The Illinois State Board of Education today named Tony Sanders its new superintendent. In a statement, the board said it conducted a nationwide search to succeed the retiring Carmen Ayala, but it didn’t have to look far since Sanders now is superintendent of Elgin Area School District U-46, the state’s largest district after Chicago. Sanders’ pick won immediate applause from organized labor, a sign that union chiefs view him as an ally in their efforts to get more state funding and resist having any more put toward charter and other outside schools.

“As an Illinois superintendent with a strong education background, Dr. Sanders thoroughly understands the challenges facing our students, teachers and staff,” the Illinois Federation of Teachers said in a statement. “His steady leadership during the pandemic ensured that Elgin students and school staff were safe and healthy.”

Similar praise came from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who at a minimum almost certainly had the appointment run by him before it became official. He said Sanders’ “focus on innovation, social emotional development and academic excellence make him an extraordinary pick. I can think of no better person to lead the Illinois State Board of Education.”