Larisa Kazakova Appointed Acting Minister of Education for Penza Region

Penza, Russia – March 16, 2026 – Larisa Kazakova, Director of the Penza College of Transport Technologies and Chairman of the regional branch of the Search Movement of Russia, has been appointed as the acting Minister of Education of the Penza Region, according to a statement released by the regional government PenzaNews.

Leadership Changes in Penza’s Education Ministry

Kazakova’s appointment follows the dismissal of Alexei Fomin, who had served as Minister of Education since the end of December 2024. Governor Oleg Melnichenko cited Fomin’s lack of effectiveness in the role as the reason for the change PenzaNews.

Melnichenko specifically criticized what he described as a “toothless policy” from the ministry, leading to issues in educational work, school meal organization, and the repair of educational facilities PenzaNews. Fomin had previously received a reprimand in late January 2026 for delays in finalizing contracts for student meals.

Key Personnel in the Ministry

Alongside Kazakova’s appointment, the Penza Region Ministry of Education’s leadership team includes Mikhail Denisov as First Deputy Minister, with Oksana Milaeva, Nadezhda Bildiy, and Galina Denisenko serving as Deputy Ministers PenzaNews.

About the Search Movement of Russia

Larisa Kazakova’s background includes her role as chairman of the regional branch of the Search Movement of Russia. This organization is involved in efforts to locate and identify remains of soldiers who died or went missing during the Great Patriotic War (World War II) PenzaNews.