Dr. Karla Eslinger, a former superintendent of the West Plains R-7 School District and state senator for the region, will retire from her role as Missouri Commissioner of Education on June 1.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced the upcoming retirement of Eslinger, who has served as the state's top education official since June 1, 2024.
A resident of Wasola in Ozark County , Eslinger brought more than 30 years of education experience to the commissioner's office. Before her time leading DESE, she was a classroom teacher, principal and superintendent in southwest Missouri, which included leading the school districts in both West Plains and Ava.
She also represented the region in the Missouri General Assembly, first as the representative for District 155, and later as the state senator for the 33rd District.
During her two years as commissioner, DESE officials noted, Eslinger led initiatives focused on strengthening data systems, improving transparency and communication with educators and families, and advancing a comprehensive strategic plan to guide Missouri’s education system. Her leadership emphasized collaboration with school districts, educators and community stakeholders to support student success.
“Serving as Missouri’s Commissioner of Education has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Eslinger said. “Over the past two years, I am incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made — enhancing how we use data to guide decisions, strengthening communication with partners, and laying the groundwork for a strategic plan — that will continue to benefit students and educators long after my tenure. Missouri’s educators are deeply committed to their students, and it has been a privilege to support their work.”
Eslinger earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at College of the Ozarks, her master’s and specialist’s degrees at Missouri State University, and her doctorate at the University of Missouri. Outside of her career in public service, she and her husband, David, have operated a small business for more than 35 years.
"As president of the Missouri State Board of Education, I have had the chance to see Dr. Eslinger in a variety of educational positions, as well as working in the state legislature; she has always been a tremendous leader and an advocate for public education," said State Board President Mary Schrag. "This is a significant loss to the department and for Missouri education. I believe she will continue to be a great advocate for public education."
DESE officials said additional information regarding transition plans will be shared in the coming weeks.
