Missouri Commissioner of Education D. Kent King said the committee would have no decision-making authority, but King said he believes it could provide opportunities for less emotional discussion and consideration of the challenges ahead.

King also said the committee's efforts would not deal with the recent change of leadership. He said he wants the group to recommend the role of the state, as well as look at fundamental questions, such as the financial strength of the district and the future of the Voluntary Interdistrict Transfer Program.

Joining Danforth and Freeman on the committee are Michael Middleton, deputy chancellor of the University of Missouri-Columbia, lawyer Ned Lemkemeier and Donald Suggs, publisher of the St. Louis American.