On March 11, educator Jim Hinson, was announced as the Shawnee Mission School District’s new superintendent. He will take over from Gene Johnson, who is retiring, on July 1, 2013.
Hinson is currently the superintendent of the Independence Public School District in Missouri. He has been an educator for almost 30 years.
Hinson has a doctorate 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 has been honored with numerous awards including the Excellence in Educational Leadership Award from the University Council for Educational Administration, Inc., Greater Kansas City Superintendent of the Year (2007) from the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA), George Matteson Leadership Award from the Independence Economic Development Council, and recognition as an Icon of Education in Ingram’s Magazine.
Dr. Hinson and his wife June have three grown children, two of whom live with their families in the metro area. See Dr. Hinson’s biography for more information. The board of education plans to hold a special meeting on Wednesday, March 13 to formally approve a contract with Dr. Hinson.
“My colleagues on the board of education and I are pleased to welcome Dr. Hinson to Shawnee Mission. We are very fortunate to have a lifelong educator with the stature, integrity, and reputation of Dr. Hinson to lead the Shawnee Mission School District to the next level of student success,’ said Board President Patty Mach. “He is an innovative educational leader with a strong commitment to students, staff, and community outreach.”
Hinson says he is excited to be a part of this district.
“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,” Dr. Hinson stated. “The board of education and leadership team have established a longstanding commitment to providing outstanding educational programs and services to the children in this community, and I look forward to becoming a member of the Shawnee Mission family.”