Leadership

Dr. Dale Herl has proudly served as Superintendent since 2013. Prior the that, Dr. Herl served as Deputy Superintednent of Operations and Finance for four years. Dr. Herl's focus on college and career readiness has prompted the implentation of the ISD Academies in all three high schools, giving ISD students a competitive advantage over thier peers. Under his leadership, academic achievement is at an all-time high in the ISD. 

One of Dr. Herl's goals is to have every ISD student graduate from high school with an Associate's Degree or an Industry Recognized Credential (IRC). When this became a focus in 2017, 72% of ISD students graduated with either an IRC or dual credit hours, increasing by more than 50% in just two years.  

When Dr. Herl became Superintendent in 2013, the ISD offered six courses for college credit. The ISD now offers more than 90 courses for college credit, with more than 400 college credit hours available. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce named the Academies of the ISD the Education Innnovator of the Year in 2017. The award is give to one educational institution or program demonstrating forward-thinking strategies to better prepare students for their futures. 

Dr. Herl has made it his mission to implement non-traditional ways of saving the district millions of dollars. That includes adding a health clinic for ISD employees, which saves $1.2 million every year in healthcare costs. Under his leadership, the ISD also became the first school district to be a captive for worker's compensation insurance, saving more than $500,000 a year. 

Before joining the ISD, Dr. Herl served as superintendent of schools in Burrton, Kansas. The district was one of the two chosen nationwide as a model district by the Department of Education because of its stellar academic growth. Dr. Herl began his career in education as a high school math teacher and coach in the Little River School District in Kansas, before taking a job as principal in the Greeley County School District. 

Dr. Herl received his bachelor's degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. He went on to earn his master's degree in Educational Administration from Fort Hays State University and received his doctorate from Wichita State. He is an active member in the Rotary and Lions Club of Independence and is on the ISD Foundation board. Dr. Herl and his wife Becky have four children. Dr. Herl says he loves the opportunity to impact the lives of children each and every day. He said, "Education is the greatest and most rewarding profession there is, and I'm proud to have the opportunity to lead the Independence School District."

The Independence School District Board of Education announced on May 23, 2025 that it has named Dr. Cynthia Grant as Interim Superintendent for the 2025–2026 school year. Her appointment takes effect July 1, 2025.

Dr. Grant currently serves as the district’s Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Services, where she leads academic programming, student services, and instructional support for more than 14,000 students. A long-serving leader in the ISD, Dr. Grant brings extensive experience in curriculum, human resources, and school administration. Her leadership has been instrumental in implementing the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan and advancing student success at every level.

Board President Carrie Dixon said, “We are confident that Dr. Grant’s deep understanding of our district, her strong relationships with staff and families, and her unwavering commitment to public education will provide steady leadership during this transition.”

Dr. Grant joined the ISD in 1997 as an elementary teacher. She taught at Glendale Elementary for six years and later served as principal at Randall Elementary for six years. She also served as a Mentor Teacher for the ISD through the University of Missouri Columbia’s Fellowship Program and became Director of Human Resources in 2012.

Dr. Grant attended Missouri Southern State University and Rockhurst University where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. She earned her master’s degree from Webster University in Curriculum and Instruction, her educational specialist degree in School Superintendency from William Woods University, and her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri, Columbia.

Dr. Grant is honored to be part of a school district focused on providing the best educational experience for all.