Independence School District

Preliminary results from the April 7, 2026, elections in Hickman Mills, Independence and other districts saw some new candidates win seats, while incumbents returned for another term in others.

Hickman Mills, Independence and other school districts got the green light from voters to improve school buildings and pay off debt in the April 7 municipal election. Some passed measures that will let them pay teachers and staff more.

On April 7, voters around Kansas City, Missouri, will decide a number of critical local issues in their communities. That includes multiple school board races, whether to renew Kansas City’s earnings tax, who will lead Independence, and more.

A group of Independence residents opposed to a massive data center is gearing up to force a public vote on it. But the city argues approving their petition would violate its governing rules.

The city approved massive tax breaks because they say the money and protections city will receive make it a good deal. Opponents want to put the incentives on the ballot so residents can weigh in.

Independence adopted the shorter school week two years ago to attract and retain more teachers. More than 61% of voters decided on Tuesday that the school district can continue its four-day week.

On Nov. 4, voters around Kansas City will decide a number of critical local issues in their communities, including multiple mayoral races, whether to "abandon" Prairie Village's form of government, if Independence can keep its four-day school week, and more.

The Independence board of education first approved a four-day school week in December 2022 to help recruit and retain teachers amid a chronic shortage across the state. Whether the district can keep its shortened week, though, will be decided by voters on Tuesday.

A new Missouri law requires certain school districts to get voter approval to start or continue the four-day week. The Independence School District, which is by far the state's largest district on the shortened week, will put the issue before voters on Nov. 4.

A new Missouri law requires the school district to get voter approval to continue the four-day week. But whether Independence voters will weigh in on keeping the shorter schedule may depend on the outcome of a lawsuit the school district filed against the state.

Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick criticized the Independence school district for spending money on a lawsuit attempting to overturn a requirement for a public vote on the four-day school week.

Herl has led the Independence, Missouri, school district — which enrolls about 14,000 K-12 students — since 2013. Community members praised Herl for managing finances, improving school buildings and sports facilities, and leading innovations like the four-day school week.