FROM
JOAN KING HARGETT
NOVEMBER 12, 2009
In spite of our efforts, led by David McKinnon, to get a school named after our former principal, Ed Sanders, we did not succeed.
We were aware that it would not be an easy task, because one of the guidelines for the Charlotte Mecklenburg School Board is that a person must be deceased in order to have a school named after him or her. We attempted to get the school board to change that guideline and consider Mr. Sanders.
Four people from our class addressed the school board Tuesday evening. David McKinnon, Martha Gheesling Broadwell, Bob Burroughs and Joan King Hargett. Also, Brumit DeLaine, Central's first black teacher, spoke very favorably about his relationship with Mr. Sanders and of his admiration for him. Jerry Gaudet, CHS class of 1954. was there with a long list of names from the 1954 class giving support to Mr. Sanders. The list was presented to the board. We spoke of Mr. Sanders' accomplishments during his days working for the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System. We spoke of his great leadership and character during the integration of our school system. We urged them to change the guidelines so that a living person could be eligible and therefore, Mr. Sanders could be considered. We know we had support from a few members, but we regret that the change was not made.
Mr. Sanders was there in a wheelchair with his daughter and son. However, he was unable to stay because he would have had to be there about four hours to hear our presentation! It was a long, long meeting! At this point, I'm not sure Mr. Sanders understood exactly what it was all about, but his family is most grateful for our efforts.
There is a possibility that we may pursue getting an area of a school named after him. For example - the athletic field or media center. However, David McKinnon will confer with Mr. Sanders' family and we will abide by their wishes.
Thanks to all of you who sent emails to the school board and Mark Nixon, the newly appointed principal of the new Mint Hill area school. We are members of a GREAT class!!!