In Design Technology, students in grades 3 and 4 had the opportunity to exercise student voice and choice by participating in a hands-on engineering project that interested them. Many students chose to collaborate on this large K’NEX roller coaster, working together over time to follow the design and bring it to life piece by piece.
A night to remember for Independence High School students at Prom 2026! ✨
Students celebrated prom on May 8 at The Aviator Cleveland with Armando Romano and Sophia Pichert crowned Prom King and Queen. 💙💛
Dear Independence Community,
Last evening’s election results regarding the bond issue and earned income tax levy were not what we had hoped for. While we are disappointed in the outcome, we want to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to everyone who took the time to learn about the issues, ask questions, and engage in thoughtful dialogue about the future of our schools.
We also want to recognize and thank our staff, students, families, and community members who supported this process over the past several months. The conversations, ideas, and shared commitment to our students have been both meaningful and important.
Our needs as a district remain unchanged. Our facilities continue to age, and our responsibility to provide safe, modern, and effective learning environments for our students remains central to our work.
What matters most is that Independence Local Schools continue to be defined not by a single election result, but by what happens every day in our classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, buses, offices, athletic fields, and performance spaces. It is the relationships we build, the learning that takes place, and the care our staff shows that truly define who we are as a district.
Moving forward, we are committed to taking time to reflect, listen, and gather additional feedback from our community. Your voice is essential in shaping what comes next. We want to better understand our community's priorities, concerns, and the solutions it would support as we plan for the future.
At this time, we anticipate returning to the ballot in November. Between now and then, we will continue to engage openly and transparently with our community as we refine our approach and explore next steps together.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership, your honest feedback, and your belief in Independence Local Schools. We remain committed to serving our students and working together to build a strong, sustainable future, as we continue to cultivate a legacy of excellence.
Kelli Cogan
Superintendent
Last evening’s election results regarding the bond issue and earned income tax levy were not what we had hoped for. While we are disappointed in the outcome, we want to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to everyone who took the time to learn about the issues, ask questions, and engage in thoughtful dialogue about the future of our schools.
We also want to recognize and thank our staff, students, families, and community members who supported this process over the past several months. The conversations, ideas, and shared commitment to our students have been both meaningful and important.
Our needs as a district remain unchanged. Our facilities continue to age, and our responsibility to provide safe, modern, and effective learning environments for our students remains central to our work.
What matters most is that Independence Local Schools continue to be defined not by a single election result, but by what happens every day in our classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, buses, offices, athletic fields, and performance spaces. It is the relationships we build, the learning that takes place, and the care our staff shows that truly define who we are as a district.
Moving forward, we are committed to taking time to reflect, listen, and gather additional feedback from our community. Your voice is essential in shaping what comes next. We want to better understand our community's priorities, concerns, and the solutions it would support as we plan for the future.
At this time, we anticipate returning to the ballot in November. Between now and then, we will continue to engage openly and transparently with our community as we refine our approach and explore next steps together.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership, your honest feedback, and your belief in Independence Local Schools. We remain committed to serving our students and working together to build a strong, sustainable future, as we continue to cultivate a legacy of excellence.
Kelli Cogan
Superintendent
Happy Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week to the incredible individuals who make Independence Local Schools such a special place to learn and grow.
Every day, our teachers and staff go above and beyond to support, inspire, and care for our students. From the classroom to the cafeteria, the front office to the bus routes, your dedication makes a lasting difference in the lives of our Blue Devils.
This week and every week, we thank you for your passion, your patience, and your unwavering commitment to our students and community. We appreciate you more than words can express. 💙
Every day, our teachers and staff go above and beyond to support, inspire, and care for our students. From the classroom to the cafeteria, the front office to the bus routes, your dedication makes a lasting difference in the lives of our Blue Devils.
This week and every week, we thank you for your passion, your patience, and your unwavering commitment to our students and community. We appreciate you more than words can express. 💙
For those residents who were unable to attend yesterday's tours, we want to share a look inside Independence Middle School and highlight key areas of concern discussed during the visit:
Stop #1: Main Entrance & Security
Our current entrance does not include a secured vestibule, limiting our ability to properly screen and monitor visitors before they enter the building.
Stop #2: Cracks in Floors & Walls
Cracking throughout parts of the building, including areas built just 20 years ago, reflects the facility’s aging condition and may point to underlying structural concerns.
Stop #3: Windows & Classroom Spaces
Original single-pane windows from 1961 are still in use. They are inefficient, difficult to repair, and make it challenging to maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
Stop #4: Courtyard Pipe Issue
A cracked sanitary pipe beneath the courtyard and building requires ongoing maintenance every 5–6 months. Repairs would be costly and highly disruptive.
Stop #5: Home Economics Room
This classroom is outdated, with aging equipment and limited resources, reflecting the need for modern, functional learning spaces.
Stop #6: Gym Roof & Water Leaks
Active leaks in the gym have caused visible damage and raise concerns about long-term structural integrity and interior conditions.
Stop #7: Air Handling Units
Aging HVAC systems struggle to properly circulate air and bring in fresh air, impacting efficiency and overall indoor air quality.
These stops highlight ongoing challenges within the IMS facility. We are committed to keeping our community informed as we continue planning for the future of our schools.
More details: https://aptg.co/nxL_MQ
Stop #1: Main Entrance & Security
Our current entrance does not include a secured vestibule, limiting our ability to properly screen and monitor visitors before they enter the building.
Stop #2: Cracks in Floors & Walls
Cracking throughout parts of the building, including areas built just 20 years ago, reflects the facility’s aging condition and may point to underlying structural concerns.
Stop #3: Windows & Classroom Spaces
Original single-pane windows from 1961 are still in use. They are inefficient, difficult to repair, and make it challenging to maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
Stop #4: Courtyard Pipe Issue
A cracked sanitary pipe beneath the courtyard and building requires ongoing maintenance every 5–6 months. Repairs would be costly and highly disruptive.
Stop #5: Home Economics Room
This classroom is outdated, with aging equipment and limited resources, reflecting the need for modern, functional learning spaces.
Stop #6: Gym Roof & Water Leaks
Active leaks in the gym have caused visible damage and raise concerns about long-term structural integrity and interior conditions.
Stop #7: Air Handling Units
Aging HVAC systems struggle to properly circulate air and bring in fresh air, impacting efficiency and overall indoor air quality.
These stops highlight ongoing challenges within the IMS facility. We are committed to keeping our community informed as we continue planning for the future of our schools.
More details: https://aptg.co/nxL_MQ
For those residents who were unable to visit our buildings yesterday, we want to make sure you still have a clear picture of what we shared during the tours.
Below are key stops from the Independence Primary School Building Tour that highlight current challenges within the facility:
Stop #1: Main Entrance & Security
Our current entrance lacks a secured vestibule, which is now a standard safety feature in most schools. This limits our ability to properly monitor and control visitor access.
Stop #2: Roof Issues & Water Leaks
Ongoing leaks in areas like the main lobby and bathrooms are due to an aging, multi-layered roof system that can no longer be repaired. This creates risks to both the structure and interior spaces.
Stop #3: Library in a Hallway
Due to space limitations, library services are currently held in a hallway, with the librarian working from a small closet space. This reflects the lack of adequate learning environments for students.
Stop #4: Cracks in Floors & Walls
Visible cracking in the Design Technology area points to the building’s age and may indicate deeper structural concerns.
Stop #5: Electrical Limitations
Outdated electrical systems, limited outlets, and missing modern safety features make it difficult to support today’s technology and learning needs.
Stop #6: Kitchen Limitations
The absence of a walk-in refrigerator requires daily off-site food delivery, limiting efficiency and menu options while increasing costs.
These tour stops represent just a portion of the challenges within our current facility. We remain committed to keeping our community informed as we plan for the future of our schools.
More info: https://aptg.co/6b-1dV
Below are key stops from the Independence Primary School Building Tour that highlight current challenges within the facility:
Stop #1: Main Entrance & Security
Our current entrance lacks a secured vestibule, which is now a standard safety feature in most schools. This limits our ability to properly monitor and control visitor access.
Stop #2: Roof Issues & Water Leaks
Ongoing leaks in areas like the main lobby and bathrooms are due to an aging, multi-layered roof system that can no longer be repaired. This creates risks to both the structure and interior spaces.
Stop #3: Library in a Hallway
Due to space limitations, library services are currently held in a hallway, with the librarian working from a small closet space. This reflects the lack of adequate learning environments for students.
Stop #4: Cracks in Floors & Walls
Visible cracking in the Design Technology area points to the building’s age and may indicate deeper structural concerns.
Stop #5: Electrical Limitations
Outdated electrical systems, limited outlets, and missing modern safety features make it difficult to support today’s technology and learning needs.
Stop #6: Kitchen Limitations
The absence of a walk-in refrigerator requires daily off-site food delivery, limiting efficiency and menu options while increasing costs.
These tour stops represent just a portion of the challenges within our current facility. We remain committed to keeping our community informed as we plan for the future of our schools.
More info: https://aptg.co/6b-1dV
Enrollment in Independence Local Schools has fluctuated over time. In the 1980s and early 1990s, total enrollment was at its lowest point, reaching 671 students. Enrollment increased through the late 1990s and 2000s, peaking at over 1,100 students. In recent years, enrollment has remained around 1,000 students.
Stop by our Primary and Middle School from 2–4 PM today!
We welcomed a special visitor who attended fourth grade here during the building’s very first year in 1956. He returned to walk the halls and relive cherished memories.
As you walk through today, you’ll see spaces that have served generations of students over many decades. This is an opportunity to reflect on our district’s history and observe the current condition of our facilities.
We welcomed a special visitor who attended fourth grade here during the building’s very first year in 1956. He returned to walk the halls and relive cherished memories.
As you walk through today, you’ll see spaces that have served generations of students over many decades. This is an opportunity to reflect on our district’s history and observe the current condition of our facilities.
Join us TOMORROW, Sunday, May 3 from 2-4 at IPS and IMS for building tours. Bring your neighbors...bring your questions!
We’ve heard your questions, and traffic and safety remain a top priority in our PreK–8 planning.
Building on past studies, we’re partnering with traffic experts to take a deeper look at everything from busy intersections to parent pick-up loops and student safety measures. This detailed, real-time analysis will help ensure a plan that works for our entire community.
Get the full breakdown here: https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/o/ils/page/traffic-study
Building on past studies, we’re partnering with traffic experts to take a deeper look at everything from busy intersections to parent pick-up loops and student safety measures. This detailed, real-time analysis will help ensure a plan that works for our entire community.
Get the full breakdown here: https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/o/ils/page/traffic-study
Today we celebrate the incredible leaders who help shape the heart of our schools. Happy National Principals Day to our outstanding principals at Independence Local Schools!
Thank you for your leadership, your dedication to our students and staff, and the care you show our school community each and every day. From supporting learning and growth to creating a positive and welcoming environment, your impact is felt in every hallway, classroom, and connection.
We are grateful for all that you do to make Independence a great place to learn, grow, and succeed. 💙💛
Thank you for your leadership, your dedication to our students and staff, and the care you show our school community each and every day. From supporting learning and growth to creating a positive and welcoming environment, your impact is felt in every hallway, classroom, and connection.
We are grateful for all that you do to make Independence a great place to learn, grow, and succeed. 💙💛
Independence Local Schools was proud to be at today’s Educator Job Fair at the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio, connecting with passionate, talented educators interested in joining our team!
A big thank you to Mr. Ebert for representing our district and engaging with so many promising candidates. We are always excited to meet individuals who are ready to make a difference for our students!
A big thank you to Mr. Ebert for representing our district and engaging with so many promising candidates. We are always excited to meet individuals who are ready to make a difference for our students!
You can add your information into this tax calculator to find out your estimated cost.
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/o/ils/page/calculator
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/o/ils/page/calculator
Join us TOMORROW - Thursday, April 30 at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center. What's the format? Q&A . . . we will answer the questions submitted over the past several months from our residents and any new ones. Hope to see you there!
Several potential locations were evaluated:
» Baseball Field Site: Not recommended due to recent investment exceeding $200,000, added replacement costs, proximity to Vineyard and Stadium Drives, increased traffic stacking risks, and reduced roadway buffers.
» Middle School Parking Lot: Considered but not preferred due to congestion risks, proximity to key exits, and reduced circulation flexibility.
The selected concept prioritizes safety, traffic flow, and long-term operational efficiency.
If the bond passes, the district will begin a formal postapproval planning process starting with an Owner–Partner Kickoff Meeting. This includes district leadership, school safety staff, police and fire departments, city engineering, traffic professionals, operations and maintenance staff, and design and construction partners. This ensures safety, emergency access, utilities, and daily operations are built into the project from the very beginning.
No. The current site plan is a preliminary conceptual study, not a final architectural or engineering design. It shows approximate building placement, traffic circulation, parking, playgrounds, bus drop-off areas, stormwater management, and field adjustments. Final engineered plans will not be developed unless voters approve the bond issue.
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/page/future-facilities-planning
The site plan is being shared to help the community understand how a new PreK–8 building could fit on the existing campus. It is part of the district’s commitment to transparency and early communication showing feasibility, relationships between site elements, and planning considerations before any final decisions are made.
https://youtu.be/gtiO5GRVgAo?si=F4I9B2DDJDYRmzJE
https://youtu.be/gtiO5GRVgAo?si=F4I9B2DDJDYRmzJE
If approved by voters:
May 2026 approval
» Design: June 2026 – June 2027
» Construction: April 2027 – May 2029
May 2026 approval
» Design: June 2026 – June 2027
» Construction: April 2027 – May 2029
🍌 Something sweet is baking at Independence Middle School! Our 7th graders in Family & Consumer Science class are putting their skills to the test by making homemade banana bread from scratch. From measuring ingredients to mixing and baking, students are learning valuable life skills while having a little fun in the kitchen. The delicious smell filling the halls is just a bonus!
