An elementary school in the Sylvan Union School District has been named after ACSA’s own Mary Ann Sanders, Region 7 staff.

Having opened its doors in August, Mary Ann Sanders Elementary School, the ninth elementary school in the district, is located in Modesto.

Sanders has a long history of service to public education behind her. A trustee with the Stanislaus County Board of Education, Sanders worked for the district from 1981-2002 at C.F. Brown, Standiford and Orchard schools. She also works as the head of teacher preparation at the Modesto Center for Chapman University. In 1992, she was named national Elementary Principal of the Year.

Although he did not work directly with Sanders, Sylvan Superintendent John Halverson said she left behind a legacy. She gave him the book “A Leader’s Legacy,” by James Kouzes and Barry Posner, which he uses with his leadership team as a framework for discussing important concepts.

“Since meeting her I am clearly impressed with her commitment to building the capacity in others,” Halverson said. “Even after five years away from Sylvan, she continues to influence, challenge and inspire the leaders in this district, and that includes me. Many of our current leaders are in their positions because Mary Ann encouraged and inspired them to do so.”

David Holtz, assistant superintendent, human resources in the Sylvan district, agreed, and said Sanders clearly left behind an atmosphere of empowerment.

“Mary Ann is a gifted educator and leader who is known for seeing the talents and gifts in others with whom she works,” he said. “She provides opportunities for others to develop and apply their gifts.”

Martha Gausman, assistant superintendent, curriculum, said when Sanders’ name was being considered, hers stood above all others for her high level of commitment to children and her ability to build capacity in others.

“She was and continues to be an ambassador for public education,” Gausman said.

Russ Antracoli, principal of Mary Ann Sanders Elementary School, said he was a student of hers in obtaining his Tier 1 certification and she was his mentor.

“Her greatest mark was the mentoring and encouraging of a new generation of administrators. She identified promising leaders at her school sites and in the area and encouraged them to move towards administration,” he said. “The classes she taught had to deal with communication with the home and parents, and we got some awesome ideas that I still use to connect with the home, and how important it is to running a successful school that benefits kids.”

Stanislaus County Superintendent Tom Changnon said no educator is more deserving of the honor than Mary Ann Sanders. She is respected by everyone – administrators, teachers, parents, students and community members.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with her as a colleague and as a board member now in my position as county superintendent,” he said. “She is all about doing what’s best for children. She is most deserving – an extremely dedicated educator. The dedication ceremony was a wonderful, very emotional, positive event. The gym was packed with family, friends and supporters.”