Missouri’s State Board of Education is framed by the Missouri Constitution to be both bipartisan and independent of state politics. This purposeful intent makes Missouri unique and our Department of Education has been afforded stability and flourished under this design. Board members are appointed by the Governor and then approved by the Senate.
Over the last few months Governor Greitens has made five interim appointments and revoked the appointments of two appointees. Currently the Senate is out of session and therefor has yet to review and approve or disapprove the appointments. It has been widely reported the Governor wishes to have the current Commissioner removed in order to bring in an out-of-state individual. This individual is being brought in to appease political donors and forces from outside MO. This is in direct opposition to MO PTA’s stance that schools operate best under local control. A special meeting was called and a vote was taken. The motion was defeated however, this will not stop these individuals. December 1st the State Board of Education will convene in a regular meeting. It is our fear that the Governor will again seek to impose his will for DESE.
Missouri PTA is deeply concerned with the politicization that is currently occurring with regard to the State Board. Our children, all our children, do best when non-political independent individuals focus on what is best for kids instead of their own political aspirations. Our state operates best when it is under local control both at the state, county, city and community level. Outside forces and big money does not have MO children’s best interest at heart. Local control is best for education and our students. Please join us in advocating for local control!
If you are concerned as advocates of education for all children please contact the following:
Senate Committee on Gubernatorial Appointments
MO State Board of Education, [email protected] , request email be sent to all members
and your State Senator
Let them know your thoughts on this matter. Below is a letter you can copy and edit with your information to easily contact all those mentioned above.
Thank you,
Carla Wiese
VP and Director of Legislation and Advocacy
There have been several articles posted lately regarding this development:
- STL Today – Greitens Attempt to Oust Top School Official Appears Back On
- STL Today – In Five Months Gov Greitens Has Turned Over More Than Half the State School Board
- STL Today – Ex-School Board Member Accuses Governor of Strong-Arm Tactics
Dear (insert title),
I do not believe that the current actions Governor Greitens has taken with DESE is in the best interest of the children of Missouri. The Governor is trying to bring in a Commissioner with no ties to MO other than appeasing forces and political donors outside of MO. He has made five appointments that have yet to be confirmed by the Senate. I believe that these members need to be properly vetted and voted upon prior to making any decisions that could be detrimental to all the gains in education MO has experienced.
Our children, all our children, do best when non-political independent individuals focus on what is best for kids instead of their own political aspirations. Our state operates best when it is under local control both at the state, county, city and community level. Outside forces and big money does not have MO children’s best interest at heart. Please do not allow the politicization of DESE.
Thank you,
(your name)
(PTA Unit)