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
Last night, our band and choir were set to perform at the Akron RubberDucks game. Unfortunately Mother Nature had other plans, and the game was postponed due to weather.
That didn't stop our students from making the most of the evening! Our band still had the opportunity to perform under the concourse, and it was great to see and hear so many of our students filling the stadium with music.
They did an excellent job as always! A special thank you to Mr. Greene and Mrs. Obrovac for their work with our students and for making the most of the evening. We are proud of everyone for representing our school so well!
Since the heat advisory will be lifted this evening, all schools will be open tomorrow, Thursday, September 3. Thank you!
IPS and IMS Closed Wednesday, September 2 Due to Heat
Due to forecasted high temperatures and heat index, Independence Primary School and Independence Middle School will be closed Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
Neither IPS nor IMS has air conditioning, and anticipated conditions inside the buildings have led the district to make this decision for the safety and well-being of students and staff.
Independence High School will remain open and operate on its normal schedule because the building is air-conditioned.
The district appreciates families’ understanding and encourages everyone to stay safe and cool.
Due to forecasted high temperatures and heat index, Independence Primary School and Independence Middle School will be closed Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
Neither IPS nor IMS has air conditioning, and anticipated conditions inside the buildings have led the district to make this decision for the safety and well-being of students and staff.
Independence High School will remain open and operate on its normal schedule because the building is air-conditioned.
The district appreciates families’ understanding and encourages everyone to stay safe and cool.
FRESHMAN FESTIVAL 2026! 💙💛
What a way to welcome the newest members of Independence High School!
Today was all about our freshmen as they spent the day getting to know their new school, meeting classmates, learning about the opportunities available to them, and building connections that will help make IHS feel like home.
From the moment they arrived this morning, our freshmen were welcomed by our cheerleaders, who brought the energy and helped lead cheers later in the day. Our seniors stepped up to lead groups, while other upperclassmen shared their experiences and represented our clubs and activities.
Our teachers, counselors, and office staff all played a role in making today a success, and a special shoutout goes to Mrs. Aquilano for putting together and planning such an incredible day from start to finish. So much time and effort went into making sure our freshmen had a great first experience at IHS!
Today was a great reminder that it truly takes an entire school community to create a great experience for our students.
Welcome to IHS, Class of 2030! We are excited to have you here and can’t wait to see all that you accomplish.
We are looking forward to seeing the rest of our students tomorrow.
The first day of school has been full of smiles, laughter, and learning! And we are just getting started!
https://youtube.com/shorts/HJSsLV6LvZs
https://youtube.com/shorts/HJSsLV6LvZs
We can’t picture back-to-school without YOU! Our staff is back and looking picture-perfect. All we need now is our students!
https://youtube.com/shorts/opKPNhpXopk?feature=share
https://youtube.com/shorts/opKPNhpXopk?feature=share
Please note: Independence Local Schools district offices and school buildings will be closed until noon on Friday as our staff comes together for Convocation.
All district offices and school buildings will reopen at 12 p.m.
Thank you for your understanding!
All district offices and school buildings will reopen at 12 p.m.
Thank you for your understanding!
📸 Caps are straight. Gowns are ready. Memories are being made. Before the ceremony begins, our graduates are taking time to celebrate with the people who supported them every step of the way. Congratulations, Blue Devils! 🎓
🎓 Today’s the day! Congratulations to the Independence High School Class of 2026! As graduates arrive with family and friends, we are proud to celebrate a class that has truly been Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence. 💙💛
🎓 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! 💙💛
🎓 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! 💙💛
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!
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.
Join us TOMORROW, Sunday, May 3 from 2-4 at IPS and IMS for building tours. Bring your neighbors...bring your questions!
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! 💙💛
Thank you, Mr. Janatovitch, for your dedication to Independence High School. We appreciate you! 💙💛
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
