"Republican Senator Karla Eslinger to Lead Missouri's Education Department"
Senator Karla Eslinger is expected to be appointed as the new head of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in Missouri, replacing retiring Commissioner Margie Van Deven. Eslinger, a former school superintendent, would complete the upcoming legislative session before assuming the role. The DESE has faced challenges since the Covid pandemic, with some state leaders calling for Eslinger's resignation. She is currently being challenged in the primary by Rep. Brad Hudson, and Rep. Travis Smith is expected to enter the primary to replace Eslinger.