Missouri names Lisa Sireno as interim education commissioner

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has appointed Lisa Sireno as interim commissioner following the sudden resignation of Stacey Preis. Sireno, who has served at the department since 2015 and most recently held the role of deputy commissioner of learning services, becomes the third leader of the state’s K-12 education department this year.

Stacey Preis announced her immediate resignation during a State Board of Education meeting in Jefferson City, stating that the board’s agenda would be better served by a different commissioner. Her departure occurs as the state board initiates a national search for a permanent successor.

The State Board of Education has hired The K12 Search Group to assist in the recruitment process. The search will be funded by philanthropic organizations through the National Association of State Boards of Education rather than state funds, a decision that has drawn criticism from some lawmakers and education groups regarding transparency.