Jefferson City News

Governor Mike Kehoe has appointed four individuals to serve on the Missouri State Board of Education. The nominees are Michael Matousek from Kansas City, Kenneth "Brooks" Miller Jr. from Sunrise Beach, Jon Otto from Kansas City, and Dr. Thomas G. Prater from Springfield. Their appointments await confirmation by the Missouri Senate.

Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger commented on the appointments: “We look forward to welcoming these new members to the State Board and working with them to serve students, educators, and schools statewide.”

Michael Matousek is currently director of the Government Freight Conference at the American Trucking Association. His previous roles include state legislative affairs director for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and legislative director in Congressman Sam Graves’ office. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida. Matousek will take over the seat for the 6th Congressional District previously held by Charlie Shields since 2012.

Commissioner Eslinger expressed appreciation for Shields' service: “Charlie is a persistent champion for public education and the important role it plays in our society,” she said. “His leadership and insight have been greatly appreciated throughout the years and we cannot thank him enough for his service on the board and his commitment to the children in Missouri.” Matousek’s term is set to expire on July 1, 2028.

Kenneth "Brooks" Miller Jr., who was president and CEO of Jordan Valley Community Health Center, has also served as vice president of Springfield Board of Public Utilities and most recently on Truman State University’s Board of Governors. He earned a master’s degree in education administration and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northeast Missouri State University. Miller replaces Tawni Ferrarini as representative for the 3rd Congressional District; Ferrarini’s appointment was withdrawn earlier this year by Governor Kehoe after her initial selection by former Governor Mike Parson in June 2024. Miller's term will expire July 1, 2029.

Jon Otto serves as corporate counsel at Evergy, Inc., focusing on governance, compliance, finance, and real estate matters. His legal career includes positions at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP and Polsinelli PC law firms. Otto has also served on several boards including Académie Lafayette Public Charter Schools and University Health KC. He holds a Juris Doctor from UMKC School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Clark Atlanta University. Otto fills Carol Hallquist's seat representing the 5th Congressional District; Hallquist joined the board in June 2018.

Commissioner Eslinger acknowledged Hallquist's contributions: “Carol is a true servant leader — she’s volunteering in schools and organizing support services for teachers regularly because she truly believes in our mission,” Eslinger said. “Her passion for public education is evident in all that she does, and we thank her immensely for her service on the State Board.” Otto’s term ends July 1, 2030.

Dr. Thomas G. Prater specializes in LASIK and cataract surgery at Mattax-Neu-Prater Eye Center in Springfield where he has practiced since 1987. Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, Dr. Prater has served as President of both Springfield Public Schools Board of Education and Community Foundation of the Ozarks; he has also been part of Springfield City Council and Chamber of Commerce boards. Dr. Prater earned his chemistry degree at Southern Methodist University before obtaining his medical degree at Washington University School of Medicine followed by an ophthalmology residency at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

Dr. Prater was first appointed to represent Missouri's 7th Congressional District by Governor Parson last year but had his appointment withdrawn earlier this year before being reappointed by Governor Kehoe; his term will expire July 1, 2031.