The Independence Local Schools Board of Education approved a Resolution of Necessity at its December 17 meeting to place a school facilities funding issue on the May 5, 2026, Primary Election ballot, focused on the construction of a new PreK–8 school building.
The proposed project would replace the district’s aging elementary and middle school facilities with a single, modernized PreK–8 school designed to serve approximately 800 students. The building would be located on the district campus across from Independence High School and connected via a secure interior corridor, allowing for shared resources and efficient operations.
The resolution follows a comprehensive third-party facilities assessment, which concluded that constructing a new PreK–8 school is the most financially responsible long-term option. Renovating the existing primary school (built in 1956) and middle school (built in 1961) would cost approximately $63 million, while constructing a new building is estimated at $59.5 million.
The proposed funding plan uses two tools that work together to support school building and facility improvements while spreading costs more fairly across the community. The first is a small property tax, known as a bond issue, which is used specifically to fund construction and long-term facility needs. All property owners contribute, and the impact is modest; however, this contribution continues for the full life of the bond, which is anticipated to be 30 years, much like a long-term mortgage for the school district.
The second tool is a school district income tax that applies only to the earned income of Independence residents—meaning income from work. This tax is automatically withheld from a paycheck and spread across an individual’s number of pay periods each year, rather than being paid in a single lump sum. Importantly, this tax is finite and situational: it only applies while someone is actively working and earning income. As residents retire, stop working, or transition out of the workforce, the tax naturally ends for them. The tax does not apply to retirement income, Social Security, pensions, or income from interest, dividends, or investments. As a result, an earned-income-only tax helps keep costs lower for seniors and other residents living on fixed incomes.
The proposed funding plan would combine a 0.75-mill bond issue with a 1.00% school district income tax. The district is developing a calculator to estimate each individual’s cost, which will be available on our website in the next few weeks.
At the December 16 Board of Education meeting, representatives from Garmann Miller, the district’s master facilities planning partner, presented initial design concepts, cost estimates, and potential funding options for a new PreK–8 school building. Beginning in January, the district will host community meetings to share these concepts and gather feedback from residents.
The proposed PreK–8 building would total 125,530 square feet. This size reflects a collaborative programming and planning process involving district staff, administrators, and leadership to ensure the building is appropriately sized to meet today’s instructional, safety, and student-support needs.
During this process, teachers and staff discussed the project during a November professional development day, while the district’s Key Communicators Committee reviewed early plans and provided input during two meetings so far this school year. In addition, a community focus group was recently held to gather resident perspectives on the design and vision.
Student voices have also played an important role. Members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee shared ideas on flexible learning spaces, collaboration, and hands-on, real-world learning experiences. District leaders noted that this feedback is helping shape the vision for a modern and connected PreK–8 learning environment.
“This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a safe, inspiring, and future-ready school that reflects Independence Local Schools’ commitment to excellence and long-term planning,” said Superintendent Kelli Cogan.
Check back to this webpage for information and resources to educate yourself on this project.