of Independence High School.”
Janatovich resides in Broadview Heights with his wife, Christina, and Abigail (sixth grade) and Gavin (fourth grade).
