Leadership

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. Lance Stout 

Deputy Superintendent

Deputy Superintendent Lance Stout is proud to be a member of the ISD team and truly enjoys coming to work every day. He became deputy superintendent in Independence in 2013, but brought with him a wealth of educational experience. Dr. Stout spent 21 years in the Liberal School District- he taught science and later became a principal, deputy superintendent and superintendent. In the ISD, he works closely with a variety of departments including transportation, nutrition services, technology and athletics. He and his wife Jill have three sons. Dr. Stout enjoys spending time with his family, camping and riding his motorcycle.  He also appreciates working with the wonderful people in the ISD and is proud to be part of the team.

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. He 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. He is in his first year as Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education. 

Dr. Pam Boatright 

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Pam Boatright started her career in the ISD more than two decades ago as a math teacher, coach and administrator at Truman High School. She taught for 10 years before becoming an assistant principal and then taking over as the head principal five years ago. Dr. Boatright completed her undergraduate degree from Rockhurst University, her Masters in Educational Technology from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a Specialists Degree in Secondary Administration from Northwest Missouri State University and her Doctorate from St. Louis University in Educational Leadership.

Dr. Tony Robinson 

Director of Human Resources

Dr. Tony Robinson began his career in education as a history teacher more than 26 years ago, most recently serving as superintendent for the Sikeston R-6 School District. Dr. Robinson earned his undergraduate degree from Evangel University, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University, and a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. He and his wife of 27 years have three children. Dr. Robinson served on the Missouri College and Career Attainment Network (MOCAN), SEMO Foodbank Board, and various other civic and nonprofit organizations.

Dr. Brett Playter

Director of Human Resources

Dr. Brett Playter brings 25 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 his most recent position as the District's Compliance Officer. 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 of 24 years have two children, Kiersten and Caleb, both graduates of William Chrisman High School. 

Dr. Dale Herl

District Financial Analyst

Dr. Dale Herl serves as the District Financial Analyst for the 2025-26 school year after retiring in May 2025 as Superintendent of the Independence School District. He served in that role for 12 years, following four years as Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Finance. Under his leadership, academic achievement reached record levels, driven by a focus on college and career readiness—including the implementation of ISD Academies. Dr. Herl introduced innovative cost-saving measures like the ISD Employee Health Clinic and a self-insured workers' compensation program, saving the district millions annually. Previously, he served as superintendent in Burrton, Kansas, a U.S. Department of Education model district. A former math teacher and principal, Dr. Herl holds degrees from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, Fort Hays State University, and Wichita State. He is active in the community and deeply values the opportunity to positively impact students’ lives through education.