Departure of the Independence School District Superintendent caused mixed emotions

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - The departure of Dr. Jim Hinson from Independence schools and his arrival at the Shawnee Mission School District has resulted in mixed emotions across the state line.

Kim Kuhlman has a son who is in middle school in the Independence School District.  Her son, Cameron, weighed 270 pounds when Hinson got some community partners together to pay to send Cameron and 11 other students to a camp that helps obese children.

"When he sees need he jumps and meets it and it doesn't matter what it takes," Kuhlman said.

Pastor Bob Spralding of Maywood Baptist Church in Independence credits Hinsons' programs with saving at-risk neighborhoods.

"There is hope here and there are people bringing their families and they are getting started out and have a home because there is a school district that is good and helping them out," Spralding said.

"He's energetic, he's visionary and he is a leader of leaders," Spralding said of Hinson.

Both community leaders said they will miss Hinson, but they wish him continued success in the Shawnee Mission School District.