Independence Local Schools has spent the past year focused on strengthening internal systems, improving staff support structures, and advancing long-term operational planning across the district.
At the State of the Schools address on March 31, Director of Human Resources and Business Operations TJ Ebert outlined a wide range of progress in human resources, facilities management, safety, and capital planning, emphasizing a districtwide approach centered on building systems, strengthening talent, and supporting staff.
A key area of focus has been improving human resources processes to better support employees from the moment they join the district. This includes the development of a structured onboarding process designed to create a more consistent and supportive experience for new staff members.
The district has also created an induction program and implemented quarterly check-ins for new employees. These efforts include structured meetings with the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and the district’s Technology Integration Specialist. Together, these supports are designed to improve communication, increase retention, and ensure staff feel supported throughout their early years in the district.
Hiring practices were also reviewed and refined this year, with an emphasis on improving consistency, communication, and efficiency throughout the recruitment process. As part of that work, district leaders incorporated structured screening tools focused on decision-making, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, and adaptability to better align candidates with district needs and values.
In addition to recruitment and onboarding improvements, the district has strengthened compliance systems and communication related to employee leave processes, including FMLA tracking and documentation, to ensure greater consistency and legal compliance.
Operational improvements extended beyond human resources into facilities and maintenance systems across the district. Weekly custodial meetings were established with head custodians to improve communication and responsiveness related to building needs, supplies, and day-to-day maintenance concerns.
Regarding the care of the district’s facilities, the focus was on preventive maintenance and long-term planning. Projects completed or underway this year include high school roof maintenance planning to extend the building's life, generator repairs to support food service and technology systems, ongoing HVAC and electrical work, tree removals to address safety concerns, and the completion of the new middle school wrestling room.
Additional efforts included a multi-phase chemical disposal project at the high school and ongoing planning for asphalt and concrete improvements across all buildings. District teams are also reviewing roofing systems and identifying long-term infrastructure priorities.
Safety and compliance have remained central to district operations. This year’s work included developing cybersecurity policies aligned with state requirements, coordinating districtwide safety tabletop exercises, and continuing attention to infrastructure risks, such as water main and gas line issues.
“These systems are not always visible in day-to-day school life, but they are essential to ensuring safe, secure, and well-maintained learning environments,” said Ebert.
The district also made targeted investments in transportation, maintenance, and facility upgrades, including buses, HVAC systems, electrical work, roofing improvements, security systems, and auditorium enhancements.
Looking ahead, Independence Local Schools is planning for several major capital projects, including district-wide asphalt and concrete work scheduled for summer 2026, replacement of key equipment such as vehicles and copiers, and long-term infrastructure priorities, including track resurfacing and turf replacement.
District leadership emphasized a multi-year planning approach that prioritizes urgent needs while building a sustainable foundation for the future.
“Our focus continues to be on responsible stewardship of resources, strong systems that support staff, and facilities that provide safe, high-quality environments for students,” said Ebert.