Ed Hodges’ luncheon presentation will give us insight into how the book he never planned on writing turned out to be better than he expected. We’ll find out how he ended up writing the book and who were the four people who helped to write it. We’ll also learn about his research sources and his struggle to find a publisher.

Ed will touch on the San Jose public schools beginning in 1853, with such topics as curriculum, administration, staff, the segregation and integration within the schools, and financing. But his favorite section in the book is “This & That,” and we’ll have to wait until the luncheon to hear why.

Ed Hodges grew up in Marin County, served in the Air Force for four years, and graduated from San Jose State College in 1967 with a degree in Science and a Teaching Credential.

Ed taught science and math at Wilson and Hoover Jr. High Schools from 1967 until retirement in 2002. He also was a Leader of the Hoover School “History Hikes” over Donner Pass between 2006 to 2022.

His activities since retirement include volunteer researcher for the Oregon-California Trails Association, and volunteer historian for the College-Park Neighborhood Association, St. Leo Church and School, and San Jose Unified School District.