The Department of Education has released the process it will use for finding a new Education Commissioner to take the place of Chris Nicastro, who is retiring. The State Board of Education says it hopes to have a new Commissioner selected by December 31, when her retirement becomes effective.
Missouri State Board of Education President Peter Herschend (left) and Education Commissioner Chris Nicastro listen to presentations at a State Board meeting.
The Board was the subject of criticism by education groups and some educators who said it was moving too fast to select a new commissioner, and without being open and transparent about its process. Board President Peter Herschend had told the Kansas City Star last week that a new Commissioner might be selected during the Board meeting Monday, but later backed down from that prediction.
In the process outlined today, the Board says it will accept nominations in an open search through November 21. The public is invited to offer recommendations for the factors and characteristics to be considered by the State Board in evaluating candidates. Those can also be submitted through November 21.
The Board will then contact nominees to determine whether they are interested, and ask those who are to submit letters of applications, resumes with references and personal essays.
Those candidates considered most qualified will then be notified and invited to a personal interview with the Board. It will then vote on its selection from the finalists of the interviews and select the new Commissioner.
Nominations, applications and public recommendations can be submitted by e-mail through the Department’s website, and should be sent to the attention of Robin Coffman, Chief of Staff.
Earlier story:Â Details today on search of Missouri Education Commissioner
