City of Manassas School Board member Sanford Williams was presented with an Advocate for Education Award by the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA).
“The award recognizes school board members who have demonstrated significant and outstanding leadership, commitment, and contribution to public education that has had an impact on their region and the Commonwealth, and who have shown active involvement in local, state, and federal advocacy on behalf of their division, VSBA, and public education,” stated a release.
This is the third year the award has been presented by the VSBA.
“It is great to know that Sanford’s work in the state on behalf of all students and locally for the students in the City of Manassas has been recognized. We are incredibly proud of him,” stated School Board Chairman Tim Demeria in a release.
More on Williams, from a release:
Williams serves as a mentor for students, guest speaker in schools and actively participates in community and civic organizations. He has served on the Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) Gifted and Talented Advisory Board and as chairman of the school board’s Academic Committee. Williams was a strong advocate for revised school start times and was instrumental in establishing the change for school systems lone high school. He also works closely with division staff to develop the academic calendar, ensuring that it aligns with the requirements set forth by the state. To help parents and employees better plan, Williams was instrumental in introducing a multi-year calendar process for the board’s review.
The board now approves a two-year calendar each year, based on a process that includes input from staff and the community. In addition to the Academics Committee, Williams also serves on the school board’s Finance Committee and was one of the two school board representatives that worked to craft a new funding agreement with the City Council. In 2014, Williams was selected by Governor Terry McAuliffe to serve on Virginia’s inaugural SOL Innovation Committee, a position he held for 2 years.
Additionally, he conducted a presentation about the Committee at VSBA’s annual meeting. Williams was recognized by the Governor for his advocacy in SOL reform. He has also participated in various VSBA advocacy events on Capitol Hill, as well as in other professional development activities offered by the organization. As an attorney, Williams has worked in various roles at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). He currently serves as the Director of the FCC’s Office of Business Communications Opportunities.
“Education is essential to maintain an equitable and thriving society,” said Williams. “I have a passion to try and help ensure that all children have access to a quality education which helps them fulfill their potential, pursue their dreams and make positive and impactful contributions to society.” Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Cornell University, a master’s degree in business from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management and a JD degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.
