About the Commission

The Missouri Charter Public School Commission, established in 2012 (RSMo 160.425) to be Missouri's sole-purpose charter sponsor.  Lawmakers, charter school advocates and education reformers wanted an independent sponsoring entity with the authority to sponsor high quality charter schools throughout Missouri.  

Sponsors enter into a contract with a Missouri non-profit organization that demonstrates the ability and capacity to operate a quality independent public school.  Sponsors hold these schools accountable for the performance of the school and to the conditions of the contract.  Performing schools can have their contract renewed.  Poor quality charter schools can be closed.

Nine (9) citizens, appointed by the Governor with consent of the Senate make up the Commission. Commissioners are selected from a slate of three (3) nominees provided from each of the following:  the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Commissioner of Higher Education, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Missouri School Boards Association.  Four members are direct appointments by the Governor. No more than five members can be of the same political party and no more than two members can come from the same US Congressional District. Members serve a four year term.

The Commission is a state agency funded solely by the funds generated through sponsorship.  It's budget is approved annually by the Commission, State Board of Education, the Missouri General Assembly, and the Governor. 

If the State Board of Education removes the authority of another sponsor, the Commission will become the new sponsor for any of their current charter schools.

Currently, the Commission has five staff members:

• Executive Director
• Deputy Director for Accountability
• Deputy Director of Community Engagement
• Program Coordinator
• Executive Assistant

The Custodian of Records for Open Record  or "Sunshine" requests is Shawn Williams, Deputy Director of Community Engagement, shawn.williams@mcpsc.mo.gov.