JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The search for Missouri's next top education official has begun.
The State Board of Education is accepting applications for the next education commissioner beginning Wednesday. The deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m. Oct. 19.
The board fired former commissioner Margie Vandeven last year. That came after former Gov. Eric Greitens stacked the board with his appointees, who led her push out. Greitens wanted Vandeven replaced.
But efforts to replace her were delayed following pushback from state senators, who balked at Vandeven's firing and did not confirm Greitens' appointees. Greitens has since resigned, and new Gov. Mike Parson replaced his appointees with people who faced considerably less pushback.
The revamped board now is restarting its search for the next elementary and secondary education leader.
The application and nomination materials are available online at dese.mo.gov/commissioner. Potential applicants may contact the department at 573-751-3563 or [email protected].