History
The year was 1955 when local retired teachers met at Cooney’s Restaurant to form the local unit. There already were national and state education associations which had retired teachers’ sections. By 1958, the local organization had grown enough to elect Miss Eva Vaughn as the first president. From 1962 to 1968, the group faltered, but was reactivated when three members were elected to state office (Dr. Boland Simmons, Dr. Edna Parker and Carl Price). They provided the spark and professionalism that has become a hallmark of the local unit.
By 1970, the unit had grown to 200 members and had monthly meetings, September to May. Program content had improved; members went on local field trips, speakers provided information on health, safety and financial tips as well as legislative concerns.
A book review by Watson B. Duncan was a special favorite. Dues were $1 local, $4 state and $2 national. By 1977, the unit had a directory containing the constitution, by-laws and member information. Sally Talbert put together the first newsletter in 1986.
One of the most important committee was the “Pre-Retirement Committee” started by Jack Neely, 1983-85 president, with the help of Tom Mills, then superintendent of schools. This committee speaks at the Pre-Retirement meetings held by the School board, acquainting prospective retirees with the goals of our organization.
The state organization has been awarding scholarships since 1986, of which 13 have been given to Palm Beach County seniors. The local unit began awarding $300 scholarships in 1990. Thirty scholarships have been awarded in the past 17 years and the scholarship amount has increased to $600.
Together with all the state’s retired teacher organizations, we have been instrumental in improving the state retirement benefits, such as using the last five years of employment as the basis for computing retirement pay, providing a yearly cost of living increase according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and adding a Health Insurance Subsidy based on months of service. Lobbying continues for an increase.
Past Presidents
Eva G. Vaughn
1955-1962 Sally
Talbert
1989-1991
Tom
Goddard
1968-1975 Juaneva
S. Jordan 1991-1993
William
Ross
1975-1979 Walter J.
End 1993-1995
Meryl
Baumer
1978-1981 John H.
Denson 1995-1997
Wilson
Gatlin
1981-1983 Lenore A. Dupee
1997-1999
Jack Neely
1983-1985 Dorothy B.
Walker 1999-2001
Annie L.
Motley
1985-1987 Annette Y.
Miller 2001-2003
Charles
Perry
1987-1989 Flora H.
Jackson 2003-2005
Ken Tose
2005-2007
To contact
us:
Email: jccarlisle4@aol.com
Marie Lang
561-964-0112
Email:
info@pbrea.org