Northeast High School - Nordlys Yearbook (Oklahoma City, OK)

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Striking is a term that could mean many things. This word could have described the Vikings in almost every way. The most impressionable occur- rence was the teachers strike which began a couple of weeks before school started and ended about two weeks later. Other striking things arose from this crisis such as coaching changes. Among those changes was Nat Watson, new, head foot- ball coach. Coach Watson, with the assistance of Ron Poole led the Vikings to their best season in many years and also their first spot in regional playoffs. Football was not the only at- traction, Roundballers also gave people reason to look twice. The “lady” Vikings, for the first time under the eye of Coach Steele, fin- ished their regular season with an unblemished 22-0 record. The males also made a good show with a 15-7 season record. Vikes were also tops in swimming this year with more than their share engag- ing in state activities. So. with so many successes, and pride even after losses, Vikes completed a year of striking events. Motto posted at Homecoming decorations. “Hot Rod Hawkins runs around J.M. A Striking Year In Many Ways vJE HAVE ENTERE TO LEARN New WE GO FORTH r T0 GERVEw 2 Student Council gave Mrs. Tucker a pari

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Teacher’s Strike: A Victory Or A Defeat Teachers throughout the Okla. City Public School system went on strike prior to the beginning of school. The purpose was to gain an increase in their pay. North- east was not to be left out among the strikers. The majority of Northeast’s teaching staff, along with other employees joined their comrades in their quest for pay incrases. Representatives of both the teachers and the board worked tirelessly to come to some type of agreement. The beginning of school came and went and still no contract. Some of the teachers re- turned with the students but. many didn’t, thus being temporar- ily replaced by substitute teach- ers. students fresh from college and many dedicated parents. Fi- nally the majority of tne teachers returned to work without their demands being met. Later in the year negotiations continued and in January the pay increase was approved. Teacher s pay was raised according to the degree held and the amount of ex- perience. Finally Oklahoma City teachers were on a pay scale with other educators in their region. Was it worth the battle? 4 Teachers strike got television coverage. Ex-coach, David Watkins walks the line.