Missouri will be looking for a new state education commissioner. After almost two years on the job, Karla Eslinger has announced her plans to leave the top spot at the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Eslinger announced her plans today. Her retirement is effective June 1.
“Serving as Missouri’s Commissioner of Education has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Eslinger said in a news release. “Over the past two years, I am incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made — enhancing how we use data to guide decisions, strengthening communication with partners, and laying the groundwork for a strategic plan — that will continue to benefit students and educators long after my tenure. Missouri’s educators are deeply committed to their students, and it has been a privilege to support their work.”
“As president of the Missouri State Board of Education (State Board) I have had the chance to see Dr. Eslinger in a variety of educational positions, as well as working in the state legislature, she has always been a tremendous leader and an advocate for public education,” said State Board President Mary Schrag. “This is a significant loss to the department and for Missouri education. I believe she will continue to be a great advocate for public education.”
Melissa Randol, Executive Director of the Missouri School Boards’ Association, issued the following statement about Eslinger’s retirement:
“I want to thank Commissioner Karla Eslinger for her extraordinary service to Missouri’s public schools and, most importantly, the children we all serve. She has dedicated her career to improving educational opportunities for students across our state and has led with professionalism, compassion, and a deep commitment to public education. Her partnership with local school districts, educators, and stakeholders has made a meaningful impact in communities throughout Missouri. We are grateful for her leadership and the countless ways she has supported students, schools, and public education during her time at DESE,” said Randol.
Eslinger took on the top role in July 2024.
She started her career as an elementary school teacher before serving as a building principal and superintendent in Ava and West Plains. After retiring as superintendent, Eslinger worked at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to serve as the assistant commissioner in the Office of Educator Quality. She then went on to work for the AEM Corporation, serving as a senior analyst for education services and providing technical assistance to the U.S. Department of Education.
Eslinger most recently represented District 33 in the Missouri Senate from 2021-2024. Prior to that, she represented District 155 in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2019-2020.
The department said it will share additional information about transition plans in the coming weeks.
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