Missouri's educational landscape is set to undergo a change with the recent announcement from Governor Mike Kehoe's office. Four new appointments have been made to the State Board of Education, marking the first time Governor Kehoe has exercised his prerogative in shaping this influential body. The names of the appointees were released in a public statement, sourced from the Governor's official website.
The quartet chosen by the Governor to steward the state's educational system brings together a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences. One of them is Michael Matousek, hailing from Kansas City, whose career spans from a political science foundation at the University of Florida, to holding the steering wheel at the Government Freight Conference of the American Trucking Association. The appointments are reflective of Governor Kehoe’s vision to potentially infuse the board with different perspectives and experiences that are somewhat tangential to traditional academic administration.
Joining Matousek is Kenneth "Brooks" Miller Jr. of Sunrise Beach. Miller Jr.'s path to the Board includes his tenure as president and CEO of Jordan Valley Community Health Center and as vice president of the Springfield Board of Public Utilities. He was also on the Truman State University Board of Governors. Miller Jr.'s educational background comprises a master’s in education administration and a bachelor’s in business administration from Northeast Missouri State University.
Also called to serve is Jon Otto of Kansas City. His résumé outlines a career as corporate counsel for Evergy, Inc, where he specializes in corporate governance and other legal realms crucial to business operation. His commitment to education is evidenced by his board memberships in entities like Académie Lafayette charter school and the Missouri Charter Public School Association. Otto earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law.
Completing the roster is Dr. Thomas Prater from Springfield, who will bring not just educational insights but also a clinical perspective to the board. Dr. Prater's work as a physician and partner at Mattax-Neu-Prater Eye Center is complemented by his political experience from a stint as Zone 2 Councilman on the Springfield City Council. Impressively, he had served on the Springfield R-12 Board of Education for sixteen years. This dual role of practitioner and policy maker could enable to better bridge the gap between educational policy and its impact on community health.
With these appointments taking effect, the State Board of Education in Missouri moves forward under the guidance of individuals who collectively represent a blend of educational, legal, health, and commercial acumen. Governor Kehoe's choices seem poised to influence the education system in a multifaceted manner, ushering in a period of potential change and growth.
