In rare filing, state senator calls on Missouri education commissioner to resign

A St. Louis area state senator took a rare step Tuesday in seeking a Senate resolution that would call for Education Commissioner Chris Nicastro’s resignation.

Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, a University City Democrat, filed a remonstrance against Nicastro, citing recent issues including the selection of a consultant researching the Kansas City Public Schools, and the commissioner’s role in helping craft language for a ballot initiative against teacher tenure.

The remonstrance would have to follow the same path as a legislative bill — needing to be passed out of a committee — before it could come before the Senate for a vote. If it were to pass, it would be only a resolution and carry no force of law. The Senate staff said Chappelle-Nadal’s filing is the fourth request for a remonstrance in 10 years.

Nicastro’s spokesman said the commissioner declined to comment.

This story was originally published January 14, 2014 at 1:06 PM with the headline "In rare filing, state senator calls on Missouri education commissioner to resign."