Former KCPS leader returns home to Independence as district’s new superintendent
A familiar face in the Kansas City education landscape will return to lead the Independence school district starting this summer.
The Independence School Board moved unanimously Tuesday night to appoint Vickie Murillo as the district’s next superintendent.
In a news release, the Independence School District described Murillo’s approach to educational leadership as “visionary,” citing her “ability to collaborate with teachers, parents, and community members.”
Murillo, who grew up in Independence, will step into the district’s top role on July 1 for the 2026-2027 school year. She previously worked for Kansas City Public Schools for 30 years before moving in 2017 to become superintendent of a school district in western Iowa.
“I am committed to working tirelessly alongside our dedicated educators and staff,” Murillo said, “to ensure that every student receives a world-class education and has the opportunity to reach their full potential. I am also truly excited about the opportunity to come home.”
As KCPS’s chief academic and accountability officer, Murillo saw the district through its struggle to re-earn accreditation. The district officially became fully accredited in 2016, three months before Murillo’s departure.
That following summer, she left Kansas City for Iowa, where she has been superintendent of the Council Bluffs Community School District for close to a decade.
Months after her move, Murillo was the subject of a whistleblower lawsuit by a KCPS teacher alleging that Murillo misused district funds from the East High School budget. The suit was dismissed with prejudice in 2019 — meaning the case is permanently closed and cannot be refiled — after the teacher’s lawyer filed to withdraw the lawsuit.
Education Insider Magazine named Murillo to its annual list of Top 10 Superintendents in 2025, citing her commitment to Council Bluffs’ early college and credential programs. Murillo also initiated similar career and technical education programs during her time in leadership at KCPS, along with administering federal education initiatives.
“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.”
Murillo will succeed Interim ISD Superintendent Cynthia Grant, who stepped into district leadership for the 2025-2026 school year. Previous superintendent Dale Herl announced his retirement at the end of the 2024-2025 school year after 16 years in the district, though he will remain employed by the district as a financial analyst through June.
Independence residents recently voted to maintain a four-day school week model, which Herl initiated and navigated in the final years of his tenure. The Independence School Board vocally supported the continuation of the shortened week, though parents, teachers and students have been divided on the alternative bell schedule in its first couple years.
Murillo will also inherit an ongoing district push toward better petty cash management and increased transparency at public meetings, following the results of a state audit of the district last year.
This story was originally published January 28, 2026 at 3:49 PM.
