Longtime educator and former legislator will fill vacant seat

Governor Jay Nixon has appointed Maynard Wallace of Thornfield to the Missouri State Board of Education. Wallace served as superintendent of school districts in Forsyth from 1979-1994 and Ava from 1994-1999. Previously, he worked as a teacher, coach and principal in Missouri public schools. Wallace chaired the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee while serving in the legislature from 2003-2011. He is past president of Southwest School Administrators Association and serves on various regional and local boards.

“We look forward to having all eight positions on the State Board filled,” said Commissioner of Education Chris Nicastro. “Mr. Wallace’s experience as an educator will complement the backgrounds and expertise of the other Board members. He is a well respected educator and will be a great member of the team."

Wallace earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) and his master’s in education from Central Missouri State University. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate for a term ending July 1, 2016.