Altoona High School - Horseshoe Yearbook (Altoona, PA)

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Top Row-Mr. Bowen, Mr. Decker, Dr. Gilbert, Mr. Hite, Mr. Lehmann, Mr. Meck. Bottom Row-Dr. Ray, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Sheraw, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Wilson. Eoafuf of Zcfucaiian Representative Leaders of Local Education Meet the people of Altoona! A broad statement, perhaps, but one which is quite feasible when the diversified personnel of the Altoona School Board is taken into consideration. Here, chosen by popular vote every two years, are the true repre- sentatives for and of the people. Beneath the board's dignified cognomen lies the hidden power which makes the wheels of local education spin. With the entire school system under its jurisdiction, the School Board administers to the needs of all institutions following the provision of the Pennsylvania School Code. Taxes are fixed, buildings are repaired, books are purchased, equipment is approved- such seemingly commonplace occurrences are but a few of the numerous responsibi- lities which fall upon the shoulders of these civic leaders. Monthly meetings insure quick settle- ment of all local situations and provide an opportunity for contact with the State School Directors Association, an organiza- tion in which several Altoonans have been officers. Mr. Meek is a past president, and Mr. Decker is at present a regional director of the state group. The office of the secretary, located in Altoona High School, is the School Boardis central point of contact with the public. Here, taxes are paid, school payments handled, and official records kept. No figureheads are these pedagogical supervisors, but rather business heads, for problems both financial and educational must constantly be solved. All members of the school system, whether teachers, janitors, or clerks, receive their appoint- ments through the action of the board. Honored and respected by all who reap its benefits, the Altoona Board of Educa- tion takes its niche in the firm wall of democratic tradition.

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.fee-i The Ideals of Democracy, Insured by the . . . Bill of Rights entitling us to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, might also include other ideals, namely: tolerance for those Whose beliefs, Work, race and religion differ from ours. It might include a respect for individual rights, the habit of fair play, a willingness to compromise with others by arbitration, the absence of a class systemg economic and social secur- ity, a cheery optimism in the belief that every individual has integrity, self-reliance, and a responsibility in his daily duties to democracy, and last, but not least, a uni- versal education. lf our democracy is' to be spared from forces which would destroy it, we must preserve these ideals. Superintendent, edu- cator, and sportsman -Dr. Gilbert.