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Gaston County Schools remembers Dr. Ed Sadler
Immediate Release
August 17, 2018
Contact: Todd Hagans
Chief Communications Officer
Office: (704) 866-6118
Cell: (704) 718-0279
E-mail: tthagans@gaston.k12.nc.us
Gaston County Schools mourns the loss of retired superintendent Dr. Ed Sadler
Gastonia, N.C. – Gaston County Schools is mourning the loss of retired Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edward D. Sadler, Jr. He passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 16.
Without question, Sadler is best known in the greater Gaston community for his long tenure of dedicated service to public education. Often times, whenever Gaston County Schools is mentioned, people think of “Dr. Sadler,” as he was affectionately called by many.
An accomplished and visionary leader, Sadler retired in March 2006, bringing to an end a stellar 38-year career with Gaston County Schools. He served as superintendent for 11 years from 1995 until 2006. Although he retired more than 12 years ago, Sadler continued to be an advocate for Gaston County Schools and public education and also a leader in the community.
Sadler spent his complete educational career with Gaston County Schools. He began in 1968 as a teacher at Highland Junior High School in Gastonia. He also taught at Belmont Junior High School (1971-1972) and Southwest Junior High School (1972-1974). The classroom at Highland where he first taught is named for him.
Sadler was the assistant principal of Grier Junior High School in 1974 and became principal in 1979. He served as principal of South Point High School for one year before going to Ashbrook High School in 1985. Sadler later served as assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction (1991-1995), and in March 1995, he was named Superintendent of Schools.
“We are extremely shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Dr. Ed Sadler,” stated W. Jeffrey Booker, the current Superintendent of Schools. “There is so much to be said about Dr. Sadler. He was a good man. He was a passionate and visionary leader. He was dedicated to serving our schools, and he was well-respected in our community. But, perhaps most important, he cared deeply for children and did everything he could to ensure that they had a bright and successful future.”
“His passing is a tremendous loss for our schools and our community. He will be remembered for his honesty, integrity, and loyalty to our schools,” added Booker. “He instilled in everyone associated with Gaston County Schools that all children can learn – they may not learn at the same rate or same time, but all children can learn. This may be the most important lesson that Dr. Sadler taught us.”
Sadler’s contributions to education in the Gaston community and at the state and national levels are immeasurable.
In 2004, Governor Mike Easley appointed him to the North Carolina State Board of Education. The appointment came one year after he served as the North Carolina Superintendent of the Year – the most coveted award given to a superintendent.
He served as president of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (2003-2004), was selected The Gaston Gazette Man of the Year in 2002-2003, and in January 2003, The Charlotte Observer listed him as one of the ten most influential persons in the region.
He was chosen as one of 17 superintendents in the United States to receive the American Association of School Administrators 2005 National President’s Technology Award for exceptional leadership in educational technology. He also was elected by the superintendents in North Carolina to a three-year term on the National Governance Board of the American Association of School Administrators (2005-2008).
Above all, Sadler’s greatest contribution is what he did to improve education for the children of Gaston County. He spent his entire career working to ensure that all children had the same educational opportunities. He had a special place in his heart for children, and he believed wholeheartedly that when given the opportunity and resources, all children can succeed, regardless of their disadvantages.
During Sadler’s tenure as Superintendent of Schools, higher standards and expectations led to record-high student achievement at all grade levels, and the number of students proficient in reading and math improved significantly.
He orchestrated the development of a five-year strategic plan that provided the basis for all school system initiatives. A model business education partnership program and a student mentoring program were developed that landed numerous resources for schools. Additionally, a proactive safe schools program was established that decreased the system’s incidents of school violence and crime.
Because of his exemplary leadership, parent involvement increased, teacher retention improved, and a model citizenship education program was implemented. Pre-kindergarten programs were established in the elementary schools, and a state-recognized English as a Second Language program was developed for non-English speaking students and parents. Additionally, Channel 21, the district’s educational cable TV station, began airing school news, and a Teacher Induction Program for Success (TIPS) was established to support new teachers.
Sadler also worked hand-in-hand with business and community partners and other key leaders to establish a technology high school for Gaston County – Highland School of Technology, which was named a national model school just several years after it opened in 2000.
In 2004, the Gaston County Board of Education approved a resolution to name the newest elementary school at the time in his honor. The grand opening for Edward D. Sadler, Jr. Elementary School was held in August that year. The school located at 3950 West Franklin Blvd. in Gastonia was a replacement for the old Arlington Elementary.
Sadler also held key community leadership roles ranging from president of the Gaston County Cancer Society to the campaign chairman of the United Way. In April 2004, he received the coveted Harold Sumner Service Award for his outstanding contributions to the citizens of Gaston County.
Sadler earned a doctorate of education and educational specialist degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill. He obtained a master’s in education from UNC-Charlotte and a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University.