 The Department of Elementary in Jefferson City | |
| State education agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Missouri |
| Headquarters | 205 Jefferson Street , Jefferson City |
| State education agency executives |
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| Parent department | Missouri State Board of Education |
| Child State education agency | |
| Website | dese |
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is the administrative arm of the Missouri State Board of Education that works with school officials, legislators, government agencies, community leaders, and citizens to maintain a strong public education system. Through its statewide school-improvement initiatives and its regulatory functions, the department strives to ensure all citizens have access to high-quality public education. In addition to the commissioner of education, the department organization reflects functions under two divisions; Financial and Administrative Services and Learning Services.
The department is headquartered in the Jefferson State Office Building in downtown Jefferson City, Missouri. It was reorganized and established in its present form by the Omnibus State Reorganization Act of 1974.