The Office of Governmental Affairs provides legal counsel to the staff of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The chief counsel serves as counsel for the Commissioner and the State Board of Education; as a liaison to other state and federal agencies; and as an advisor on legislative issues, contracts and grants, and internal audits.

The Governmental Affairs staff in conjunction with the Office of Educator Certification conducts hearings, which may result in the revocation of the certificates of Missouri educators who are charged with misconduct.

The chief counsel also coordinates work of legal counsel assigned to the Office of Special Education and the Office of Adult Learning and Rehabilitative Services.

Contact Information

Sarah Madden
Chief Counsel
Email: counsel@dese.mo.gov
Phone: 573-751-3527
Fax: 573-522-4881

Joel Anderson
Legal Counsel
Phone: 573-751-3527

Paul Harper
Legal Counsel
Office of Childhood 
Phone: 573-522-8762

Lindsey Phoenix
Legal Counsel
Office of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation Services
Phone: 573-751-3251

Governmental Relations
Phone: 573-751-3527

Mailing Address:

Office of Governmental Affairs
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
P.O. Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480

Street Address:

6th Floor, Jefferson Building
205 Jefferson Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101