The 21st Show

New state superintendent working on staff shortages; saddened by schools being center of culture wars

Produced by Jose Zepeda
 
Tony Sanders began his term as state superintendent at the end of February. Previously, he worked in the Elgin public school district as the superintendent.

Tony Sanders began his term as state superintendent at the end of February. Previously, he worked in the Elgin public school district as the superintendent.

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Tony Sanders is Illinois’ new State Superintendent of Education. He replaces outgoing State Superintendent Carmen Ayala, who retired after serving in the position since 2019. Prior to his new position, Sanders was Elgin school district U-46’s superintendent since 2014. It’s the second-largest school district in the state, behind only Chicago Public Schools. Notably, he’s credited with helping launch a play-based, all-day kindergarten program, eliminating U-46’s structural deficit, and growing its dual language program. Tony’s father Ted Sanders was State Superintendent in the 1980s.

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Tony Sanders

Illinois State Superintendent

 

Prepared for web by Owen Henderson

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