Sanderson Honored For Pennsbury School Board Tenure

FALLSINGTON, PA —Gary Sanderson, the outgoing vice president, served 16 years on the Pennsbury School Board.

Having lost in his re-election bid, Sanderson attended his final school board meeting on Nov. 16, receiving accolades for his tenure.

School Director Chip Taylor read a proclamation presented to Sanderson recognizing him for his service and leadership as school board president, vice president, and assistant secretary.

Sanderson also served on the school board's policies, facilities, education, partnerships, marketing, and transportation committees, the Bucks County Technical High School Joint Committee.

He also established the district's first sustainability management plan, and was an intricate part of the district's character awards.

He was committed to making Pennsbury a one-building high school campus, participating in the hiring of a project manager, engineers, and contractors. He also worked to make numerous improvements and upgrades at school facilities and Falcon Field throughout his tenure.

Sanderson also worked with his colleagues on strategic planning and helped expand the district's kindergarten program to full-day, get Chrome books for students, negotiate school contracts, support adding more counselors to the district, and advocated for health and wellness.

Sanderson also assisted with new hires, including Schools Superintendent Thomas A. Smith.

"We the members of the Pennsbury school directors are pleased to acknowledge his contributions to education and his service to the school district," Taylor said.

"I just want to say personally thank you for tutoring me on being a better board member," Taylor said. "I really appreciate it."

Sanderson received the proclamation to the applause of the crowd and a standing ovation from his fellow school directors.

"Certainly, this is a bittersweet moment for me," Sanderson said. He had spent 16 years prior to the school board serving on the Falls Township Advisory Committee. "I'm not sure what will be next."

He said the Salvation Army has asked him to be on its advisory committee.

"We had lots of ups and downs in my 16 years," he said. "I made it through a hostile coup on the board leadership and I was the first to be removed as board president halfway through my term. I guess I'm in the Guinness Book of World Records there."

During his tenure, Sanderson said he served with four schools superintendents, four business administrators, four special education directors, and countless administrators.

"I hope this board will keep the students as a priority as we move forward," he said.

Sanderson lost the election to former district school bus driver Donna Abrescia in the Nov. 7 general election.

The school board will hold its reorganization meeting Thursday night.