The Illinois State Board of Education announced Tuesday that Tony Sanders, superintendent of Elgin School District U-46, was named the new state superintendent of education.
Carmen Ayala — the first woman and person of color to hold the position — announced in November that she would be retiring as the state’s top education official in February.
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In 2007, Sanders joined U-46 as the district’s chief communications officer and then held a chief of staff role before being appointed to lead the district in 2014.
“Dr. Tony Sanders is an extraordinary choice for State Superintendent of Education,” Governor J.B. Pritzker said in a news release. “Dr. Sanders’ breadth of experience as superintendent of School District U-46 and his entire background have prepared him to take on this role. His focus on innovation, social emotional development, and academic excellence make him an extraordinary pick.”
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Sanders accomplished a number of things during his tenure at the second-largest school district in Illinois, including the expansion of the dual language program, the launch of full-day kindergarten and the creation of a dual credit program with Elgin Community College, according to a news release from District U-46.
Sanders also pushed for career pathways programs for high school students.
“The U-46 School Board is sad to see Superintendent Sanders leave, but knows that the children of the state of Illinois will benefit from his leadership at the Illinois State Board of Education,” said U-46 Board of Education Board President Sue Kerr in a statement.
Sanders will step in to the role in late February.
