Jim Hinson

Inspiring Greatness Jim Hinson

Inspiring Greatness is the story of the annexation in western Independence and Sugar Creek Missouri. In 2005 a grass-roots movement began to take shape among concerned parents, community, and government leaders to move the schools in western Independence and Sugar Creek from the Kansas City, Missouri School District to the Independence School District. This effort was born of a desire to provide children of this community with a high-quality education from an accredited district. The Independence School District responded to the requests and the initiative gained momentum. The change in boundaries was passed with an overwhelming majority by voters from both ISD and KCMSD on November of 2008. However, in the months leading up to the vote and months ensuing, the Independence School District faced great opposition from leaders of KCMSD in their attempts to make this transition as seamless and fair as possible for the community, families, and children involved. The community and the district triumphed at the polls, in court, and worked together like never before with a strong commitment and focus of doing what is right for children. This story speaks volumes about volunteerism, community activism, and people dedicated to the American dream.