Mo. higher education board suspends leader search

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Missouri Coordinating Board of Higher Education has suspended its search for a new commissioner until more is known about the agency's future.

Commissioner of Higher Education Robert Stein has announced he will retire in July.

The Department of Higher Education said Friday the search will be on hold for at least four weeks.

Gov. Jay Nixon has recommended combining the departments of Higher Education and Elementary and Secondary Education to save money. The consolidation would need approval by voters.

Stein also said Friday he's working on a plan to eliminate up to one-fourth of the 31 agency jobs that are at least partly funded with general state revenues.