If you are interested in receiving babysitting services while attending the State of the Schools event on Wed, May 7 from 6-8 p.m. in the IMS auditorium, please fill out this form. Babysitting will be provided by members of the IHS NHS and Key Club. During the event, children will enjoy activities and a small snack! https://forms.gle/AEKKnnf1MWWn4mQd7

about 1 year ago, Independence Local Schools
Screen Shot 2025-04-28 at 12
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.
6 days ago, Independence Local Schools
enrollment numbers
enrollment chart
Join us TOMORROW, Sunday, May 3 from 2-4 at IPS and IMS for building tours. Bring your neighbors...bring your questions!
7 days 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.
Happy National Principals Day to Mr. Mike Janatovitch! Mr. Janatovitch’s leadership and commitment to excellence help guide our high school students as they prepare for their futures. His support for students, staff, and the entire school community makes a difference every day.
Thank you, Mr. Janatovitch, for your dedication to Independence High School. We appreciate you! 💙💛
8 days ago, Independence Local Schools
principal
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!
11 days 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.

11 days 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.
11 days 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

12 days 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
Have you watched? Take a moment to view the proposed PreK-8 school building fly around.

https://youtu.be/gtiO5GRVgAo?si=ljN0U_zKncifszrB
12 days ago, Independence Local Schools
Take a moment to watch the Independence Local Schools proposed PreK-8 school building fly around. https://youtu.be/gtiO5GRVgAo?si=ljN0U_zKncifszrB
If approved by voters:

May 2026 approval
» Design: June 2026 – June 2027
» Construction: April 2027 – May 2029
12 days ago, Independence Local Schools
If approved by voters: May 2026 approval » Design: June 2026 – June 2027 » Construction: April 2027 – May 2029
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

12 days 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.
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.
13 days 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.
13 days 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.
14 days 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.
15 days 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

15 days 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

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!

15 days ago, Independence Local Schools
students
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
16 days 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
16 days 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%)
16 days ago, Independence Local Schools
What is the estimated cost of the project