Missouri’s deputy education commissioner retiring June 1

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is losing another top official.

Kelli Jones, deputy commissioner of learning services, will retire June 1, the same day as Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger. They both started their current roles in 2024, Eslinger in June and Jones in November of that year.

Jones, who announced plans to step down a week after Eslinger’s announcement, served as press secretary and director of communications for Gov. Mike Parson. She joined his staff in 2018, when he was the state’s lieutenant governor.

“This decision comes with mixed emotions,” Jones saidin a news release. “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 is led by the education commissioner and two deputy commissioners.

Jones’ role in learning services has been to oversee public education instruction, curriculum and school improvement initiatives. The other deputy commissioner is Kyle Kruse, who has provided oversight of the financial and administrative services for the past year.

Mary Schrag, president of the State Board of Education, said after Eslinger’s announcement that the governing body – which currently has seven members – will meet soon to discuss the possibility of naming an interim leader and outline steps for hiring a new commissioner.

No plans have been announced about how to fill Jones’ role.

Jones spent 15 years at State Technical College of Missouri, serving as a communications instructor and then chair of the Department of Communications and Social Science, before joining Parson’s staff.

She has a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Missouri State University.