Commissioner of Education Search Moves Forward
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri State Board of Education (State Board) voted Tuesday, October 20, to hire The K12 Search Group (K12) to assist in the search for Missouri's next Commissioner of Education.
Selecting the next commissioner is one of the State Board’s most important duties. The Commissioner leads the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and guides policies and programs that affect students, educators, schools and communities statewide. The State Board is committed to a deliberate, transparent search to identify a leader with strong educational experience, proven leadership skills and a deep understanding of Missouri’s diverse educational landscape.
K12 was selected by the State Board on the recommendation of its search committee after reviewing proposals and interviewing finalist firms. The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) provided administrative and logistical support but did not participate in the decision making.
The firm will work with the search committee and State Board to develop a position profile and recruitment strategy, identify, and engage qualified candidates, review applicants, and support the State Board throughout the process. The State Board will retain sole responsibility for evaluating candidates and selecting the next Commissioner of Education.
NASBE’s national perspective and experience working with state boards of education make it a valuable partner in this effort. Its role is to support the search committee and the State Board in ensuring Missouri’s search reflects the state’s unique needs and effective practices from across the nation.
NASBE’s role is limited to process support and administrative coordination, guided by its experience in fostering strong collaboration and alignment among state education policymakers and leaders.
“NASBE supports state boards of education nationwide by helping create the conditions they need to lead effectively,” said Paolo DeMaria, NASBE President and CEO. “While we do not make decisions, we guide boards through their decision‑making processes based on each state’s unique context and needs. Selecting a state education leader is a significant responsibility, and a thoughtful search ensures Missouri considers a strong, diverse pool of qualified leaders. We are pleased to support the Missouri State Board of Education in this important work.”
Engaging K12 adds an important dimension to the process. A specialized firm can broaden the candidate pool beyond traditional applicants, conduct targeted outreach to experienced education leaders, and provide a structured review of qualifications to identify candidates whose leadership aligns with Missouri’s priorities. This expertise helps the State Board conduct a thorough, competitive search while allowing members to focus on selecting the state’s next education leader.
Philanthropic organizations have partnered to provide the funding needed to engage the professional search firm, with NASBE serving as the funding intermediary. This support allows the State Board to benefit from specialized recruitment expertise without using state funds, preserving those resources for other education priorities.
Supporting organizations represent a range of backgrounds and share a commitment to public education, student success, and workforce development. Their contributions reflect a shared interest in helping Missouri’s students succeed and ensuring the state has the leadership needed to strengthen educational opportunities and outcomes.
The funders will provide financial support only and will not participate in recruiting, evaluating, or selecting candidates, nor will NASBE. The State Board retains full responsibility for the selection process and final appointment decision. The search will be conducted in accordance with applicable law and the State Board’s transparency and accountability obligations.
The State Board gratefully acknowledges the educational leaders and organizations that have agreed to support this important effort including Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, Regional Business Council, The DeBruce Foundation, and Town Branch Foundation.
“As we move through this important moment for Missouri education, the State Board remains committed to a transparent and thoughtful search,” said State Board President Brooks Miller. “Our goal is to identify the individual best suited to lead Missouri’s education system — someone with proven leadership, a clear vision for the future, and a deep commitment to educational opportunity and success for every student in Missouri. The expertise and broader reach that a professional search firm brings will help us thoroughly explore the candidate pool and make an informed decision in the best interests of Missouri’s students, educators, and communities.”
As the search progresses, the State Board will share updates and opportunities for public engagement, consistent with applicable law and the integrity of the candidate review process. The State Board remains focused on identifying a commissioner who can build on Missouri’s strengths, address its challenges, and advance excellence and opportunity for students statewide.
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