Friday, March 26, 2004.

Constituting 1/47th of the membership of the Wellsville Substitute Teachers Association, Joan Bundy drove more than 300 miles to represent the tiny southwestern New York local at its first RA.

Bundy also gave up a day-and-a-half of long-term sub pay and - beyond her hotel room - is paying her own expenses.

After more than five hours on the road Thursday, she got right to work on the business of being a new delegate.

"I've been picking up materials that will be useful to our new teachers," said Bundy, who was hoping to network with members of other locals that represent substitutes.

"Certification is a key issue for us," she said. "It's important that the students have access to the best-prepared substitute teachers as well."

Bundy retired from full-time teaching last year after 39 years as an elementary teacher.

"Joan is always the one who is asking me if there is anything that needs to be done," said WSTA President Carol McDowell, who could not attend the RA.

"Schools need a lot of subs and the bottom line is they don't want to have to pay them any more than they absolutely have to," McDowell said.