Missouri interim education chief resigns amid A-F school rating controversy

Missouri's interim Commissioner of Education, Stacey Preis, resigned after serving just four months, amid speculation she was about to be dismissed, kirksvilledailyexpress.com reported.

Preis spoke to reporters during a closed session of the State Board of Education but did not deny the circumstances around her resignation. She stated that no one had directly asked her to resign to avoid removal, and she stepped down after considering that the board's agenda might be better served by another commissioner.

Her resignation follows weeks of speculation that Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, who has focused on education policy during her legislative career, could become the next education commissioner. While this possibility was discussed among school administrators, the board has not publicly named her as a candidate.

Preis's departure comes a month after she and other education officials recommended postponing the release of A-F grades for public schools. This recommendation was in response to appeals from school administrators who wanted more time to review preliminary ratings and the grading methodology. The delay contrasted with Gov. Mike Kehoe’s executive order that called for a public release by September 30.

Preis had emphasized the board's commitment to ensuring the grading system accurately reflected school performance, highlighting the sensitivity and importance of the ratings.

The State Board of Education is expected to continue discussions regarding leadership and the school grading system moving forward.