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We are pleased to share that the Independence School District Board of Education, in a unanimous vote, has appointed Dr. Vickie Murillo as the next Superintendent of the Independence School District, effective July 1, 2026. 

From the beginning of the search, the Board of Education sought input through surveys and community forums to guide the selection of our next leader. Thank you to all who provided thoughtful participation and partnership.

Dr. Murillo brings nearly 40 years of experience in the field of education, currently serving as Superintendent at Council Bluffs Community School District in Iowa, just outside Omaha, Nebraska, where she was recently named by Education Insider Magazine as one of the nation’s Top 10 Superintendents.

Most meaningful to Dr. Murillo is her deep, personal connection to Independence, the community where she grew up, making her return a “true homecoming and a point of pride.” Dr. Murillo and her family continue to have local ties and community connections here in Independence and the Kansas City metro.

The Independence School District Board of Education is confident that Dr. Murillo’s experience, vision, and commitment to students will guide the district through its next chapter of growth and success.

“We are confident that Dr. Murillo will provide strong leadership and a clear path forward for our school district," said ISD Board President Carrie Dixon. “We look forward to working closely with her as we collectively strive to provide a high-quality education for all of our students."

The Board of Education looks forward to working with Dr. Murillo as she prepares to lead the ISD. More information and opportunities to learn about Dr. Murillo will be shared in the coming months.

Click here to read a full statement from the ISD

The Independence School District is proud to announce a new opportunity for our high school students: ISD Early College Academy!

This program is a partnership between ISD and MCC-Blue River that gives students the opportunity to get a head start on college while completing their high school diploma.

• Eligible ISD students may enroll in MCC college-level courses that count toward both high school graduation requirements and college credit.
• High school students enrolled in the Early College Academy attend MCC-Blue River for a half day during their junior and senior years of high school. During this time, they participate in a curriculum composed of college-level coursework taught by MCC–Blue River professors.
• The program is designed to strengthen college readiness, accelerate postsecondary pathways, and help reduce the time and cost of earning a degree.

Interested families should contact their high school counselor to learn more about eligibility, course offerings, and how to enroll for upcoming sessions!

Please visit the ISD Early College Academy webpage for more information.