U-46 Leader Named New State Superintendent of Education

After more than eight years as the Superintendent of School District U-46, Dr. Tony Sanders has been named to serve as the next State Superintendent of Education, effective late February. Dr. Sanders joined U-46 in 2007, serving as the District’s chief of communications officer and then chief of staff before being appointed to lead the District in 2014.

A message from U-46 Board of Education Board President Sue Kerr:

“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.​

Dr. Sanders’ accomplishments in U-46 are numerous, including the expansion of the Dual Language program; the launch of full-day kindergarten; the creation of a dual credit program with Elgin Community College; undergoing a facilities study identifying infrastructure needs; and the continued growth of career pathways programs for high school students. Work continues on U-46 Rising, which is an initiative to improve student achievement through rigor and academic teaming, and the transition to a true middle school model that moves 6th grade from the elementary level to middle school.

He accomplished this while eliminating the district’s structural deficit, building up cash reserves, and abating millions of dollars to taxpayers.

We will deeply miss Dr. Sanders. He has been active in numerous community organizations, has been a constant presence in school buildings and districtwide events, and has never hesitated to reach out to state legislators and the media to advocate on U-46’s behalf. We wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life."

As the District wishes him all the best in his new endeavors, the U-46 Board of Education will discuss the next steps at its closed Board session on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. The Board will take action at their next regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Feb. 13. 

School District U-46 serves families in 11 communities: Bartlett, Elgin, Hanover Park, South Elgin, Streamwood and Wayne, as well as portions of Carol Stream, Hoffman Estates, St. Charles, Schaumburg, and West Chicago. In total, the District encompasses 90 square miles within the Fox River Valley, approximately 45 minutes west of downtown Chicago, and includes communities within Cook, DuPage and Kane counties. More than 35,000 preschoolers through 12th graders attend the 57 District schools and programs.