Independence Local Schools appointed Jennifer Knapp as the district's new treasurer, following the approval of her contract by the Board of Education at their meeting on March 19. Knapp, who currently serves as the treasurer for Buckeye Schools in Medina since 2017, will replace Eric Koehler upon his retirement at the end of July.
In her new role as treasurer of Independence Local Schools, Knapp will oversee all fiscal affairs for the district. Her responsibilities will include appropriations and certificate of resources, compiling and submitting the annual comprehensive financial report, and preparing financial reporting documents for various audiences. Knapp will also serve as the district liaison with third-party administrators for health insurance, unemployment, and workers' compensation.
Knapp brings extensive fiscal leadership experience to Independence. Prior to serving as treasurer of Buckeye Local Schools for seven years, she was the assistant treasurer at Nordonia Hills City Schools for two years. She has a thorough understanding of licensure and required certifications, along with employment contract issuance. Knapp also has an advanced understanding of employment law, a comprehensive grasp of accounts payables, accounts receivables, and payroll, and experience in employee training and development. Additionally, she has participated in bond issue campaigns.
Knapp is a multi-year recipient of the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting from GFOA, the Ohio Auditor of State Award with Distinction, and has maintained a favorable rating (Aa3) from Moody's Investors Service. She has also increased transparency by utilizing webpages for financial documents.
"Mrs. Knapp's extensive experience in five-year forecasting, appropriations, collective bargaining, and cash flow management, as well as her ability to collaborate with external agencies and internal leadership to ensure fiscal resources will support the academic excellence our community has come to expect, will make her a dedicated partner to our district's leadership team," said Board President Anthony Avila.
Knapp holds a Master's of Business Administration from Ashland University and a Treasurer's License from the Ohio Department of Education. She received her Senior Professional of Human Resource Management designation in 2013 and serves on the Board of Directors of the Northeast Ohio Network for Education Technology (NEONET). Knapp is an active member of various professional organizations, including the national and state Government Finance Officers Association, Ohio School Boards Association, and the Ohio Association of School Business Officials.
“I am excited to become a member of the Independence Local Schools,” said Knapp. “Joining a community rich in tradition and excellence is an honor. I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve the students, staff and community, while ensuring the financial objectives are achieved.”
Knapp began her career in public education as a food service supervisor at Wadsworth City Schools and Black River Local Schools. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Akron in 1998.
Left to Right: Jennifer's father, Dan; son, Jason; Jennifer; husband, Mike
not pictured is Jennifer's son, Jake, who is at college