Benson Won't Seek Third Term as State Superintendent

Craney praises his leadership and dedication

State Superintendent John Benson’s leadership and dedication to public education and children will be sorely missed, WEAC President Terry Craney said after Benson announced Wednesday (March 15, 2000) that he would not run for another term as the state’s top education official.

“John Benson has been a tireless advocate for schools, educators and children,” Craney said. “He has led the state through some major education initiatives that position Wisconsin’s public education system to continue as one of the elite in the nation for years to come.”

Craney cited Benson’s creation of a task force that developed what is now the Student Achievement Guarantee in Education (SAGE) class-size reduction program as one of his major accomplishments.

“SAGE is a national pioneer in improving the academic performance of low-income children in the lower primary grades,” Craney said. “Under Superintendent Benson’s guidance, SAGE has demonstrated to the world that lower class sizes do help student achievement. SAGE has now been expanded, allowing more children to benefit from this wonderful program.”

Craney said other highlights of Benson’s tenure include his leadership in preserving the independence of the Department of Public Instruction and the superintendent, guiding the development of a new system of preparing and licensing teachers, and implementing higher academic standards for students.

“Superintendent Benson has traveled to hundreds of schools throughout Wisconsin in his years in office,” Craney said. “He knows Wisconsin public education better than just about anybody. Students, teachers, parents and administrators will all miss him and his expertise.”

Posted March 16, 2000