Missouri will soon begin the search for a new commissioner of education after Dr. Karla Eslinger announced Tuesday that she will retire from her role leading the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education effective June 1.

Eslinger, who has served as commissioner since July 2024, informed DESE staff of her decision in a letter Tuesday morning, saying she plans to spend more time with family while exploring new professional opportunities.

“After several weeks of thoughtful consideration, I have decided to pursue opportunities that will allow me to spend more time with my family while also exploring new professional endeavors,” Eslinger wrote.

In her letter, Eslinger highlighted several accomplishments during her tenure, including a comprehensive refresh of DESE’s strategic plan, consolidation of state and federal programs, literacy gains across the state, improvements to customer service, reconstruction of the Office of Childhood payment calculator, and expanded transparency through improved education data systems.

“These and numerous other accomplishments were made possible by our amazing DESE team,” Eslinger wrote.

Eslinger also thanked DESE employees, State Board members, and education partners across Missouri for their work supporting students and educators.

“Working together in support of Missouri’s students and educators has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” she wrote.

State Board of Education President Mary Schrag called Eslinger’s retirement “a significant loss” for both the department and Missouri education.

Before becoming commissioner, Eslinger spent decades in education, beginning her career as an elementary school teacher before serving as a principal and superintendent in Ava and West Plains. She later worked within DESE as assistant commissioner in the Office of Educator Quality and also served as a senior analyst for education services with AEM Corporation, providing technical assistance to the U.S. Department of Education.

Eslinger also served in the Missouri General Assembly, representing southwest Missouri in both chambers. She represented District 155 in the Missouri House from 2019 to 2020 before serving Senate District 33 from 2021 until taking over as commissioner in 2024.

Her departure now leaves the State Board of Education and Governor Mike Kehoe with the task of identifying the next leader of Missouri’s education department ahead of the 2026-27 school year.

DESE officials said additional information regarding transition plans and the search process will be released in the coming weeks.