Independence Middle School

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

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%)

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.

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

Find out your estimated cost by using this tax 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

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

IMS! Cheer on our Cavaliers tomorrow for game day with a Cavs spirit day! Prizes provided by student council! 🏀

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

The Junior Biology Society spent today celebrating Earth Day the best way possible-getting outside and giving back! Students enjoyed a hike together while also taking time to clean up litter along the way, helping keep our local environment beautiful. It was great to see their teamwork, dedication, and pride in making a positive impact on our community. Small actions lead to big change. Way to go, Junior Biology Society.

Thank You, Honor Flight Cleveland! We were honored to welcome Honor Flight Cleveland to IMS today! Our students truly enjoyed learning more about this incredible organization and the meaningful work they do to recognize and celebrate our nation’s veterans. A special highlight of the visit was our 8th grade students presenting a donation of over $1,000, which they worked hard to raise. This contribution will help support upcoming Honor Flight trips to Washington, D.C. later this month, giving veterans the opportunity to visit the memorials built in their honor. This was a powerful and memorable experience for our students—one that reinforced the importance of service, gratitude, and giving back to those who have sacrificed for our country. We are proud of our students for their efforts and thankful for the opportunity to partner with such an impactful organization.

Mental Health Day tomorrow! Wear your green. 💚

Happy meme/character day!! Thanks for all who participated. Tomorrow, wear your green for mental health day! 💚

Twin day! 👯‍♀️ Join us tomorrow for meme or character day- cannot wait to see your creativity.

Hawaiian day was a success! 🌺 Don't forget- twin day tomorrow 👯‍♀️

IMS- don't forget spirit week this week! Monday- Hawaiian day 🌺

Tomorrow, Friday March 27- 7th grade families join us for our monthly breakfast bonds! See you there- 7:00AM

IMS March Madness Day = SUCCESS! What an incredible day filled with energy, competition, and Blue Devil PRIDE! 💙💛 Students enjoyed pop-a-shot, popcorn, and our snack bracket fun, all leading up to an exciting school-wide assembly! Shoutout to our Students of the Month-we are proud of your hard work and leadership! The competition heated up with our Staff Free Throw Championship, followed by an epic Staff vs. Student Game… and once again, the staff came out on top! Thank you to everyone who made today such a fun and memorable experience for our students. This is what IMS spirit is all about! #BlueDevilPride

Great Sunday morning at the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast! 🥞 It was wonderful seeing so many members of our community come together. A special thank you to our IMS Key Club students for selling their delicious hot chocolate and representing our school so well. Your leadership and service make us proud! ☕💙💛 #BlueDevilPride

Our 7th and 8th grade Dress to Impress Social was a fantastic night filled with great music, karaoke, snacks, and lots of memories made with friends! It was wonderful to see our students dressed up, having fun, and enjoying time together in such a positive way. A huge thank you to our IMS Student Council for helping plan such a great event for their peers! We also want to recognize Ms. Csire, Mrs. Frate, Mrs. Satola, DJ Ian, and Mrs. Yaro for chaperoning, organizing, and helping everything run smoothly. And a special thank you to our PTO for helping fund the event and making the night possible for our students. Events like this help make IMS such a special place for our Blue Devils!