Missouri Education Commissioner Resigns, Search Begins
The state board is seeking a permanent successor for the role after the interim commissioner stepped down this week.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Administration
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Missouri Interim Education Commissioner Stacey Preis has resigned from her position, effective immediately. The state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is now beginning a search for a permanent successor to lead the school system.
Why it matters
The change in top leadership at the state education level influences policy and administrative direction for public schools statewide. Because the commissioner oversees school standards, this transition marks a pivotal moment for curriculum and district logistics.
Stacey Preis served as interim commissioner starting in June 2026 until her immediate resignation on October 20, 2026. The State Board of Education is now using the K12 Search Group to find a permanent replacement.
The players
Stacey Preis
The former interim education commissioner who oversaw Missouri state school operations from June 2026 until October 2026.
State Board of Education
The governing body responsible for setting academic standards and selecting top leadership for Missouri schools.
K12 Search Group
A professional recruitment firm hired to conduct the national search for a new education commissioner.
The details
During a board meeting in Jefferson City, Stacey Preis announced that the board's agenda would be better served by a new leader. In response, the State Board of Education voted to hire the K12 Search Group to manage a national candidate search. While philanthropic organizations are funding the search firm, the board retains final authority over the selection process.
Timeline
June 2026: Stacey Preis began her tenure as interim commissioner.
October 20, 2026: Preis resigned from the role during a board meeting.
The Home Front
The search for a new commissioner adheres to the state's established executive recruitment policies for education leadership. This move follows the Missouri State Board of Education hiring procedures that govern how top state-level administrative roles are filled.
Families across the state should monitor future board meeting agendas for updates on candidate forums or policy shifts. Parents can review the Missouri State Board of Education website to understand how the new leadership may eventually affect local school district policies.
The takeaway
The search for a permanent commissioner is now underway with funding support from philanthropic organizations. Families can stay informed on the selection process by tracking upcoming state board meeting notices.
Further reading
You can follow updates on the search process on the Administration page.
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