Leadership
Superintendent
Dr. Vickie Murillo
Dr. Vickie Murillo joined the Independence School District as Superintendent in 2026.
She brings over 40 years of experience in education and holds a Doctorate of Education in Education Leadership from Baker University, a master’s from the University of Missouri - Kansas City, and a bachelor’s in education from Evangel University.
District Leadership
Dr. Lance Stout
Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Lance Stout has proudly served the Independence School District since 2013. He enjoys working alongside the dedicated people who make the ISD a great place to learn and grow.
Before joining the District, he spent 21 years in the Liberal School District in Kansas as a science teacher, principal, deputy superintendent, and superintendent.
He oversees departments including Transportation, Nutrition Services, Technology, and Athletics.
Dr. Stout and his wife, Jill, have three sons and four granddaughters. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, camping, and riding his motorcycle.
Dr. Randy Maglinger
Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education
Dr. Randy Maglinger continues to advance the ISD Academies as the Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education.
Maglinger is a proud product of the ISD, graduating from William Chrisman High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Missouri, his Master of Education from Baker University, his Educational Specialists degree from UCM, and his Doctorate at William Woods University.
Dr. Maglinger started his teaching and administration career at Truman High School before working in administration at William Chrisman and as principal at Van Horn. He works closely with administrators, staff and teachers to maintain a focus on rigor and relevance as well as college and career readiness for all students.
Dr. Kevin Lathrom
Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education
Dr. Kevin Lathrom, a proud graduate of the ISD, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Missouri, a Master of Education from Baker University, an Educational Specialist degree from the University of Central Missouri, and a Doctorate from William Woods University.
He began his career as a paraprofessional before becoming a middle school social studies teacher. Dr. Lathrom later served as an assistant principal and elementary principal for nine years before transitioning into Human Resources, where he worked as the District's Compliance Officer and Director of Human Resources before becoming the Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education.
Dr. Brett Playter
Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education
Dr. Brett Playter brings nearly 30 years of dedicated service to the field of education.
He began his career as a mathematics teacher in the Raytown School District before joining the Independence School District, where he has held various roles, including the District's Compliance Officer and Director of Human Resources.
Dr. Playter holds a bachelor's degree from Central Missouri State University (now the University of Central Missouri), a master's degree in Educational Technology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and an education specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Missouri. He earned his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from William Woods University.
A proud resident of the community, Dr. Playter and his wife have two children, Kiersten and Caleb, both graduates of William Chrisman High School.
Dr. Pam Boatright
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Dr. Pam Boatright has served nearly 30 years in the Independence School District, dedicating her career to supporting student success and advancing educational excellence.
Throughout her tenure in the District, she has held a variety of instructional and leadership roles, including classroom mathematics teacher, assistant principal, principal of Truman High School, and Director of Human Resources.
Dr. Boatright earned her bachelor's degree from Rockhurst University, a master's degree in Educational Technology from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a Specialist degree in Secondary Administration from Northwest Missouri State University, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Saint Louis University.
Dr. Tony Robinson
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Dr. Tony Robinson serves as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for the Independence School District, where he is committed to attracting, developing, and supporting exceptional educators and staff.
With more than 30 years of experience in public education, he has served as a teacher, principal, director, deputy superintendent, and superintendent, leading initiatives focused on student achievement, organizational excellence, and leadership development.
Dr. Robinson earned his bachelor's degree from Evangel University, a master's degree from Northwest Missouri State University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.
An active community leader, he has served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards. Dr. Robinson and his wife have been married for more than 30 years and are proud parents of three children.
