Top Takeaways: MNEA State Board Report (May 2026)

Agenda: May 2026

The May 2026 meeting of the Missouri State Board of Education took place at St. Louis Community College - Forest Park Campus on May 12, 2026. The meeting focused on more charter school authorizations

Seismic Shifts in DESE Leadership

On the Radar: In closed session during the May state board meeting, Commissioner Eslinger announced her retirement to the state board of education, effective June 1, after two years of serving as commissioner. Deputy Commissioner of Learning Services, Kelli Jones, also announced her retirement for June 1. Two of the top three positions at DESE have now turned over, with a rapid timeline; this is not a typical.

Transition plans and interim appointments have not been named as of this release of The Pulse. More information, and potentially a newly named commissioner, is pending in the coming months.

️ The Forecast: The state board of education hires the commissioner of education. State board members are appointed by the governor, confirmed by the senate, and no one political party can dominate. It is important to note that there is currently one vacant seat, one expired seat, and one expiring seat this summer on the state board of education. The state board could quickly see a complete turnover to a board that is made up of a majority appointed by Governor Kehoe.

If Kehoe's other appointees are any indication of the direction of upcoming appointments, it will be a board that favors Charter Schools and "innovative" approaches that lean toward privatization, promote narrow and harsh public school accountability measures, and endorse the reduction in the requirements for educator preparation. If a board that supports these approaches names a new commissioner with a similar perspective, these directions could translate into practice that sees less funding for traditional public schools, a tightening of curriculum and testing required to hit student outcome targets, and more under-prepared educators from alternative certification routes.

Our Resolution: "The Missouri NEA believes that the State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education have an obligation to propose an education budget that will meet the educational needs of Missouri's students…The Association further believes that the State Board must maintain two-way communication with all professional educators" (A-14).

Charter Renewals and Application Approvals

On the Radar: The State Board approved Hogan Preparatory Academy for another 5-year renewal, despite Hogan's abysmal track record for student success.

Further, there was a charter school application for Julia Lee Performing Arts Academy (JLPAA) in the Kansas City area, where even state board members questioned the need of this school in the Kansas City region, despite this board being friendly to Charter Schools. Even with the doubt and questions that the State Board posed to JLPAA and sponsor (Missouri Charter Public School Commission) leadership, the state board approved the schools application to go forth and begin operations in the 2027-2028 school year due to the charter application technically meeting the required standards of an application.

️ The Forecast: The state board indicated a desire to have more influence and control over charter school applications and renewals going forward. While they generally accept Charters as a viable option for education in Missouri, they do not appreciate the lack of influence they have over what is presented to them. They have referred this issue to their legislative committee to address the fact that their hands are tied in regards to approvals and renewals if they "technically" meet standards set forth in statute. This is a state board that wants charters as an option where they can legally exist but they want to exert more control and influence over these entities and sponsors. Taking the legislative path here would take much longer but in the interim, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Boone County are all subject to this similar situation with JLPAA where a charter school could propose opening without rigorous goals or oversight.

Our Resolution: "Charter schools serve students and the public interest when they are authorized and held accountable by the locally elected school board. Charter schools should be authorized or expanded only after a district has assessed the impact of the proposed charter school on local public school resources, programs and services…Funding for charter schools should not diminish funding for the school district in which a charter school operates. State law should hold charter schools and sponsors accountable, make the operations of schools transparent and protect the rights of schools, parents, teachers and other school employees. For-profit management companies should not operate charter schools" (A-6).

Report on Proposed Rulemaking: Teacher Mentoring Standards

On the Radar: In a report to the state board, the Office of Educator Quality presented a report about the need to amend 5 CSR 20-400.380, Mentoring Program Standards. The purpose of the amendment was to clarify standards and program support of this requirement of educators.

️ The Forecast: This was just a discussion item to give the state board time to think about the current problems surrounding mentoring program standards. There is no action on this item that can be taken at this time, but if the state board does approve the proposed amendments for public comment, educators can submit thoughts about the new rule. We anticipate that the State Board will approve the amendment to the rule for public comment in coming months, which we will flag for action if needed.

Our Resolution: "The Missouri NEA believes that peer assistance and review programs can be an effective mechanism to achieve high standards and continuous improvement in the teaching profession. The goal of any such program is to provide assistance, improve professional knowledge and practice, and retain quality teachers" (D-20).

The next meeting of the State Board of Education will occur in St. Louis on June 23, 2026. Location of this meeting has yet to be announced as of the publication date this Pulse. Missouri NEA will be present for that meeting.