09/13/2017
CSPCA is 46 Years Old!
Do you know how CSPCA began? President Vic Garcia provided this research document from its 25th or Silver Anniversary, in 1996:
1971 • CSPCA • 1996
In Oct. of 1969, Jack Brown, Willie Otto and Tom Rennison flew home from a conference. During the flight they discussed the need for establishing a California statewide organization of Personnel Commissioners. Jack Brown, President of the Orange County Personnel Commissioners Association. was the primary promoter of a statewide organization. In the winter of 1970, Brown, Otto and Rennison joined Ken Slimmer and Elden Gillespie for further discussion. A poll of 91 Merit System districts revealed an overwhelming interest in establishing a statewide association. An Ad Hoc organization was set up, chaired by Brown, to coordinate statewide meeting with Rennison as Conference Chair.
From Dec. 2-5, 1970, the Conference of California School District Personnel Commissioners met at the Del Monte Hyatt Hotel in Monterey. The theme was “The Personnel Commission Today: Dynamic or Dead?” and was designed specifically for Personnel Commissioners and their staffs. Over 100 Commissioners and Directors were in attendance. The Northern California Personnel Commissioners Association helped provide leadership, particularly by James A. Kelley, Forrest Ayer and Dave Peterson.
Jack Brown became Interim Chairman. Bylaws were ratified and plans began for a formal organizational meeting. On June 5, 1971, in a one-day meeting in Goleta, the CSPCA was formally established by adoption of the bylaws and election of officers and Directors.
The first official CSPCA Conference was held in Monterey from December 1-4, 1971. The program was aimed at the needs of Commissioners and Directors. Officers and Directors were elected for 1972. The next conference was scheduled to be held in San Diego. Already a pattern was being established of alternating annual conferences and the choice for President between Northern and Southern California. The 1972 conference was held in December, at which time it was decided to hold the annual conferences in January, the next being scheduled for January 1974.
Many good people have been involved in CSPCA since the idea was first conceived. They all have helped the Association to thrive and remain strong. CSPCA has marked significant
accomplishments during these first 25 years and it is poised and ready to continue it’s good work toward the golden years ahead…
From August 2017 Newsletter
