Independence superintendent Jim Hinson to lead Shawnee Mission School District

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - The superintendent of the Independence School District is moving across the state line.

Dr. Jim Hinson accepted a new position as superintendent of the Shawnee Mission School District, the district announced Monday evening.

"The demographics are changing in the Shawnee Mission School District and in a lot of places in our country today," Hinson told 41 Action News on Tuesday. "One of our challenges in education is how to alter what we're doing to meet the changing needs of our students and our general population as well."

The board of education plans to hold a meeting on Wednesday to officially approve Hinson's contract. His first day with the Shawnee Mission district will be July 1.

“It is a tremendous honor to be selected as the superintendent of the Shawnee Mission School District. The district has a rich heritage of excellence, and I am looking forward to serving the students, the board, the teachers and staff members, and the community of this great district,” Hinson said in a statement Monday evening.

He'll be replacing Dr. Gene Johnson, who is retiring.

Hinson started at the Independence district in 2001.

Ann Franklin, president of the Independence School Board, credited Hinson with the successful annexation of western Independence and for bring the community together during his time as superintendent.

“Dr. Hinson’s vision, leadership, and can-do attitude accounts for many initiatives implemented during his tenure," she said in statement Monday night. "‘We’ve never done it that way,’ was never an acceptable answer.”

Hinson has a Ph.D. in educational administration from St. Louis University, a master’s degree in elementary administration from Southwest Missouri State University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Missouri Southern State College. He's been an educator for almost three decades, and a superintendent for 17 years.