IHS will welcome Mr. Matt Faska as principal this fall. He replaces the current principal of three years, Mr. Mike Janatovich.
In a recent interview, Faska explained that he used to teach U.S. Government, AP European History, and social science electives such as African-American History, Cultural Geography, Sociology, and Psychology. He also coached multiple sports, highlighting his three-year role as the boys’ basketball coach. He moved from teacher to principal because he said he wanted to make a greater impact on the building and students as a whole. He said his own father was a principal for almost 20 years.
Faska grew up in Fairview Park and says he is happy to come to Independence, as most of his extended family resides in Northeast Ohio. He notes that he is excited for the opportunities a small school creates, explaining, “I love the small town community and the opportunity to get to know each and every student more than just their name. I have always worked in a large high school setting and I am looking forward to coming to a smaller school.”
His previous employment was as assistant principal at Hilliard Davidson High School with a 2,000 person student body, much larger than Independence’s 300. Faska says he wants to hear the voices of the students, aspiring to form a “Principal Student Advisory Council” to further his understanding of the student body.
He remarks that he is most excited to meet the students and get to know them individually. “This will take some time, but it will be a daily goal of mine to be in every single classroom at some point getting to know our building and most importantly, the students and teachers in them. Please give me some grace as I am coming in new to Independence, but just know that I truly have your best interests in mind,” he explained.
Faska shares, “I would describe my style as both servant leadership as well as shared/distributed leadership. First and foremost, I will always serve others first and make sacrifices for the betterment of the group which is always our students first. My mindset is that our students come first no matter what and that goes into every decision that I make as a principal.”
He added that he hopes to give the staff as much help as they need to make their classroom a supportive place of learning.
Faska said he views Independence as one of the best schools in the area, and is highly interested in knowing the magic behind it. Faska emphasized that he hopes, “every single student will feel great pride in being a Blue Devil and will also have their voice heard.”
