In a closed meeting today, the Missouri Board of Education voted for new leadership for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). In a 5-3 vote, the members voted to replace Dr. Margie Vandeven as commissioner of education effective immediately. Dr. Vic Lenz, Mike Jones and Charlie Shields voted against the change in leadership. The majority of the members cited a need to move in a new direction for public education in Missouri.

The board also voted on appointing an interim commissioner. One board member abstained and the other seven voted to appoint Deputy Commissioner Dr. Roger Dorson as interim commissioner of education effective immediately.

Dr.­­ Vandeven issued a statement on her departure from DESE here.

The next meeting of the State Board of Education is set for January 9, 2018, in Jefferson City at the regular meeting location on the first floor of 205 Jefferson St.