JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A former Maryville teacher will oversee education budget discussions during a year when school and university funding could face cuts.

Missouri House of Representatives Speaker Ron Richard, R-Joplin, on Wednesday named Rep. Mike Thomson to the House Committee on Appropriations Committee-Education.

The second-term Maryville Republican was elected to his House seat in 2006 and has never held a legislative leadership role. He most recently worked in admissions and as an instructor for eight years at Northwest Missouri State University. His career as an educator in Nodaway County landed him in teaching, counseling, administrative and coaching positions in Conception Junction and Maryville for more than 30 years.

“As we work to ensure our young people have the best education possible, I can think of no better person to lead our efforts than Rep. Thomson,” Mr. Richard said in a media statement. “Mike worked in our system of education for decades and knows well the challenges faced by our schools. He will make certain our taxpayer dollars are used in the most responsible way possible to improve the quality of the education we provide.”

Mr. Thomson will preside over hearings of the appropriations committee for education, which examines funding issues surrounding the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Higher Education. The committee then reports its finding to the House Budget Committee.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this committee. I know we are dealing with a tight budget this year, but I will do all I can to make certain our schools receive the funding they need,” Mr. Thomson said. “I look forward to working with the members of my committee as we work to allocate funds in a fiscally responsible way that meets the needs of Missouri students.”