Thank you for your continued flexibility, patience, and partnership as we work through what has been a particularly challenging winter season so far. We truly appreciate the grace and understanding our families have shown as we balance keeping schools open while ensuring the safety of our students and staff.
As temperatures remain cold, please expect that some sidewalks and side streets may continue to be snow-covered and icy. We ask families to use extra caution during morning and afternoon routines.
For families whose children use Independence Local Schools transportation: if your child’s bus stop is snow-covered or icy, please remind them not to walk or stand in the street. Students should wait at the nearest safe location—such as a cleared sidewalk or driveway closest to the bus stop. Our drivers have been instructed to pick students up and drop them off at these safe locations as needed. While there may be slight delays, we do not anticipate them to be more than a few minutes.
We have also been made aware of a water main break on Hillside Road. Cleveland Water is currently on scene working to resolve the issue. At this time, Hillside Road is closed between Independence Primary School (IPS) and Canal Road. Our Transportation Office has already contacted families in the affected area to make alternative pick-up and drop-off arrangements for those students.
Finally, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to our maintenance and grounds crews. Their tireless efforts to plow, salt, and maintain sidewalks, parking lots, and school grounds—often in the early morning hours—do not go unnoticed. We are incredibly grateful for their hard work and dedication to keeping our schools as safe and accessible as possible.
Once again, thank you for your patience and support. Please continue to stay safe and warm.
With appreciation,
Kelli Cogan
Superintendent