Following its December meeting, the State Board of Education invited five finalists to interview for Missouri Commissioner of Education. Board members met in executive session on Friday, December 5, and reviewed 12 applications for the position.

"The State Board members are looking for the person who can make Missouri a top 10 state for education by 2020," said Board President Peter Herschend. "We believe we have a strong list of finalists, and we will find the right person to lead us there."

During executive session, it was moved and approved that the following individuals be invited for an interview with the Board:

• Terry R. Adams, Ph.D., Lake Saint Louis, Mo., previously served as superintendent in Rockwood and Wentzville School Districts.
• Douglas D. Hayter, Ed.D., Walnut Shade, Mo., currently serves as superintendent in Branson School District.
• Charles J. Huff, Ed.D., Joplin, Mo., currently serves as superintendent in Joplin School District.
• Norman F. Ridder, Ed.D., Imperial, Mo., currently serves as interim superintendent of Mehlville School District and previously served as superintendent in Springfield School District.
• Margaret M. Vandeven, Ph.D., O’Fallon, Mo., currently serves as deputy commissioner of education, division of learning services and previously served as assistant commissioner of the office of quality schools.

The State Board will meet next week to interview the candidates in Jefferson City. They expect to choose the next commissioner from the interviews.

More than 40 names were submitted in November as nominees for the job.

Current Commissioner of Education, Chris L. Nicastro, is retiring effective Dec. 31, 2014.