🎓 Independence High School Commencement 🎓
Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026! Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Watch the ceremony live here: https://youtube.com/live/k6T_U-VTbKs
Congratulations to the Independence High School Class of 2026 as they continue Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence! 💙💛
Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026! Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Watch the ceremony live here: https://youtube.com/live/k6T_U-VTbKs
Congratulations to the Independence High School Class of 2026 as they continue Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence! 💙💛
A little surprise for the Class of 2026…
Independence staff members (and even retirees!) hit the road today after school with a very special mission: hand-delivering graduation yard signs to EVERY senior in the Class of 2026! 🏡✨
From front porches to front yards, signs were placed with lots of pride, love, and excitement as we celebrate an incredible group of students getting ready for their next chapter.
This new tradition is one small way to remind our seniors just how proud we are of all they have accomplished.
Keep an eye out around Independence… the Class of 2026 is shining bright! 🌟🎓 Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence!
Independence staff members (and even retirees!) hit the road today after school with a very special mission: hand-delivering graduation yard signs to EVERY senior in the Class of 2026! 🏡✨
From front porches to front yards, signs were placed with lots of pride, love, and excitement as we celebrate an incredible group of students getting ready for their next chapter.
This new tradition is one small way to remind our seniors just how proud we are of all they have accomplished.
Keep an eye out around Independence… the Class of 2026 is shining bright! 🌟🎓 Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence!
Our final induction meeting with our new educators was a celebration of growth, change, learning, and wins! This incredible team embraced our strategic vision, reflected on their first year, and set goals as they prepare for year two.
Throughout the year, these educators have learned, collaborated, and grown together while making a meaningful impact on our students and schools each day.
Thank you to our mentors, administrators, and program leaders for supporting our newest educators along the way — and thank you to this amazing group for the impact you made on the students! 💙💛
Our talented fourth-grade artists who helped create the stunning National Parks mural this year had the exciting opportunity to personally deliver their artwork to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park! This incredible mural will now be displayed throughout the Visitor Center and other locations for the community to enjoy.
During their visit, students also experienced a live demonstration from a National Park Ranger, learning firsthand how the historic canal system worked right here in our own backyard. What an unforgettable day of creativity, history, and hands-on learning! 🌿🖌️💙💛
🎓 Independence High School Commencement 🎓
Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026! Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Watch the ceremony live here: https://youtube.com/live/k6T_U-VTbKs
Congratulations to the Independence High School Class of 2026 as they continue Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence! 💙💛
Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026! Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Watch the ceremony live here: https://youtube.com/live/k6T_U-VTbKs
Congratulations to the Independence High School Class of 2026 as they continue Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence! 💙💛
Congratulations to Independence Primary School fourth grader Joseph Cmolik on being selected to Team Pennsylvania for the prestigious Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament this summer in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada!
After more than two years of tryouts, Joseph earned one of just 17 roster spots on Team Pennsylvania and is one of only four players from Ohio selected to represent the seven-state region on the international stage.
The Brick Invitational is widely recognized as one of the premier tournaments in North America for elite 10-and-under hockey players, bringing together top teams from across the continent.
We are incredibly proud of Joseph for this outstanding accomplishment and wish him the best as he prepares to compete this summer. Way to represent Independence Local Schools!
Blue Devils… Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence.
Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten.
Wishing our school community a meaningful Memorial Day as we reflect on the true meaning of this day. ❤️🤍💙
Wishing our school community a meaningful Memorial Day as we reflect on the true meaning of this day. ❤️🤍💙
¡Olé! 👗👔🕶️ Our Spanish classes recently brought language learning to life with a fun and creative fashion show! Students showcased clothing, styles, and accessories while practicing their Spanish speaking skills and vocabulary in an engaging, hands-on way. From confidently describing outfits to modeling their creativity, students had a blast learning through real-world experiences.
Passport stamped: IMS bound ✈️🧳💙💛
Today our 4th graders officially began their journey to middle school with a special travel-themed visit to IMS, led by their very own student tour guides! Students explored the building, experienced what middle school lunch is like, participated in team-building activities, and cooled off with some delicious Kona Ice along the way. 🍧
From new classrooms to new friendships, today was all about helping our future 5th graders feel excited, confident, and ready for the adventure ahead. We cannot wait to welcome this amazing group to IMS next year
Today our 4th graders officially began their journey to middle school with a special travel-themed visit to IMS, led by their very own student tour guides! Students explored the building, experienced what middle school lunch is like, participated in team-building activities, and cooled off with some delicious Kona Ice along the way. 🍧
From new classrooms to new friendships, today was all about helping our future 5th graders feel excited, confident, and ready for the adventure ahead. We cannot wait to welcome this amazing group to IMS next year
Good luck to Brooklyn Porowski and Piper Breslaw at the state Power of the Pen tournament! The writers and their parents travelled to Ashland University for the competition. The writers are competing against 250 writers from across the state!
Good luck, IMS Blue Devils!
Good luck, IMS Blue Devils!
Good luck to the IHS JustWrite teams competing at the state tournament at Bluffton University today.
Writers: Mae, Tatiana, Matt, Robby, Adriana, Penny, Caitlynn, Veronica, Nicole, Marian, and Sehajveer.
The seniors will be recognized at the awards ceremony for qualifying states, four years in a row!
Tatiana will be recognized for winning a poetry contest.
Hopefully, more individual awards and team trophies will be attained today!
Good luck, Blue Devils!
Writers: Mae, Tatiana, Matt, Robby, Adriana, Penny, Caitlynn, Veronica, Nicole, Marian, and Sehajveer.
The seniors will be recognized at the awards ceremony for qualifying states, four years in a row!
Tatiana will be recognized for winning a poetry contest.
Hopefully, more individual awards and team trophies will be attained today!
Good luck, Blue Devils!
Many thanks to the families, organizations, and industries who continue to cultivate a legacy of excellence by supporting our students in their endeavors and your generous support, year after year, of scholarships and awards for our IHS seniors. Congratulations to all of our seniors who received a scholarship and/or award this morning! Here are just a few of the happy moments from the Senior Awards Program.
Eighth graders at IMS made awesome food to film time lapse videos in family and consumer science today!
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.
