On my desk for the past 40 years have sat two things. First, a small bluebird figurine that a student gave me in my first classroom in 1982. It has traveled with me as I have worked with parents, teachers and leaders to ensure that children are receiving the best education possible. During our travel, the bluebird’s tail feathers have chipped, and one wing is not as pretty as the other, but the beautiful face remains. This face is my symbol of hope; as a public servant and educator, I will always have an unrelenting hope I can make a difference.
The second item on my desk is a small plaque that reads, “Nothing you do for children is wasted.” When I sought elected office in 2018 for the Missouri House of Representatives, I ran knowing I could make a difference for the citizens of the 155th District and make sure children across our state would have the tools they needed to succeed. In 2020, I ran for the 33rd Senatorial District in an effort to be a greater advocate for students across Missouri. This is the same sense of public service that guided me when the State Board of Education asked me to consider becoming the next Commissioner of Education for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. I knew I had a duty and an obligation to continue working for the children of Missouri.
While I will not be seeking reelection in 2024, I made a promise to the people of the 33rd Senatorial District when they elected me in 2020 that I would serve for four legislative sessions, and I intend to keep this promise. I will continue to be your state senator going into the Second Regular Session of the 102nd General Assembly before assuming the responsibilities as commissioner of education.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to be your Missouri senator. With your support, I have been able to champion the 33rd Senatorial District and make historic investments in the Ozarks. I have worked with my colleagues in the House and Senate to invest in Missouri’s infrastructure, address workforce shortage and pass comprehensive education legislation that benefits Missouri’s children.
I want to thank my family, friends and the great team that came together and help me work for you. Most importantly, thank you to the citizens of Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Ripley, Shannon, Taney, Texas, Webster and Wright counties. There is still a lot of work to do, and I look forward to every day next session as I continue to work for you in the Missouri Senate. My promise to you is to finish strong and continue to be your voice in Jefferson City.
It is my honor to serve the residents of Douglas, Howell, Ozark, Shannon, Stone, Taney and Texas counties in the Missouri Senate, and it’s always a pleasure to hear from friends and family back home. If I can help you in any way, please call my Capitol Office at 573-751-1882. You can also visit my webpage at senate.mo.gov/mem33, on Facebook: @SenatorKarlaEslinger, or follow me on X (Formerly Twitter): @seneslingermo.
