The Missouri Board of Education has announced an interim education commissioner. It voted unanimously Monday to appoint Stacey Preis, effective immediately.
Preis is not a stranger to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). She served as a deputy education commissioner from 2014 to 2019.
Stacey Preis, interim education commissioner
According to a news release from DESE, Preis brings 18 years in educational leadership. Besides her time at the department, she also spent six years as Executive Director of the state legislature’s Joint Committee on Education. Her most recent job involved consultant work in education, workforce development, and philanthropy.
The release says Preis brings the experience that will build on the department’s current momentum to improve outcomes for students.
“Preis is widely respected across Missouri for decades of service, thoughtful leadership, and a proven ability to unite communities around student success. We appreciate Dr. Preis’s readiness to lead at a pivotal time and look forward to partnering to deliver stronger outcomes for Missouri’s students, educators, and families,” said State Board Vice President Brooks Miller.
DESE says Preis will help the agency to continue advancing department priorities, including the rollout of A-F school performance report cards, classroom learning, increasing targeted school support, growing real-world pathways, and upholding safe, healthy schools.
“Missouri students, parents, and educators expect a department that is responsive, supportive, and relentlessly focused on excellence,” said Preis. “I am honored to serve and will work closely with the State Board, the dedicated team at DESE, and our partners to drive innovation, strengthen outcomes, and continue the progress for Missouri’s children.”
Her appointment follows the retirement of Karla Eslinger, who served as education commissioner for about two years.
The State Board of Education is forming an advisory committee to lead a national search for a permanent commissioner.
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