State Education officials will hold a pair of public hearings regarding Missouri’s unaccredited school districts from 6:30-8 p.m. today, Feb. 6, in Springfield and Sikeston.

The Springfield hearing will take place at Missouri State University, Plaster Student Union Room 400, 901 South National Ave., Springfield. The Sikeston hearing will be at the City of Sikeston-Clinton Building, 501 Campanella Drive, Sikeston.

It will be an opportunity to gather feedback on plans submitted for transforming unaccredited school districts in the state. With this feedback, the Department will create a statewide plan for support of and, if necessary, intervention in unaccredited schools.

“We want to ensure all children in Missouri have access to quality schools,” said Missouri Commissioner of Education Chris Nicastro. “Your feedback is a very important part of the process. Please join in the conversation about the future of our children.”

Persons wishing to make public comments may sign up to do so at the hearing. Those speaking are asked to limit their remarks to three minutes.

Additional hearings will be held after the Department presents its draft plan to the State Board of Education on Feb. 18. Dates for those hearings will be announced later.