The site plan includes:
» Separate traffic patterns for buses, parent dropoff, and staff parking, and staggered start times between buildings
» Dedicated preschool drop-off and parking
» Clear, one-way traffic flow to reduce congestion and improve safety
» Final traffic plans will continue to be coordinated with district and city partners.
» Separate traffic patterns for buses, parent dropoff, and staff parking, and staggered start times between buildings
» Dedicated preschool drop-off and parking
» Clear, one-way traffic flow to reduce congestion and improve safety
» Final traffic plans will continue to be coordinated with district and city partners.
» A resident earning $100,000 per year and owning a $100,000 market value home would pay approximately $1,026.25 per year
» A homeowner with a $100,000 market value home and no earned income would pay approximately $26.25 per year
The income tax portion applies only to earned income; it does not apply to Social Security or retirement income.
On the district website is a calculator to estimate each
individual’s cost.
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/o/ils/page/calculator
» A homeowner with a $100,000 market value home and no earned income would pay approximately $26.25 per year
The income tax portion applies only to earned income; it does not apply to Social Security or retirement income.
On the district website is a calculator to estimate each
individual’s cost.
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/o/ils/page/calculator
Good manners never go out of style 🍽️
Today, our 8th-grade Family & Consumer Sciences students are putting their skills to the test as they practice proper table etiquette. From place settings to polite conversation, they’re learning the little details that make a big impression.
Future dinner guests, hosts, and leaders in the making!
Big news for Independence High School!
Our Academic Challenge team is heading to the Ohio Academic Competition Division II State Championship Tournament on Saturday, May 2 at Olentangy Berlin High School!
The team earned a wild card bid following a strong performance at Regionals last weekend at Solon. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication and teamwork.
Team members include: Seniors: Tatiana Randjelovic, Matthew Shamblen, Mae Sheehan; Juniors: Ben Cober, Carmen Chen Freshman: Marian Carlisle.
Good luck at State, Blue Devils. We are cheering you on every step of the way!
So much fun in Design Technology! First graders built animals using Magna-Tiles to go along with their animal slideshow projects. 🐢🦒
If approved by voters, the project would be funded through a combined bond issue and School District Income Tax (SDIT):
» 0.75-mill bond (property tax)
» 1.00% SDIT (earned income)
More detailed explanation and tax calculator can be found at this link:
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/o/ils/page/calculator
» 0.75-mill bond (property tax)
» 1.00% SDIT (earned income)
More detailed explanation and tax calculator can be found at this link:
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/o/ils/page/calculator
The design includes modern safety features such as:
» Secured vestibules and controlled entry points
» Door access control systems
» Interior and exterior security cameras
» Safety glazing/film on windows and doors
» A single connected campus that is easier to supervise than multiple buildings
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/page/future-facilities-planning
» Secured vestibules and controlled entry points
» Door access control systems
» Interior and exterior security cameras
» Safety glazing/film on windows and doors
» A single connected campus that is easier to supervise than multiple buildings
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/page/future-facilities-planning
The total estimated project cost is $59.5 million which
includes:
» Building construction: $53,350,250
» Site improvements and utilities: $4,000,000
» Abatement and demolition: $2,002,837
This is an all-in estimate that includes:
» Construction and site work
» Furniture and built-in classroom technology (such as monitors/projectors)
» Technology infrastructure (cabling, Wi-Fi, network systems)
» Contingencies (approximately 8.5%)
includes:
» Building construction: $53,350,250
» Site improvements and utilities: $4,000,000
» Abatement and demolition: $2,002,837
This is an all-in estimate that includes:
» Construction and site work
» Furniture and built-in classroom technology (such as monitors/projectors)
» Technology infrastructure (cabling, Wi-Fi, network systems)
» Contingencies (approximately 8.5%)
1. Does this apply only to homeowners?
No. The SDIT is not tied to home ownership. It applies to residents of the school district who earn income from work and have a W-2. regardless of whether they own or rent a home. This means that individuals who live in the District but do not own property would still contribute, helping reduce the reliance on property taxes alone.
2. Does it apply to all working adults in the household?
Yes. The SDIT applies individually to each working adult who earns income and resides in the District. Each person pays based on their own earned income—not total household income—and it is typically withheld automatically through payroll, similar to other income taxes.
3. How many years is this for?
The bond portion of the funding plan is tied to the life of the bond (approximately 30 years). The SDIT itself is also 30 years but, it can be reduced in the future. This structure provides flexibility if the District’s financial needs or community circumstances change over time.
4. What happens if homeowners retire during that time period?
If a resident retires and no longer earns income from work, they would no longer pay the SDIT, because the tax applies only to earned income. It does not apply to Social Security, pensions, retirement income, interest, dividends, or capital gains. This is one of the key reasons the District chose this approach—it helps protect retirees and others on fixed incomes. If an individual retires in 10 years, they only pay SDIT for 10 years.
To help residents better understand the potential impact, the District has also created an online SDIT calculator, which is available on our facilities website.
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/o/ils/page/calculator
The calculator allows individuals to estimate their personal cost over a specific number of years based on their earned income, providing a clearer picture of how the SDIT may affect them over time.
This combined approach—using a small 0.75-mill property tax instead of a much larger property levy, along with an earned-income-only SDIT—was intentionally designed to spread costs more fairly, reduce the burden on homeowners, and better protect seniors.
No. The SDIT is not tied to home ownership. It applies to residents of the school district who earn income from work and have a W-2. regardless of whether they own or rent a home. This means that individuals who live in the District but do not own property would still contribute, helping reduce the reliance on property taxes alone.
2. Does it apply to all working adults in the household?
Yes. The SDIT applies individually to each working adult who earns income and resides in the District. Each person pays based on their own earned income—not total household income—and it is typically withheld automatically through payroll, similar to other income taxes.
3. How many years is this for?
The bond portion of the funding plan is tied to the life of the bond (approximately 30 years). The SDIT itself is also 30 years but, it can be reduced in the future. This structure provides flexibility if the District’s financial needs or community circumstances change over time.
4. What happens if homeowners retire during that time period?
If a resident retires and no longer earns income from work, they would no longer pay the SDIT, because the tax applies only to earned income. It does not apply to Social Security, pensions, retirement income, interest, dividends, or capital gains. This is one of the key reasons the District chose this approach—it helps protect retirees and others on fixed incomes. If an individual retires in 10 years, they only pay SDIT for 10 years.
To help residents better understand the potential impact, the District has also created an online SDIT calculator, which is available on our facilities website.
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/o/ils/page/calculator
The calculator allows individuals to estimate their personal cost over a specific number of years based on their earned income, providing a clearer picture of how the SDIT may affect them over time.
This combined approach—using a small 0.75-mill property tax instead of a much larger property levy, along with an earned-income-only SDIT—was intentionally designed to spread costs more fairly, reduce the burden on homeowners, and better protect seniors.
The layout reflects extensive input from teachers, administrators, and staff and supports:
» Small-group and project-based learning
» Dedicated STEM and science spaces for elementary and middle school students
» Special education and student support spaces in both school areas
» A two-story media center with age-appropriate uses
» Wider corridors and flexible areas for informal learning and collaboration
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/page/future-facilities-planning
» Small-group and project-based learning
» Dedicated STEM and science spaces for elementary and middle school students
» Special education and student support spaces in both school areas
» A two-story media center with age-appropriate uses
» Wider corridors and flexible areas for informal learning and collaboration
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/page/future-facilities-planning
Find out your estimated cost by using this tax calculator:
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/o/ils/page/calculator
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/o/ils/page/calculator
The Board of Education has approved a Resolution of Necessity to place a school facilities funding issue on the May 5, 2026, Primary Election ballot. If approved by voters, the funding would support the construction of a new PreK–8 school building on the district campus.
The proposed building would be approximately 125,530 square feet and designed as two schools under one roof:
» Elementary (PreK–5) and Middle School (6–8) students would have separate wings, entrances, and administrative areas
» Shared “core” spaces (media center, arts, STEM, common areas) would sit between the two schools
» A secure connector would allow middle school students continued access to limited high school resources when appropriate
https://youtu.be/gtiO5GRVgAo?si=9wpMxPvXmAY3DL41
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/page/future-facilities-planning
The proposed building would be approximately 125,530 square feet and designed as two schools under one roof:
» Elementary (PreK–5) and Middle School (6–8) students would have separate wings, entrances, and administrative areas
» Shared “core” spaces (media center, arts, STEM, common areas) would sit between the two schools
» A secure connector would allow middle school students continued access to limited high school resources when appropriate
https://youtu.be/gtiO5GRVgAo?si=9wpMxPvXmAY3DL41
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/page/future-facilities-planning
Did you know we have a YouTube channel playlist specific for the proposed PreK-8 school building? Be sure to take some time to watch these videos.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL4aBBN8-oG0LXaAyMeT7OyAqT-CRb3IA
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL4aBBN8-oG0LXaAyMeT7OyAqT-CRb3IA
Take a moment to watch the Independence Local Schools proposed PreK-8 school building fly around.
Independence Local Schools’ current primary school (built in 1956) and middle school (built in 1961) are more than 60 years old. Independent facilities assessments found that renovating these buildings to meet current educational standards, safety codes, and accessibility requirements would cost nearly $63 million and would still leave long-term limitations.
A new PreK–8 school with two buildings under one roof estimated at $59.5 million would:
» Cost less long-term than renovating and maintaining two aging buildings
» Better support today’s teaching methods, student services, and safety expectations
» Allow the PreK–8 school to be located next to the high school for shared resources and smoother student transitions
A new PreK–8 school with two buildings under one roof estimated at $59.5 million would:
» Cost less long-term than renovating and maintaining two aging buildings
» Better support today’s teaching methods, student services, and safety expectations
» Allow the PreK–8 school to be located next to the high school for shared resources and smoother student transitions
Mark your calendars! Bring your questions...tour our primary and middle schools. We hope to see you on April 30 and May 3.
Today we celebrate the incredible administrative professionals who help keep Independence Local Schools running smoothly each and every day. 🌟
From welcoming families and supporting students to organizing schedules, answering questions, and solving problems big and small, our administrative staff are the backbone of our schools. Their kindness, professionalism, and dedication make a difference in ways that often happen behind the scenes but are felt by everyone.
Thank you for all you do to support our students, staff, and community. We are so grateful for you today and every day. 💙
Happy Administrative Professionals Day!
From welcoming families and supporting students to organizing schedules, answering questions, and solving problems big and small, our administrative staff are the backbone of our schools. Their kindness, professionalism, and dedication make a difference in ways that often happen behind the scenes but are felt by everyone.
Thank you for all you do to support our students, staff, and community. We are so grateful for you today and every day. 💙
Happy Administrative Professionals Day!
Kindergarten is where big adventures begin!
At Independence Local Schools, our youngest learners build friendships, discover new skills, and grow in confidence every single day. From learning letters and numbers to exploring through play, kindergarten is the start of an exciting journey.
Now is the time to register your child for kindergarten for the 2026–2027 school year. We cannot wait to welcome your family to our school community! Call us at 216-642-5870 for more information.
https://youtube.com/shorts/5Amded6YCSA
At Independence Local Schools, our youngest learners build friendships, discover new skills, and grow in confidence every single day. From learning letters and numbers to exploring through play, kindergarten is the start of an exciting journey.
Now is the time to register your child for kindergarten for the 2026–2027 school year. We cannot wait to welcome your family to our school community! Call us at 216-642-5870 for more information.
https://youtube.com/shorts/5Amded6YCSA
The IHS Top Chef Desserts and Iron Chef classes visit the West Side Market and Little Italy today!
During National Volunteer Week, we proudly recognize the many volunteers who give their time, energy, and hearts to support Independence Local Schools. 💙
Whether you are helping in classrooms, supporting school events, chaperoning field trips, or lending a hand behind the scenes, your generosity makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and staff. Our schools are stronger because of you.
Thank you for being such an important part of our Blue Devil community. We appreciate you this week and all year long.
Whether you are helping in classrooms, supporting school events, chaperoning field trips, or lending a hand behind the scenes, your generosity makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and staff. Our schools are stronger because of you.
Thank you for being such an important part of our Blue Devil community. We appreciate you this week and all year long.
