John Stanford

John Henry Stanford (1938–1998) was a retired U.S. Army major general who later served as superintendent of Seattle Public Schools from 1995 to 1998. Born in Pennsylvania, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in personnel management and administration from Central Michigan University. He also served as Fulton County executive in Georgia and held senior defense roles during his military career.

Stanford authored Victory in Our Schools: We Can Give Our Children Excellent Public Education, published posthumously in 1999. The book presents the school-reform strategies he developed during his leadership of Seattle’s public schools, emphasizing high standards, accountability, community involvement, and a focus on student achievement.