Hello, Independence community. I’m Superintendent Kelli Cogan, and thank you for joining me for our February In the Know update.
Over the past few months, we’ve been actively engaging our community in conversations about the proposed new PreK–8 school building on the May ballot. We’ve met with support organizations, City Council, residents at a community meeting at Independence Middle School, senior citizens, Key Communicators, and even enjoyed coffee at Sweet P’s with community members interested in learning more.
There are additional opportunities to connect, including a community meeting at Independence Primary School on Tuesday, February 24, at 7 p.m. You and your family can also join me on Wednesday, March 11, at The Declaration Tavern for pizza and conversation.
If you’re unable to attend an in-person meeting, I encourage you to visit our district website and explore the Future Facilities Planning page. You’ll find a comprehensive Q&A section, site renderings, presentation slides, and a feedback form where you can submit questions directly to us.
One especially helpful feature is our Tax Calculator, thoughtfully designed by one of our residents. It allows you to enter your earned income and home market value to estimate the annual cost associated with funding the new PreK–8 building. You can also learn more by visiting our YouTube playlist, which includes several videos explaining different aspects of the project.
A modern PreK–8 building is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s an investment in our community’s future. It supports hands-on learning, STEM, the arts, literacy, special education, mental health services, and student collaboration. It ensures safety, accessibility, and efficiency, and reflects the high expectations we hold for our students and staff.
I’d also like to highlight our new Independence Alumni Legacy Series, Rooted in Excellence. We’ve already featured several alumni, and you can read their stories on our district website homepage. If you know an alumnus who would make a great feature, please email your suggestion to news@independence.k12.oh.us.
And be sure to follow Independence Local School District on LinkedIn. Our new page is a great way to stay connected with district news, student and staff highlights, alumni spotlights, career opportunities, and stories that show how we continue to Cultivate a Legacy of Excellence.
Don’t forget to attend the City of Independence’s 2nd Annual Community Expo on Saturday, February 28, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Independence Middle School. This event brings together local businesses, city services, schools, and residents to celebrate what makes Independence such a great place to live, work, and learn. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support local businesses, connect with neighbors, and see our students showcase their talents.
Finally, thank you for your flexibility, patience, and partnership during what has been a particularly challenging winter season. We deeply appreciate the grace our families have shown as we balance keeping schools open with ensuring safety. I’d also like to extend a sincere thank-you to our maintenance and grounds crews for their tireless efforts—often in the early morning hours—to plow, salt, and maintain our school grounds. Their dedication does not go unnoticed.
As we move through the remainder of the school year, I want to thank you for staying engaged and informed about the work happening across our district. Your involvement, questions, and feedback help strengthen our schools and our community. Together, we remain focused on providing safe, supportive, and high-quality learning experiences for every student, and I look forward to the continued conversations and progress ahead.