The Independence Board of Education has selected Kelli Cogan as the next superintendent of Independence Local Schools. Cogan succeeds Ben Hegedish, who left the district at the end of March for a job in the private sector. Her three-year contract begins August 1.
Cogan comes to Independence from Olmsted Falls School District where she has served as assistant superintendent since August 2013. Before coming to Olmsted Falls, Cogan served as principal of Troy Intermediate School in Avon Lake, where she also served as a district curriculum coordinator. Along with her role as a building principal, her other responsibilities have included coordinating gifted services, leading professional development, and orchestrating curriculum alignment and mapping. Prior to her work in Avon Lake, Cogan was a middle school and elementary school principal in Cleveland Heights-University Heights, an assistant principal for Twinsburg City Schools, and a teacher in Cleveland Heights-University Heights.
As assistant superintendent for Olmsted Falls School District, Cogan was responsible for the development and implementation of all instructional programs for the district. She worked collaboratively with administrators and staff to ensure the alignment of curriculum, instruction and assessment to maximize achievement and growth for all students. This included the coordination of professional development for all certificated staff. She also worked with the instructional staff to develop measures to determine whether or not students are making progress in their learning and assisted in creating academic supports to those who are struggling. Further, Cogan worked with educators to assist in the creation of extension opportunities to those students who are ready for more advanced learning concepts.
"I am tremendously honored and thrilled to join the exceptional team at Independence Local Schools,” said Cogan. “The district's reputation for excellence precedes it, and I am genuinely excited to contribute to its continued success. I am excited for the opportunity to lead such an amazing district, and I can't wait to begin working alongside the dedicated staff, supportive community, and outstanding students to ensure every child receives the highest quality education possible."
The search was completed by Finding Leaders and included 30 applicants. There were 10 semi finalists interviewed by the board.
“After a comprehensive interview process which included community and staff input, with multiple rounds and layers of applicant screenings, Independence Local Schools is excited to welcome Kelli Cogan as our next superintendent,” said Board President Anthony Avila. “Her extensive experience in K-12 curriculum standards and demonstrated leadership as an assistant superintendent and a career in education, set her apart, and uniquely qualified her as a perfect fit not just for our district but also for the Independence community.”
Cogan received her superintendent license from Cleveland State University, her Masters in Administration/Supervision from John Carroll University, and her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University.
Cogan is a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar and a Harvard EXCEL project participant. In addition, she was part of a Cleveland State University Lecture Series for First Ring Schools’ leaders through the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio. Cogan also was part of the Ohio Race to the Top Transformation Team and a $250,000 Ohio Department of Education grant.
Cogan is president of the Ohio Middle Level Association. She has presented at numerous education conferences, including:
• OAESA Conference
• Ohio Schools That Work Conference
• Ohio Middle Level Association Conferences
• RttT Annual Conference
• Ohio School Boards Conference
• EdLeader21 National and Local Conferences
• Schlechty Regional Conferences.
Cogan lives in Rocky River with her husband, Chris, and their two children Christopher (21) and Michaela (19). Also in the photo are Cogan's parents.
