Missouri Board Appoints Interim Education Commissioner
Lisa Sireno assumes the top education post following the recent resignation of Dr. Stacey Preis.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
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The Missouri State Board of Education has appointed Lisa Sireno to serve as the state's Interim Commissioner of Education. She succeeds Dr. Stacey Preis, who resigned from the position on October 20, 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment ensures continuity in leadership for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education following the departure of the previous interim commissioner.
Lisa Sireno joined the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2015 and most recently served as the Deputy Commissioner of Learning Services since July 2026.
The players
Lisa Sireno
She is the newly appointed Interim Commissioner of Education and former Deputy Commissioner of Learning Services for Missouri.
Dr. Stacey Preis
She is the former Interim Commissioner of Education who served until her resignation on October 20, 2026.
Missouri State Board of Education
This government entity is responsible for the oversight of public education and the appointment of the state's commissioner.
The details
Prior to her latest role, Sireno served as the associate director of the University of Missouri's Assessment Resource Center. The state board moved to fill the vacancy immediately following Dr. Stacey Preis's resignation.
Timeline
Lisa Sireno joined the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2015.
Lisa Sireno was selected as deputy commissioner of learning services in July 2026.
Dr. Stacey Preis resigned as Interim Commissioner of Education on October 20, 2026.
Lisa Sireno assumed the interim commissioner role on October 21, 2026.
Market Landscape
The appointment of an interim commissioner follows the established protocols for maintaining operational continuity during administrative leadership transitions. This move aligns with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's administrative succession framework to ensure departmental stability.
This leadership transition is an internal administrative change that does not immediately alter daily classroom operations or existing state education policies. Residents and stakeholders should monitor official board communications for updates on the permanent commissioner search.
The takeaway
Interim appointments are common administrative tools used to maintain government oversight during unexpected leadership transitions. Stakeholders are encouraged to follow official state channels to stay informed on the timeline for naming a permanent department head.
What happens next
The Missouri State Board of Education will provide additional information regarding the future process for selecting a permanent Commissioner of Education.
Further reading
For more information on departmental leadership, visit the Missouri People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Warren County Record.
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