Missouri State Board of Education

The Missouri State Board of Education discussed its rulemaking authority during an annual retreat, with new leadership exploring how far its power extends. Board president Brooks Miller emphasized the goal of improving education for children, while members debated the scope of their regulatory capabilities. The board is composed of governor-appointed members without mandatory education backgrounds, and recent changes in leadership have shifted the tone of discussions.

The Missouri State Board of Education appointed Stacey Preis as interim commissioner while conducting a nationwide search for a permanent replacement. Cindy O’Laughlin, a state senator with education-related experience, is mentioned as a potential candidate for the role.

Missouri joins multiple states in using an A-F grading system to evaluate schools, with state takeovers based on metrics like test scores and graduation rates. The policy ignores health factors impacting students and communities, disproportionately affecting Black and low-income districts. State takeovers in St. Louis area districts with majority-Black populations are described as traumatic, raising concerns about racial equity and health outcomes.