Superintendent's Message

Indian Lake Community, 

2022-23 was an excellent year of learning, growth, and accomplishment! Students again performed well on state assessments while scoring above the state average in every tested area and graduation rates continue to exceed 96%. Our athletic teams experienced historical success garnering league titles in girls cross country, boys basketball, baseball, and softball. Additionally, the e-sports team competed at state, girls bowling team finished 6th in the state, and the softball team was state runner up! Numerous athletes earned conference, district, and all-state awards while our music programs and various clubs continued to excel.

We will strive to continue the momentum during the 23-24 school year. Our residents understand that providing a well-rounded education is the cornerstone of a great community and we greatly appreciate your support in this endeavor. With nearly 75% of the teaching staff holding a master’s degree or higher, the district is committed to offering an exceptional learning experience that goes beyond test scores alone. Supporting the growth of the whole child through the development of foundational knowledge and skills, well-rounded content, leadership and reasoning, and social-emotional learning is at the core of the ILS approach. The Indian Lake community offers a unique blend of tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and rural life while still being a close drive to larger city attractions. Therefore, the school district strives to emulate the uniqueness of the community as we prepare students for the future. All students have a Chromebook computer and teachers are equipped with a variety of cutting-edge technological tools. ILS offers a variety of classes beyond the basics including college credit plus, an agribusiness and business satellite program through Ohio Hi Point Career Center, college and career readiness, graphic design, CAD (computer animated design), robotics, traditional shop classes, welding, and family and consumer sciences. ILS even provides before and after school clubs for students in grades 5-12 that include: math and reading tutoring, welding and carpentry, art club, science club, robotics, wellness activities, parent engagement, a wetlands project, and more. The blend of academic courses, student supports, clubs, and extracurricular opportunities is uncommon in a small rural school. 

The “Lake Effect” is at the foundation of everything we do at Indian Lake. Our goal is to create a culture where there is a positive “effect” on every student, staff member, community member, and visitor at Indian Lake Schools. Therefore, the district continues its R-Factor program that teaches children and adults discipline-driven behavior to respond appropriately to events resulting in the positive outcome they desire (E+R=O). This enables us all to be the best version of ourselves and enables us to support the growth of the whole child through the human development process. Thanks to a partnership with Community Health and Wellness Partners, we have a school based health clinic to serve both the physical and mental needs of our students. An agreement with Washington Township Police Department provides a school resource officer and recent facility improvements including a campus door lock system, upgraded surveillance cameras, and air conditioning at the high school combine to create a safe and conducive learning environment. 

ILS gets strong results at a good value to our taxpayers and the financial future is solid. Despite several years of flat funding and while receiving far less money from the state than any school in our area, Indian Lake has been good stewards of taxpayer money and has not asked for an increase in approximately 10 years. The building bonds will gradually be reduced and completely paid off by 2033. Thanks to a long-term master plan, the Board of Education has consistently maintained the facilities so that they will serve the community well into the future. The ILS staff is honored to serve our students and we appreciate your collaboration and support.


Best,

Rob Underwood