REA History and Heritage

Our Union History & Heritage

On May 18, 1965, at the newly opened Owen J. Roberts High School, the teachers met for the purpose of adopting a constitution and election of officers for the Owen J. Roberts Education Association. The meeting was called to order by Superintendent, Paul Dunkelberger. Mr. Dunkelberger asked that Mrs. Mary Youngblood act as secretary for the meeting. He welcomed the teachers for the first time as a faculty being united into one body of professionals. 

Superintendent Dunkelberger stated, that, through an organization of a new education association and the merging of our districts, we have a unique opportunity and a great responsibility. It becomes our responsibility to organize a professional group through the democratic process, which will be the means of developing an outstanding school system. He hoped the organization would do at least four things, namely: 

Improve professional attitudes and ethical standards of its local professional members. 
Develop “esprit de corps” relationship among the staff. Work for continual improvement of teaching conditions and economic status of its membership. Strive to continually improve our educational program and never be satisfied with mediocrity. 

To these things he pledged complete support to the organization. Superintendent Dunkelberger then entertained a motion that Mrs.Hannah Roberts be nominated for temporary chairman, this motion was made and seconded. 

The constitution was presented for adoption. Membership was the first article to be discussed. During discussion, some felt the qualification for membership to the NEA should be deleted. A standing vote was taken for deletion, 66 for deletion, 71 to remain as presented. Many were not satisfied and a motion was made to delay this article. It was decided that using a secret ballot it would be voted on later. 

Article X was discussed as a concern was brought forward regarding the Superintendent being a member of the executive committee. Some felt that this should be deleted. A motion was made and carried to vote by secret ballot on this section, the motion and second were later rescinded. 

The constitution was then voted on Article by Article. There were 145 members present. 

91 voted YES to keep the Superintendent as part of the executive committee. 
49 wanted deletion. 
140 total cast voted. 

83 voted for deletion of NEA 
57 to retain. 
140 total cast voted. 

The first ballot for the executive committee was as follows: 

President:
 
Harvey W. Fishburn, Jr., OJR Sr. High School


Vice- President: 
Albert c. Latshaw, Vincent Elementary 

Secretary: 
Eleanor Prizer, East Coventry Elementary 

Treasurer: 
Glen C. Pounds, OJR, Jr. High School 

Membership and Legislature: 
Robert H. Lloyd, OJR, Sr. High School 

Social-Welfare: 
Mrs. Paula K. Sweisford, French Creek Elementary 

Teachers Rights and Responsibilities: 
Joseph R. Dawson, Vincent Elementary 

Program: 
Mrs.Edna M. Hardin, North Coventry Elementary 

Nominating Committee-1 year: 
Mrs. Mary T. Youngblood, Vincent 
Donald D. Kronimger, OJR, Jr. High 
Richard C. Gordon, North Coventry 

The new President, Harvey W. Fishburn was asked to say a few words. He expressed his appreciation for the confidence of the members and asked that all newly elected officers stay for a few minutes after the close of the meeting. 

Meeting adjourned. The minutes were respectfully submitted by Mary Youngblood. 

1.      The American Red Cross Blood Program- All school personnel would donate blood once or twice a year! 

2.      Budget Report: Discussion of the Coca-Cola machine in the Owen J. Roberts building, and the use of money attained from it! 

3.      A newsletter should be developed and sent members. 

4.      Election of delegates to send to the County and State Conventions.Discussion on how one member should attend all school board meetings. 


The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m., Respectfully submitted by Eleanor Prizer 

As of October 5,1965 REA had 165 members. 82% belong to NEA, PSEA and REA. 18% joined PSEA and REA. 

§  The budget for REA had 7 items : 

§  Social-Welfare…$250.00 

§  Program….$50.00 

§  Delegate Expenses..$200.00 

§  Special Projects…$100.00 

§  Services on Coke dispensers in High School….$29.00 

§  Miscellaneous….$40.00 

§  County Dues….$75.00 

§  Their budget was approximately $2 ,800.00 (including dues) 


The history of REA is rich and full of ideas and philosophies that we still address with passion and hope. The original documents are intriguing to read and inspire us to continue in the same path as the originals members who began this great organization in 1965. 

Our goal is to continue to grow and make responsible choices for the good of the whole, not necessarily for the good of one. 

John Schaar stated that, “The future is not a result of choices among alternative paths offered by the present, but a place that is created– created first in the mind and will, created next in activity. The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and the destination.” 

Andrew Carnegie stated that “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” 

Quotes that inspire and should move us to be one. 
United we stand, divided we fall.