Who was the most influential person in education for 2010?

I have just recently found the poll part of the web site and this is the first poll in which I've participated. I appreciate having learned about ProjectExplorer in this particular forum. Having read some of the entries I am wondering why there is so much passion about the poll having a winner. Is there a prize? Why are some people so angry? The question seems to be a great way to share names of people worth knowing about. Do we really need to identify THE MOST Influential Person In Education? If I'm mission the point , please explain.

I've been inspired by SIr Ken Robinson who helps me understand some of the reasons the system I work in now is so flawed.

She gets my vote..

Thank you Betty.

However your message still does not clarify how you will right this "miscommunication", which is clearly your error.

I understand that increased traffic over this controversy (and all open-ended polls) benefits Edutopia in terms of page views that you can exhibit to potential advertisers, but if your organization really cares about those who are on the front lines of cutting-edge education, organizations who depend on corporate sponsorship, you will END this poll, announce a winner, and give them the credit they deserve.

Thank you for listening.

Thanks so much for participating in our "most influential person in education" poll. We're sorry that there was a misunderstanding on how we would manage this poll. Our producers never intended to close the poll and announce a winner. Indeed, whenever we launch a poll, it is designed to be open-ended. It's not a contest with winners; it is an ongoing bellweather of our audience's point of view.

Unfortunately a misunderstanding arose, and for this I am truly sorry! I miscommunicated about this poll and its goals with a couple of people, and indicated to them that a winner would be announced. It was human error. Again, I am sorry.

I hear that many of you are very disappointed. The upside of all of this is that it’s created a vibrant discussion of the bright stars in education reform. Indeed, we’re committed to staying the course with discussions that showcase innovation and success. Hopefully we can put this behind us. (And believe me, we won’t do a poll again without exceedingly careful clarity on how it's going to work!)

Thank you Vijaya for that explanation of what has been going on.
To be honest, when I vote in a poll I am submitting my vote for a winner, not a mere participant in an ongoing survey.

These new pieces of information that are being brought forward are all just a bit suspicious. As this conversation continues more and more votes keep coming in for a specific write-in candidate. Fishy, no?

Edutopia - many of us are totally confused about the voting policy. Could you make it clear?
You asked us to vote, we did and it seems we have a winner.
If there is something that we are all unaware of, please let us know. Otherwise - declare a winner. We, the voters, have followed your rules and guidelines now it's time for you to do the same thing.

This poll should be a joyous celebration of the contributions of educators across the world. It is unfortunate that the tone of the conversation has become accusatory towards Ms. Buccos whose supporters simply followed the rules of the vote that were sent by Edutopia moderators.

In fact, I must point out that it WAS the intention of the moderators to close the poll. Please see the two messages I received from them within the last 24 hours over Twitter:

"Hey! The poll will stay open indefinitely (like our other polls). We'd thought about closing it, but decided against. HTH! "

"We're not going to name a winner...the poll will be open thru the year. Response was not big enough to declare winner."

I think their words speak for themself. How many votes would constitute a "large enough response"? Why weren't voters made aware of this? Why the sudden change of mind?

Please do the right thing, and follow through with your original intention, and declare a winner.

Julie Young, CEO Florida Virtual School

I would like to vote for Julie Young, President and CEO of Florida Virtual School!!! Her vision and leadership has changed education forever!