Stacey Preis named interim education commissioner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri State Board of Education has appointed Stacey Preis as its interim commissioner of education, according to a Monday press release.

The release says she has 18 years in educational leadership, student achievement initiatives and statewide education policy. She was the deputy commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and served as the executive director of the joint committee on education for six years, the release says.

Additional information from the Boone County Family Resources website says she has three degrees from the University of Missouri, including a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis.

“Missouri students, parents, and educators expect a department that is responsive, supportive, and relentlessly focused on excellence,” Preis is quoted in the release. “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.”

The state board of education “is assembling an advisory committee to lead a national search to identify a permanent commissioner of education,” the release says.