Since the death former state commission, D. Kent King, the Missouri State Board of Education has been looking for a person to replace him.

At a news conference, the board introduced Hazelwood Superintendent, Chris Nicastro as the new commissioner. She is the first woman to serve as the top official for Missouri public schools. She's worked in Missouri public schools for more than 30 years and believes that experience will help her better fulfill her role as commissioner.

"I've had broad experience working in a variety of different settings, with a variety of different kinds of challenges and student needs and I hope to draw into all those experiences as we move forward," said Nicastro.

Vice President of the Missouri State Board of Education, Peter Herschend, said the other finalists were highly qualified, but it was Nicastro's passion for helping kids that helped her stand out amongst the competition.

"There are alot of people who know a lot about education, but what you didn't hear in their voice was that passion."

New Columbia Public Schools Superintendent, Chris Belcher, said he looks forward to the plans Nicastro has for Mid-Missouri schools.

"I think she can be a friend to us, because she's lived the issues we're dealing with and knows that solutions don't come easy. It needs support from the state level, programmatic support and financial support," said Belcher.

Her plans include tackling student improvement, which she admits will be a challenge.

"I think one of our biggest challenges is figuring out how to get each and everyone of those kids to move forward," said Nicastro.

She will begin working as commissioner on August 1st.