Independence Local Schools announced the appointment of Natalie Fior Matthews as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessments at the April 15 Board of Education meeting. Matthews brings with her more than two decades of educational experience and leadership across diverse school communities.
Matthews began her career in education in Pennsylvania, where she spent eight years as a dedicated educator in both special education and general education classrooms at the elementary and middle school levels. Her commitment to student success and instructional excellence led her to pursue leadership roles, including principalships in Derry Area School District (PA), Wellington Exempted Village Schools, and Avon Lake City Schools.
During her time in Avon Lake, Matthews served as the district's Director of Curriculum, and for the past six years, she has excelled as the Associate Superintendent of Academic Services. In this role, she has led transformative initiatives, including district-wide curriculum adoptions, MTSS Programming, strategic staff consolidations, and the successful implementation of the Science of Reading instructional practices. Under her leadership, all five elementary buildings in Elyria City Schools recently received the prestigious Governor’s Award for the Science of Reading—a testament to her innovative vision and unwavering focus on literacy and achievement.
“Natalie brings a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of curriculum and instruction, and an unwavering commitment to student success,” said Superintendent Kelli Cogan. “We are thrilled to welcome her to Independence Local Schools and are confident she will be a driving force in advancing our mission to empower every learner and cultivate a legacy of excellence.”
Throughout her career, Matthews has led in urban, rural, and suburban districts, giving her a broad perspective and adaptive leadership style. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with dual certification in Special Education and Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Education from Seton Hill University. She earned her Superintendent’s License from Ashland University. Matthews is a member of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA) and a participant in the Women in Leadership network.
Matthews and her husband, Michael, reside in the Avon community with their daughter, Lillianna, who is currently a high school freshman.