Brenda Wellburn, executive director of the National Association of State Boards of Education, said Sanders is extremely deserving of the award.

Dr. Sanders ranks right up there on the list, Welburn said. Having known Dr. Sanders, his integrity, commitment to the education of all children, and issues of equality are qualities that I personally admire.

Sanders said he was not expecting the award and the announcement came as a big surprise.

Advertisement

This award has very significant meaning for me I’m overwhelmed yet elated, he said. It is overwhelming to see the other people who have received this recognition and to know that you might have made a contribution that would put you on that list.

Wellburn said Sanders was nominated by the Ohio State Board of Education. While serving as the state’s superintendent of education, Sanders generated a consortium of educational, business, civic and philanthropic groups in Ohio that would lend a grassroots type support toward school reform.

Virginia Purdy, president of the Ohio State Board of Education, said Sanders combined a total of 87 different organizations in the consortium titled Building Excellent Schools for Today and the 21st century. The organizations included such groups as teachers unions, parent/teacher associations, the Urban League and companies such as Smucker’s, all contributing to education.

One of the things I have tried to communicate is the idea that every child counts, Sanders said. It is important that we have responsibility for every child.

Purdy said Sanders embodies many qualities which made him a good candidate for the honor.

One of the things he possesses is the vision for what schools can and should be like, Purdy said. As a result, Ohio is on the cutting edge of school improvements.

Purdy said as a result of Sanders’ tenure, Ohio was one of six states to receive educational flexibility, which allows the state superintendent the ability to remove mandates on federal money slated for education.

Advertisement*

The award is based primarily on outstanding commitment to educational policy development, usually for the kindergarten through twelfth grade range, Wellburn said.

It’s outstanding leadership that can be modeled throughout the nation, Wellburn said.