Dale Herl

Dr. Dale Herl has proudly served as Independence School District superintendent since 2013. Prior to that, Dr. Herl served as ISD deputy superintendent of operations and finance for four years. Dr. Herl’s focus on college and career readiness has prompted the implementation of the ISD Academies in all three high schools, giving ISD students a competitive advantage over their peers. Under his leadership, academic achievement is at an all-time high in the ISD.

One of Dr. Herl’s goals is to have every ISD student graduate from high school with an associate’s degree or an Industry Recognized Credential (IRC). In 2017, 72 percent of ISD students graduated with dual credit or an IRC, increasing by more than 50 percent in just two years. When Dr. Herl started as superintendent in 2013, the ISD offered six courses for college credit. The ISD now offers more than 90 courses for college credit with more than 400 college credit hours available. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce named the Academies of the ISD the Education Innovator of the Year in 2017. The award is given to one educational institution or program demonstrating forward-thinking strategies to better prepare students for their futures.