Jefferson City News

The State Board of Education has announced that Senator Karla Eslinger will become Missouri's next Commissioner for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) starting June 1, 2024. Eslinger will assume her new role after completing her duties in the Missouri Senate during the 2024 legislative session.

"I am honored that the State Board has entrusted me with this incredible responsibility," said Eslinger. She expressed her commitment to ensuring quality educational opportunities for children across Missouri, drawing from her personal experiences growing up in poverty where school was a constant presence in her life.

State Board President Charlie Shields emphasized the importance of maintaining progress within the department, stating, "With her extensive experience and insight into Missouri-specific education issues, Karla is clearly a leader who can hit the ground running and continue to lead the department well."

Governor Mike Parson praised Eslinger's over 30 years of experience in education and her ability to bring people together. "She is a tenacious leader who has a vision that will continue to move the needle forward in our Missouri schools," he said.

Eslinger's career includes roles as a classroom teacher, principal, district-level administrator, superintendent, and Assistant Commissioner in DESE’s Office of Educator Quality. She also worked with the U.S. Department of Education on the Race to the Top grant program before joining the Missouri General Assembly as a State Representative and later as State Senator.

Current Commissioner Margie Vandeven announced she would step down on July 1, 2024, after more than seven years in service. "I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Eslinger for years and am thrilled to hand the reigns over to such a thoughtful collaborator and skilled practitioner," Vandeven stated.

Under Eslinger's leadership, DESE will focus on strategic priorities such as early childhood education, literacy, safe schools, workforce development, and teacher recruitment and retention. Notably, Eslinger will be only the seventh person—and third woman—to hold this position since its creation in 1947.