About

Independence School District Foundation

Inspiring Greatness Through Giving

For more than 30 years, the ISDF has been providing support to our students.

Our Mission & History

Our mission is to strengthen the schools and community by expanding educational opportunities and community engagement, enhancing learning environments, and providing need-based funding and services for students and staff.

The Independence School District Foundation was established in the early 1990s, but our history of providing support to enhance educational opportunities can be traced back to the founding days of the Independence School District in 1842. The first District endowment – the Aull Fund – was created to provide clothing and shoes to students in need. Throughout the generations our mission has evolved, but our focus remains on our students and inspiring greatness through giving.

For the documentation below, contact our office at (816) 521-5300

  • Annual Agency Audit

  • IRS Form 990 Filing

Our Board & Staff

Meet Our Leadership

Dr. Vickie Murillo

Superintendent

Dr. Vickie Murillo

Dr. Murillo joined the Independence School District as Superintendent in 2026. She brings over 40 years of experience in education and holds a Doctorate of Education in Education Leadership from Baker University, a master’s from UMKC and a bachelor’s in education from Evangel University.

Lori Ross

President

Lori Ross

As President of the ISD Foundation Board, Lori brings eight years of dedicated service and a long history of supporting the Independence community. A former Independence Chamber of Commerce employee, she also served as a PTA and Booster Club president during the years her kids attended ISD schools. Lori generously gives her time and resources to the Foundation and extends her commitment to the community through her service on the Community Services League Board of Directors.

Dr. Randy Maglinger

Secretary/Treasurer

Dr. Randy Maglinger

Dr. Maglinger is the Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education with the ISD and has served on our board for eight years. He is a proud graduate of William Chrisman High School and has dedicated his career to serving students in the ISD. He believes every student deserves access to opportunities that prepare them for success and he is a supporter of innovative programs that remove barriers for students and strengthen partnerships that enrich educational experiences.

Lynne Baker

Member

Lynne Baker

Lynne has dedicated nearly 50 years to public education as a teacher, counselor and social worker. Her passion for serving the Independence community and her decades of experience make her a valued member of the Independence School District Foundation Board of Directors.

Wendy Baird

Member

Wendy Baird

Wendy currently serves as Vice-President on the Independence School District Board of Education. She brings a background in marketing, communications and nonprofit management to the Foundation Board and holds degrees from Kansas State University and UMKC.

Greg Gilliam

Member

Greg Gilliam

Greg spent more than 30 years serving the Independence School District in Human Resources and continues to work part-time for the district in retirement. His life-long commitment to education is reflected in his service on the ISD Foundation Board, his many years as an Inspire student mentor, and his active involvement with the Independence Lions Club and Rotary Club.

Amy Knipp

Member

Amy Knipp

Amy brings both nonprofit leadership and business experience to the Foundation Board. She previously served as the Executive Director of the Independence School District Foundation and continues to support its mission as a Board member. She is deeply committed to supporting Independence and ISD students, educators and schools.

Colin McClain

Member

Colin McClain

Colin is an accomplished trial attorney and former Jackson County prosecutor with deep ties to the Independence Community. A dedicated family-oriented leader, he has served on the Independence School District Foundation Board for over five years, bringing valuable legal expertise and a strong commitment to supporting local students and schools.

Anthony J. Mondaine

Member

Anthony J. Mondaine

Anthony currently serves as President of the Independence School District Board of Education in addition to serving as a Director on the ISD Foundation Board. He has dedicated his life to service, leadership, and advocacy, is an ordained minister and has faithfully served as a local pastor in the community for over a decade.

Jim Schultz

Member

Jim Schultz

Jim is a dedicated public servant and retired sales and service agent for Shelter Insurance Company with a long history of serving youth in our community. His leadership includes serving on the Independence City Council, as Mayor Pro Tem, and as Board President of both the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) and Union Station Kansas City. A founding member of the ISD Foundation’s Inspire mentoring program, Jim provides weekly mentorship to local students.

Debra Campbell

Foundation Coordinator

Debra Campbell

Debra serves as the Interim Foundation Coordinator for the Independence School District Foundation, where she has dedicated the past 15 years to advancing the Foundation’s mission. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She is passionate about connecting community support with opportunities that benefit ISD students, educators, families, and schools.

Hayley Woods

Foundation Assistant

Hayley Woods

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