DESE Update: May 19, 2026

Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. sent this bulletin at 05/19/2026 03:20 PM CDT

Deputy Commissioner of Learning Services Kelli Jones to Retire June 1

"This decision comes with mixed emotions," said Deputy Commissioner of Learning Services Kelli Jones. "Serving the people of Missouri has been an incredible journey filled with growth, challenges, meaningful accomplishments, and lasting friendships. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and for the many relationships I’ve built throughout my career."

DESE thanks Mrs. Jones for her years of service, her commitment to the people of Missouri, and the many meaningful contributions she has made throughout her career. We wish her all the best in the years ahead!

Thank You for a Year of Impact

As the school year comes to a close, we celebrate the incredible work of our teachers and schools. Thank you for inspiring, supporting, and guiding students every day. Enjoy a relaxing and rewarding summer break!

Autism Behavior Solutions ECHO Continues This Summer

The Missouri Telehealth Network at the University of Missouri will continue its Autism Behavior Solutions in Schools & Communities ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) series this summer. Sessions are held virtually from 1 – 2 p.m. CT on June 1, June 15, July 20, and August 3. Participation is free.

Topics include family collaboration and communication, medical and dental visits, co-occurring mental health, and medication management.

You Use It — Now Help Us Improve It

DESE has a fresh new website — and now it’s your turn to weigh in.

We’re building the next phase of improvements and want to know what’s working for you. Which pages do you visit most? What helps you get your work done faster? Your feedback will help shape what comes next and ensure the site continues to support educators and stakeholders in meaningful ways.

Complete a quick survey and share your input on the refreshed DESE website — we’re listening!

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.

Enrollment Open for Leadership Academy Cohort 41

Enrollment is now open for Cohort 41 of Leadership Academy for School Principals through the Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS). Designed for administrators with at least two years of experience, the program helps principals strengthen instructional leadership, collaborate with peers, and support school improvement.

Reminder: State Offices Closed May 25

All Missouri state offices will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Regular business hours will resume Tuesday, May 26.

Access the complete list of Missouri state holidays

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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