FINANCE FOCUS | Understanding Our Schools. Understanding Our Finances.
Independence Local Schools continues to work with Cuyahoga County regarding the property tax overcollection affecting nine school districts following the 2024 property reappraisal.
Since our initial communication, the County's calculations have been revised. Independence Local Schools amount represents approximately 2% of the total amount.
What does this mean for homeowners?
The County's proposed correction would reduce future property tax rates over a two-year period.
Two-year adjustment: Approximately $16 per $100,000 of home value annually for two years.
These amounts are preliminary and subject to final calculations and approval.
While the District did not establish the tax rates that resulted in the overcollection, we fully support ensuring taxpayers are charged in accordance with Ohio law. We also recognize that residents who have sold their homes may have questions about whether they will benefit from future tax reductions. Questions regarding former homeowners, individual refunds, and interest should be directed to the County.
Our commitment remains to work collaboratively with Cuyahoga County, communicate openly with our residents, and responsibly manage the financial adjustments while continuing to support our students.
We appreciate our community's patience and will continue providing updates as information becomes available.
Independence Local Schools continues to work with Cuyahoga County regarding the property tax overcollection affecting nine school districts following the 2024 property reappraisal.
Since our initial communication, the County's calculations have been revised. Independence Local Schools amount represents approximately 2% of the total amount.
What does this mean for homeowners?
The County's proposed correction would reduce future property tax rates over a two-year period.
Two-year adjustment: Approximately $16 per $100,000 of home value annually for two years.
These amounts are preliminary and subject to final calculations and approval.
While the District did not establish the tax rates that resulted in the overcollection, we fully support ensuring taxpayers are charged in accordance with Ohio law. We also recognize that residents who have sold their homes may have questions about whether they will benefit from future tax reductions. Questions regarding former homeowners, individual refunds, and interest should be directed to the County.
Our commitment remains to work collaboratively with Cuyahoga County, communicate openly with our residents, and responsibly manage the financial adjustments while continuing to support our students.
We appreciate our community's patience and will continue providing updates as information becomes available.
Something sweet is baking at Independence High School today! Students in Foods 101 classes rolled up their sleeves to make homemade cinnamon rolls! From preparing the dough to creating a delicious finished product, students put their kitchen skills to work with a tasty reward at the end!
The holiday spirit is baking at Independence Middle School! Eighth graders in Mrs. Whitacre’s foods class are getting into the holiday season by making gingerbread people! Students are putting their culinary skills and creativity to work while enjoying a sweet start to the holidays!
Today, Independence Local Schools proudly honors the brave men and women who have served our nation in the United States Armed Forces. We are grateful for their courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to protecting the freedoms we enjoy each day.
To all veterans, especially those in our Independence school community, thank you for your service and dedication to our country.
Happy Veterans Day!
To all veterans, especially those in our Independence school community, thank you for your service and dedication to our country.
Happy Veterans Day!
Thank you, Independence residents. We appreciate your support of the Permanent Improvement Levy renewal and your continued investment in our schools. https://conta.cc/4jSLHgp
Happy Halloween from Central Office!
🎃☕ Brewing up some Halloween fun at Independence Primary School! Our teachers traded their classrooms for coffee shops and transformed into Starbucks baristas for Halloween! From pumpkin spice lattes to iced coffees, this crew is serving up smiles, laughter and a whole latte fun! Happy Halloween from your favorite IPS baristas!
Happy Halloween from the Foods 101 class at Independence High School!
Today’s question: Why should residents understand school finance?
FINANCE FOCUS | Understanding Our Schools. Understanding Our Finances.
Dear Independence Community,
Our District appreciates the significant investment our community makes into our schools and understanding how those resources are managed is essential. That is why we are introducing Independence Local Schools' Finance Focus, communications designed to make school finance easier to understand.
Approximately every two weeks, we will explore one topic related to school funding, property taxes, district expenditures, financial planning, or accountability. Our goal is simple: provide accurate, understandable information so all residents can better understand how Independence Local Schools are funded and how we manage the financial resources entrusted to us. You do not need an accounting background to follow along. We will explain financial terminology, answer common questions, and provide real examples from our district.
Property tax bills and school budgets can raise challenging questions. We will address those questions directly: what determines a tax bill, what the state determines, what Independence can control, and how our decisions show up in public financial reports.
Have a question? Please submit it to jknapp@independence.k12.oh.us. We welcome topics you would like to learn more about. Your questions will help shape future editions.
Thank you for your continued interest in and support of Independence Local Schools.
Jennifer Knapp
Treasurer/CFO, Independence Local Schools
FINANCE FOCUS | Understanding Our Schools. Understanding Our Finances.
Dear Independence Community,
Our District appreciates the significant investment our community makes into our schools and understanding how those resources are managed is essential. That is why we are introducing Independence Local Schools' Finance Focus, communications designed to make school finance easier to understand.
Approximately every two weeks, we will explore one topic related to school funding, property taxes, district expenditures, financial planning, or accountability. Our goal is simple: provide accurate, understandable information so all residents can better understand how Independence Local Schools are funded and how we manage the financial resources entrusted to us. You do not need an accounting background to follow along. We will explain financial terminology, answer common questions, and provide real examples from our district.
Property tax bills and school budgets can raise challenging questions. We will address those questions directly: what determines a tax bill, what the state determines, what Independence can control, and how our decisions show up in public financial reports.
Have a question? Please submit it to jknapp@independence.k12.oh.us. We welcome topics you would like to learn more about. Your questions will help shape future editions.
Thank you for your continued interest in and support of Independence Local Schools.
Jennifer Knapp
Treasurer/CFO, Independence Local Schools
Stronger together!💛💙 Following this morning’s districtwide safety drill, school administrators, city leaders, police, & fire came together to debrief & reflect. Grateful for the incredible partnerships that help keep our students, staff, & community safe! #IndependenceProud
Independence Local Schools has a 1.25-mill, five-year Permanent Improvement (PI) levy renewal on the November 3, 2026, ballot.
The district’s existing permanent improvement funding is used for capital needs, including building improvements, buses and technology.
These funds cannot be used for day-to-day operating expenses, such as salaries and benefits.
The renewal is separate from the district's long-term facilities planning process and would not increase taxes for property owners.
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/article/3040016
The district’s existing permanent improvement funding is used for capital needs, including building improvements, buses and technology.
These funds cannot be used for day-to-day operating expenses, such as salaries and benefits.
The renewal is separate from the district's long-term facilities planning process and would not increase taxes for property owners.
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/article/3040016
In the fall IQ, we shared recent facility improvements with our community. These projects were funded primarily through the district's Permanent Improvement Fund to protect community assets and support daily learning environment needs.
Our resident educator group of mentors and mentees met with Technology Integration Specialist Melissa Garcar today. Always learning, always growing!
Independence High School Students Explore Leadership and Career Opportunities at Kent State University
Eight Independence High School students participated in a Leadership and Career Exploration Day at Kent State University on October 20, 2026, through the Chagrin Valley Conference (CVC).
Accompanied by Independence Local Schools Athletic Director Danny Zillich, students Jakob Dabrowski, Kameron Grendel, Rachel Mack, Jeremy Jacob, Owen Malone, Claire Exl, Isabella Patacca and Avery Bechlem joined peers from other CVC schools for a day focused on leadership development, college readiness and career exploration.
Throughout the day, students had opportunities to interact with current Kent State students, hear from coaches and experience a college campus firsthand. The experience also introduced students to potential college majors and career pathways, including opportunities in athletics and sports administration.
Students shared that they particularly enjoyed conversations with Kent State students, hearing from college coaches and exploring the campus.
Beyond career exploration, the event encouraged students to develop leadership skills they can bring back to their schools and communities. It also provided opportunities to connect with students from other CVC schools and build relationships beyond their home districts.
The experience was part of a broader CVC initiative to support student leadership and career readiness while strengthening partnerships with Kent State University. Organizers hope to make the Leadership and Career Exploration Day an annual opportunity for students throughout the conference.
Eight Independence High School students participated in a Leadership and Career Exploration Day at Kent State University on October 20, 2026, through the Chagrin Valley Conference (CVC).
Accompanied by Independence Local Schools Athletic Director Danny Zillich, students Jakob Dabrowski, Kameron Grendel, Rachel Mack, Jeremy Jacob, Owen Malone, Claire Exl, Isabella Patacca and Avery Bechlem joined peers from other CVC schools for a day focused on leadership development, college readiness and career exploration.
Throughout the day, students had opportunities to interact with current Kent State students, hear from coaches and experience a college campus firsthand. The experience also introduced students to potential college majors and career pathways, including opportunities in athletics and sports administration.
Students shared that they particularly enjoyed conversations with Kent State students, hearing from college coaches and exploring the campus.
Beyond career exploration, the event encouraged students to develop leadership skills they can bring back to their schools and communities. It also provided opportunities to connect with students from other CVC schools and build relationships beyond their home districts.
The experience was part of a broader CVC initiative to support student leadership and career readiness while strengthening partnerships with Kent State University. Organizers hope to make the Leadership and Career Exploration Day an annual opportunity for students throughout the conference.
Our new Independence Local Schools educators came together today for a morning of learning, connection and reflection!
The New Educator Check-In began with a presentation on food allergies by Mike Suhay of the Allison Rose Foundation. The group then headed to Independence City Hall for breakfast with Mayor Kurtz and city leaders.
The morning concluded with an opportunity for our newest staff members to share their successes, ask questions and reflect on their experiences so far this school year.
Thank you to the Allison Rose Foundation, Mayor Kurtz and our city leaders for supporting our educators. We are grateful to have these dedicated professionals as part of the Independence Local Schools family!
The New Educator Check-In began with a presentation on food allergies by Mike Suhay of the Allison Rose Foundation. The group then headed to Independence City Hall for breakfast with Mayor Kurtz and city leaders.
The morning concluded with an opportunity for our newest staff members to share their successes, ask questions and reflect on their experiences so far this school year.
Thank you to the Allison Rose Foundation, Mayor Kurtz and our city leaders for supporting our educators. We are grateful to have these dedicated professionals as part of the Independence Local Schools family!
Michele Crum, Gifted Coordinator & Gifted Intervention Specialist for our district, presented to a standing-room-only audience at a recent gifted education conference.
Her session, “Smart Isn’t Simple: Reframing and Serving the Diverse Gifted Learner,” challenged the traditional high-achiever stereotype and explored the diverse needs of gifted students.
Michele shared practical classroom strategies, AI-driven tools to expand learning opportunities, and ways to better support neurodiverse learners. She also discussed how educators can effectively communicate students’ unique strengths to colleagues and families.
We are proud to see Independence High School senior Carmen Chen featured by Playhouse Square!
Carmen was named the 2026 Spirit of the Dazzle Awards recipient, becoming the first Technical Apprentice to receive this honor. The award recognizes a student who exemplifies camaraderie, passion and a positive attitude throughout rehearsal week.
In this special Q&A, Carmen shares her love of theater, her passion for stage management and how the performing arts have helped her find a sense of belonging.
Congratulations, Carmen! We are proud of you!
Read her inspiring story: https://www.playhousesquare.org/news/detail/q-a-with-the-spirit-of-the-dazzle-awards-recipient
Carmen was named the 2026 Spirit of the Dazzle Awards recipient, becoming the first Technical Apprentice to receive this honor. The award recognizes a student who exemplifies camaraderie, passion and a positive attitude throughout rehearsal week.
In this special Q&A, Carmen shares her love of theater, her passion for stage management and how the performing arts have helped her find a sense of belonging.
Congratulations, Carmen! We are proud of you!
Read her inspiring story: https://www.playhousesquare.org/news/detail/q-a-with-the-spirit-of-the-dazzle-awards-recipient
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Tomorrow morning, Wednesday, October 21, we will be conducting our mandatory school bus evacuation drills.
Middle School: Drills will take place at the Middle School for Middle School and St. Michael students.
Primary School: Drills will take place at the Primary School for Primary School students.
Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather, as the drills will take place outdoors.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued support as we prioritize the safety of our students!
Our seventh-grade scientists are making learning visible! Students are exploring how air moves through hands-on experiments using smoke to “color the air.” By observing the movement of smoke, students can see air currents in action and better understand how air flows and moves through our atmosphere. What a fun way to bring science to life!
Election Reminder: November 3, 2026
Independence Local Schools has a 1.25-mill, five-year Permanent Improvement (PI) levy renewal on the November 3, 2026, ballot.
Permanent improvement funds generate approximately $700,000 annually for facility improvements, transportation and technology throughout the district.
The renewal is separate from the district's long-term facilities planning process and would not increase taxes for property owners.
The levy was last renewed by voters in November 2021.
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/article/3040016
Independence Local Schools has a 1.25-mill, five-year Permanent Improvement (PI) levy renewal on the November 3, 2026, ballot.
Permanent improvement funds generate approximately $700,000 annually for facility improvements, transportation and technology throughout the district.
The renewal is separate from the district's long-term facilities planning process and would not increase taxes for property owners.
The levy was last renewed by voters in November 2021.
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/article/3040016