The state of Missouri, through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) serves 522 school districts, 2184 schools, and over 67,300 educators to provide educational opportunities for over 919,000 public school students. DESE partners with Regional Professional Development Centers (RPDCs), schools, and communities to provide a statewide system of service and support to guarantee the superior preparation and performance of every child in school and in life.