USD 446 Board Of Education
Board Meetings
The Independence USD 446 Board of Education meetings are normally held on the second Monday of each month, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Independence High School Community Room, 1301 N. 10th St., Independence.
The general public is always invited to attend all board meetings, except executive sessions. Anyone wishing to appear on the agenda should contact the Superintendent of Schools prior to the meeting and state the reason(s) for the request. The superintendent will determine whether the request can be solved by staff without appearance of the patron before the board. If not, the patron's request will be placed on the agenda of the next regular board meeting.
Any questions or concerns regarding board meetings and procedures may be directed to Jason McAfee, Superintendent of Schools at jmcafee@indyschools.com or (620) 332-1800.
USD 446 Board Members
Scott Hines
President of the Independence USD 446 Board of Education
(620) 988-0326
Scott and his wife, Denise, have a son and two daughters currently enrolled in the USD 446 public school system. Scott was raised in Independence and is a product of the USD 446 schools. Scott and his family returned to Independence in 2007 after spending 10 years in the Kansas City area. Scott is currently Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Medicalodges, Inc. "I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve our community as a member of the USD 446 Board. It is an honor to be able to give back to the school system that has served me and my family for many past years and will for future years to come." Scott has been a member of the Independence USD 446 Board since 2014. He was elected to the President role July 2023.
Greg Hennen
Vice President of the Independence USD 446 Board of Education
(620) 330-4051
Greg has lived in Independence since January 1989 when he came here to work as a therapist in the local community mental health center (CMHC). He and his wife, Marci, have two college-aged girls, Bailey and Ashlyn, who are both products of the USD 446 school system. "Early social and academic success is pivotal in establishing the trajectory of young lives and research shows that effective teachers are the most important factor contributing to student achievement. It is a critical mission of the Board to ensure effective teaching and learning environments are ever-present, and I am excited to be a part of something with such generational impact." Greg presently serves as Executive Director of Four County Mental Health Center, Inc., is President of the state Association of CMHC's of Kansas, and serves on the Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board for both Montgomery and Cowley counties. Greg began as a member of the USD 446 Board of Education in January 2020. He was elected to the Vice President role in July 2023.
Sam Blackard
Member of the Independence USD 446 Board of Education
(620) 205-9292
Sam is a product of USD 446 and moved back to Independence with his wife Mindy in 2004. They have two children, Andrew and Lauren, who attend Jefferson School and Independence Middle School. Sam believes "serving on your local school board is one of the most important civic duties one can undertake, and having a strong school system is vital for Independence." Sam is involved with the Montgomery County Action Council, member of the First Church of the Nazarene, and serves as Executive Vice President of People's State Bank in Cherryvale. Hobbies include running, fishing, and spending time with his family. Sam was appointed to the USD 446 Board of Education September 2016.
Charles Barker, Sr.
Member of the Independence USD 446 Board of Education
cbarker@aviationcontrolsinc.com
(620) 331-7431
Charles and his wife, Arie, have three children and five grandchildren. Charles is a local pastor and has served the community through his ministry since returning to Independence in 1991. He has worked in the school district in various capacities including mentoring and being a positive role model. His primary objective is to help promote the value of education and create a positive learning environment. "My goal is for students to maximize their potential to learn and achieve at the highest possible level." Charles has been a member of the Independence USD 446 Board since 2009.
Jen Rutledge
Member of the Independence USD 446 Board of Education
(316) 641-4378
Jen and her husband Jason have two children in the Independence school system and one attending college. The Rutledge family relocated to the Independence area in 2009 and have been actively involved in the community since that time. Jen currently works at Apricot Lane, is on the Leadership Independence Board, and volunteers time in her children's schools. "I love being involved in the community and in the schools. There are so many great things about Independence and the opportunities for young people are numerous. I am eager to serve on the School Board and am excited about the future of our children, even in these tough times financially." Jen has been a member of the Independence USD 446 Board since 2015.
Marty Reichenberger
Member of the Independence USD 446 Board of Education
marty74@live.com
(620) 330-3031
Marty Reichenberger is a lifelong resident of Independence, graduated from IHS, and has previously served on the school board from 2006 to 2019. He and his wife Amy have two children who have graduated from IHS with honors and one currently in the high school. “Putting kids first and providing a world class education which enables the kids who graduate to be ready for either continuing education or to go directly to the workforce. We need to promote returning to Independence as an option for our kids as they graduate. Keeping a young group returning home will ensure our community’s vibrancy in the future.” Marty was appointed to the USD 446 Board of Education January 2023.
Tamisha Sewell
Member of the Independence USD 446 Board of Education
620-870-4973
Tamisha Sewell is the owner and director of Tree House of Early Learning. She has a degree in Family and Human Studies and has also received her Child Development Associate credential. Tamisha has many nieces and nephews as well as extended family attending schools in USD 446. She is from Independence and graduated from USD 446. “It is my priority to ensure that all students in USD 446 receive a high quality, and equitable education that will prepare them not only for the workforce but for life.”
Tamisha is also very active in the community as the Chair of the Kansas Children's Service Leagues Community Leadership & Development Council, a board member of the Kansas Association for the Education of Young Children, a member of the Independence Chapter of Soroptimists International, a member of the local chapters of Women for Kansas and the League of Women Voters. Tamisha has been a USD 446 board member since January 2022.