Santa Fe R-X Schools welcomed Karla Eslinger, the new commissioner of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, on Wednesday afternoon, showcasing several of the district’s strengths.

Superintendent Derek Lark says he extended the invitation to Eslinger shortly after she assumed the top post in July. Lark, who is a regional president with the Missouri Association of School Administrators, tells KMMO News that he hopes to convey the important role rural school districts like Santa Fe have in growing Missouri’s future.

A highlight of Eslinger’s visit was a performance of the national anthem by the Santa Fe Choir. Lark says he was impressed by the choir, under the direction of music teacher Shawn Thompson.

Superintendent Derek Lark recapped Commissioner Eslinger’s visit during the Santa Fe R-X school board meeting Thursday night in Waverly.