John D. Andes
1979-1981

Believing that “A Rising CalRTA Tide Lifts All Division Boats”, CalRTA’s leaders focused on increasing the membership, improving communication, providing improved services and benefits, utilizing member talent and improving CalRTA’s image.

Image improvement resulted from (1) a new and professional Pioneer Teacher magazine, (2) a widely distributed President’s newsletter, (3) moving the business office from Napa to Sacramento, and (4) participating in an Inter-Organization Coordinating Committee representing ten cooperating organizations and focusing on the ways to cooperate in achieving beneficial legislation for California’s educators.

The CalRTA office was moved from Napa to Sacramento where the office was modernized with an in-house computer, a double-entry bookkeeping system and an adequate copy machine.  This provided a much improved location for staff and members to contact legislators concerning supporting legislation.  CalRTA savings accounts were consolidated for better yielding investment returns.  The membership supported a dues increase to $14, which provided funds for better committee and office operations and the means for hiring a legislative advocate.

During this term, the CalRTA membership increased from 32,308 to 36,150 members and representing 49 CalSTRS cooperation, thus providing, a more stable membership.  Eight new divisions were chartered and 27 $500 Laura E. Settle Scholarships were awarded to 27 California universities and colleges.

CalRTA continued to make progress according to the interest, dedication and effort of its officers and members as a cooperative, informed team.