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!
3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
job fair
job fair
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
3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
Tax 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!
3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
Mark your calendars! Bring your questions...tour our primary and middle schools. We hope to see you on April 30 and May 3.

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.

3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
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.
3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
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

3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
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.
the plan
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

3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
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.
If approved by voters:

May 2026 approval
» Design: June 2026 – June 2027
» Construction: April 2027 – May 2029
3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
If approved by voters: 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!
3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
Something sweet is baking at Independence Middle School!
A new building would:
» Reduce long-term maintenance costs due to new
systems and finishes
» Meet current HVAC and air-quality codes, providing
a healthier learning environment
Utility costs may change depending on system upgrades, such as adding air conditioning where it does not currently exist.
3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
A new building would: » Reduce long-term maintenance costs due to new systems and finishes » Meet current HVAC and air-quality codes, providing a healthier learning environment Utility costs may change depending on system upgrades, such as adding air conditioning where it does not currently exist.
Yes. During the design process, which will occur after the bond is passed, cost estimates are reviewed at multiple phases. If adjustments are necessary, options may
include:

» Material selections
» System features
» Design details
» Phasing or delaying certain non-essential elements

A construction manager would work with the district throughout design to help control costs.
3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
Yes. During the design process, which will occur after the bond is passed, cost estimates are reviewed at multiple phases. If adjustments are necessary, options may include: » Material selections » System features » Design details » Phasing or delaying certain non-essential elements A construction manager would work with the district throughout design to help control costs.
Earlier concepts assumed a smaller building size. The current plan reflects a collaborative “right-sizing” process with staff and administrators to ensure appropriate classrooms, support spaces, and adjacencies needed for today’s instruction and student services. The 2019 bond process did not include a Program of Requirements, which when utilized gives accurate sizing needed.
3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
Earlier concepts assumed a smaller building size. The current plan reflects a collaborative “right-sizing” process with staff and administrators to ensure appropriate classrooms, support spaces, and adjacencies needed for today’s instruction and student services. The 2019 bond process did not include a Program of Requirements, which when utilized gives accurate sizing needed.
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.
3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
How would traffic be handled
» 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

3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
» 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
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!
3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
Yes! 😊 8th Grade FCS (Family & Consumer Sciences)class

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!

3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
students
So much fun in Design Technology! First graders built animals using Magna-Tiles to go along with their animal slideshow projects. 🐢🦒
3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
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
3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
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)
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
3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
How does the design support student learning
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%)
3 months ago, Independence Local Schools
What is the estimated cost of the project