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Dear Independence Families and Community Members,
As we move through the final days of October, I'm reminded of what makes Independence Local Schools so special: our incredible students, dedicated staff, supportive families, and community that believes in the power of education.
Throughout our classrooms, hallways, athletic fields, and extracurricular activities, our students continue to make us proud. Whether they challenge themselves academically, demonstrate leadership, showcase their talents, or give back to others, our students are living examples of what it means to be an Independence Blue Devil!
Equally impressive is our teachers' and staff's commitment, who go above and beyond each day to create meaningful learning experiences, build relationships, and ensure every student feels supported and valued. Their dedication is the foundation of our district's success, and I am incredibly grateful for all they do.
As we continue our work toward Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence, we remain focused not only on the educational experiences we provide today but also on maintaining the facilities, technology, and resources necessary to support our students well into the future.
Permanent Improvement Levy Renewal: Issue 7 - November 3
On Tuesday, November 3, Independence voters will see a Permanent Improvement (PI) Levy Renewal (Issue 7) on the ballot. I want to share why this renewal is so important to our school district's ongoing operations and maintenance.
First and foremost, this is a renewal of an existing levy, not a new tax.
The Permanent Improvement Levy generates approximately $750,000 annually for Independence Local Schools. These funds are specifically designated for capital improvements, equipment, and other long-term investments that help us maintain safe, functional, and effective learning environments.
Some examples of how Permanent Improvement funds support our district include:
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Building Maintenance and Repairs: Roof repairs and replacements, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical improvements, and other essential facility needs.
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Safety and Security: Upgrades to security systems, cameras, building access controls, and other safety-related infrastructure.
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Technology Infrastructure: Maintaining and replacing network equipment, servers, wireless access points, and other technology systems that support teaching and learning.
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Transportation: Purchasing and replacing school buses to maintain a safe and reliable fleet.
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Equipment and Facility Improvements: Replacing aging equipment and addressing long-term needs across our school buildings and grounds.
These are not one-time needs. Just as we maintain our homes, our schools require ongoing investments to keep buildings operating efficiently, address aging infrastructure, and provide safe environments for students and staff.
What does the renewal cost homeowners?
The annual cost of the existing Permanent Improvement Levy is approximately $26 for every $100,000 of property market value. Because this is a renewal, it continues an existing funding source rather than creating a new levy.
The approximately $750,000 generated each year allows us to plan responsibly, prioritize repairs, and address important facility and equipment needs as they arise. Without this funding, the district would need to evaluate other ways to cover these expenses, potentially placing additional pressure on funds that support our daily educational operations.
As we look toward the future of Independence Local Schools, maintaining our existing buildings and infrastructure remains a critical responsibility. The Permanent Improvement Levy is an important part of that ongoing work.
Our district's success has always been rooted in the strong partnership between our schools, families, and community. We are fortunate to live and work in a community that values education, takes pride in its schools, and recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for our children.
Congratulations to our Independence High School varsity football team on earning a spot in the playoffs! This marks the Blue Devils’ first winning season and first opportunity to host a home playoff game since 2021. The team will take on the Lowellville Rockets at 7 p.m. We are incredibly proud of our student-athletes and coaches for their hard work, dedication and accomplishments this season. I encourage our entire Independence community to come out, fill the stands and cheer on our Blue Devils as they begin their playoff journey!
Thank you to our families for your continued partnership, to our staff for their unwavering dedication, and to the entire Independence community for the support you provide our schools each and every day.
Together, we will continue Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence for today's students and generations of Blue Devils to come!
With Blue Devil Pride,
Kelli Cogan
Superintendent
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