Craig Ford Receives Dr. James A. Street Award

The Dr. James A. Street Award is presented by the CLAS Board of Directors in recognition of exceptional service to Alabama public education. The award’s namesake, Dr. Street, was the first full-time executive director of the Alabama Council for School Administrators and Supervision (ACSAS), which is now CLAS. Dr. Street was a visionary leader who served in many capacities in public education in Alabama.

Recipients of this award may be an educator or layperson, a school system, or public or private institution or organization, profit or non-profit, that the CLAS Board of Directors considers worthy of such recognition. The James A. Street Award can be presented to a member or non-member for exceptional service or achievement that furthers the cause of public education and the interests of school administrators.

This year’s Dr. James A. Street Award was presented to Mr. Craig Ford at the Awards Luncheon during the CLAS Convention on June 14, 2022. Ford was recognized for his support for public education while he served in the Alabama House of Representatives.

Craig Ford is the owner of Ford Insurance Agency and The Messenger newspaper in Gadsden, Alabama. He is known for being a strong advocate and supporter of Alabama’s public schools.

As a state representative, Ford served in the Alabama House of Representatives for many years. Throughout his time in that role, he continuously fought for public school students, teachers and administrators. His door was always open to educators. Ford would frequently solicit opinions and feedback from educators on educationrelated legislation.

Ford worked with CLAS on numerous bills designed to empower public school administrators to be able to do their jobs better. While he represented the Gadsden/Etowah County area, he remained a champion for education across the state and was well respected on both sides of the aisle.