Missouri Interim Education Commissioner Stacey Preis resigned Tuesday, effective immediately, as the State Board of Education moves forward with its search for a permanent leader.
Preis, who had served as interim commissioner since June, announced her resignation to reporters during a break in Tuesday’s State Board meeting in Jefferson City.
“At this time, I think the board’s agenda is better served by a different commissioner,” Preis said. “This is completely my decision.”
Earlier Tuesday, Preis discussed work on an A-through-F school performance system tied to an executive order from Gov. Mike Kehoe.
“The grade card presented today reflects our commitment to high achievement for every child while recognizing the important contributions schools make to growth in student learning,” Preis said. “We’ve also begun implementing a more focused and intentional approach towards supporting school improvement. Labels and scores do not improve schools.”
Preis’s departure comes as the State Board searches for Missouri’s next permanent education commissioner. The board voted Tuesday to hire the K12 Search Group to assist with a national search and recruitment of candidates.
The search firm will be funded by philanthropic organizations rather than state funds. The State Board says those organizations will not participate in evaluating or selecting candidates, and the board will retain final authority over the selection.
Read her resignation announcement: Preis resignation media release_10.20.2026
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