The Missouri State Board of Education has appointed State Senator Karla Eslinger as the upcoming Commissioner of Education, marking a significant transition for the state’s education leadership. Eslinger, a seasoned Republican from southern Missouri, brings a wealth of experience as a former teacher, principal, and school district superintendent.
Eslinger’s journey in the field of education has been diverse, with notable roles as a classroom teacher, principal, district-level administrator, and superintendent in the southwest region of Missouri. Her extensive background in education includes serving as an assistant commissioner in the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Educator Quality.
The decision to appoint Eslinger was made public by Board President Charlie Shields, who revealed that she was the sole candidate considered for the position. The closed-door sessions held by the board underscored the gravity of the decision, with Shields expressing confidence in Eslinger’s ability to lead the state’s education department effectively.
Eslinger, a graduate of Gainesville High School, holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the College of the Ozarks, as well as master’s and specialist’s degrees from Missouri State University. Additionally, she earned a doctorate from the University of Missouri. Her academic achievements reflect a commitment to lifelong learning, a quality she aims to instill in Missouri’s educational system.
Governor Mike Parson, a fellow Republican, praised Eslinger as a “tenacious leader with a vision that will continue to move the needle forward in our Missouri schools.” Eslinger’s proven leadership skills were evident in her previous roles, including her service as superintendent in both Ava and West Plains.
Eslinger’s political career began with her election to the Missouri House in 2018, followed by her successful bid for a state Senate seat in 2020. She will continue serving as a state senator through the 2024 legislative session before officially assuming the role of Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on June 1, 2024.
Expressing her commitment to public education, Eslinger stated, “I’m certain my future would look very different if not for my public school education. Children across Missouri depend on our schools in this same way, and I look forward to ensuring every child in our state receives the quality educational opportunities they deserve.”
Eslinger’s tenure as commissioner will commence at the end of the 2024 legislative session, succeeding the current Commissioner of Education, Margie Vandeven, who announced her plans to retire at the end of June. Eslinger will become the seventh individual and the third woman to hold the position since its establishment in 1947.
Residing in Wasola with her husband David on their family farm, Eslinger has also been a business owner for over 35 years. The couple has two daughters and three grandchildren, adding a personal dimension to her commitment to fostering excellence in Missouri’s education system. As she steps into her new role, Eslinger’s appointment marks a pivotal moment in shaping the future of education in the Show-Me State.