DESE Update: May 5

Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. sent this bulletin at 05/05/2026 03:06 PM CDT

DESE Names Dr. Jocelyn Schluss Office of Childhood Assistant Commissioner

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is pleased to announce that Dr. Jocelyn Schluss will step into the role of Assistant Commissioner in the Office of Childhood (OOC), effective July 1, 2026.

New DESE Tools Put School Data at Your Fingertips

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has launched the new School Building and District Matrix data visualization tools designed to support families. These resources enhance access to clear, user-friendly, and high-quality education data for communities across Missouri.

Access the full news release regarding DESE's new School Building and District Matrix data visualization tools

Resources to Support Suicide Prevention Efforts

Registration is now open for the Missouri Hope Policy Academy, a statewide learning collaborative hosted by the Missouri Suicide Prevention Network (MSPN) designed to strengthen youth suicide prevention.

MSPN is also accepting nominations for a variety of awards recognizing work in suicide prevention, including the Suicide Prevention in Schools Award.

Free Hiring Tools Now Available for Missouri School Districts

As you may have heard, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) recently won a 3-year grant to fund the new statewide educator job board. This includes free recruitment and hiring tools for districts around the state. Districts that opt in to use these free hiring tools can expand their reach to more candidates and fill vacancies faster.

If you are not a district but want to learn more about the partnership and available resources, or if you have a question, contact partnerships@hirenimble.com.

Review, Update, Improve Access

With the federal accessibility deadline extended, schools have more time to build on the progress already underway. Now is a great time to review and update existing materials and ensure new content is accessible from the start, helping every student fully engage in learning.

Missouri Students Shine at National ProStart Invitational

Missouri students excelled at the 2026 National Restaurant Association ProStart Invitational, a premier national competition in culinary arts and restaurant management. Herndon Career Center earned first place in the culinary competition, while Independence School District represented Missouri in the management category, demonstrating strong business and operational expertise.

SHOW-ME ECHO

Autism Behavior Solutions: Schools and Communities will improve the quality of care for children with autism by increasing knowledge and practice of behavioral management strategies. Sessions will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month.

Click here to learn more about SHOW-ME ECHO.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by statute in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to department programs and to the location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Director of Civil Rights Compliance and MOA Coordinator (Title VI/Title VII/Title IX/504/ADA/ADAAA/Age Act/GINA/USDA Title VI), 7th Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480; telephone number 573-522-1775 or TTY 800-735-2966; fax number 573-522-4883; email civilrights@dese.mo.gov.

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