HISTORY OF EDUCATION IN PASCO COUNTY

Sanders Memorial Elementary School

Citrus, Sawmills, Critters, & Crackers: Life in Early Lutz and Central Pasco County (1998) by Elizabeth Riegler MacManus and Susan A. MacManus has: “Sanders Memorial School, on School Road, was officially dedicated in 1948. Built to replace smaller, wooden schools at Myrtle-Denham, Tucker, and Drexel, it was named after County Judge Wilton Sanders who owned a grove in Land O' Lakes when he retired. The new school building, a concrete block structure, had five classrooms, an auditorium, principal's office, and teachers' lounge. The old two-room Drexel school building, located behind the new school, was converted to a lunchroom. When it opened, 114 students in grades 1-8 were in attendance. The first two students to register were Mary Wilson and Glenn Kirkland.”

Sanders Memorial School was built with a $50,000.00 bond issue.

In a Sept. 19, 1972, newspaper article, school superintendent Fred Marchman said that Sanders Memorial was the most crowded school in the district, with 1442 students, well over double its single session capacity.

At the end of the 2009-10 school year, the school was scheduled to close for renovation, with students transferring temporarily to Connerton.

Resolution

WHEREAS, the construction of a new five-room elementary school has been completed at Drexel, Florida, in Pasco County, and

WHEREAS, the erection of this public school building will prove of great benefit to the citizens of Drexel and to all of Pasco County, Florida, and

WHEREAS, the erection of such consolidated public school at Drexel, Florida was initiated by and through the unselfish and untiring effort and foresight of Judge James Wilton Sanders, one of the leading educators and outstanding citizens of Pasco County, Florida, and

WHEREAS, this Board deems it a fitting and proper tribute to the memory of the said James Wilton Sanders to name said public school located at Drexel, Florida, the JAMES WILTON SANDERS MEMORIAL SCHOOL in respect to the memory of this splendid citizen of our County,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION OF PASCO COUNTY, FLORIDA:

That the public school at Drexel, Florida, shall from henceforth be known and designated as the JAMES WILTON SANDERS MEMORIAL SCHOOL in respectful tribute to the memory of the said James Wilton Sanders.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the permanent minutes of this Board.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be read at the dedication ceremonies upon the occasion of the opening of the said James Wilton Sanders memorial School and that a suitable plaque with the name and designation of said school, as herein provided, be placed in or upon said school so as to permanently confirm the name and designation of said school.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be certified by the Secretary of this Board and delivered to the Principal of the said James Wilton Sanders Memorial School. with the instruction that said copy of said Resolution be retained among the records of said school.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be certified by the Secretary of this Board under the seal of this Board, and by him forwarded to the members of the family of the said James Wilton Sanders.

DONE AND RESOLVED in Regular Meeting this 16th day of August, A. D. 1948.

BOARD OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION OF PASCO COUNTY, FLORIDA

By JAS. F. CROLEY,
Chairman

The above and foregoing Resolution was introduced by Board Member P. S. Tyson who moved its adoption and the said motion was seconded by Board Member E. H. Kirkland. Upon vote the said motion was duly carried and declared passed and adopted by the Chairman.