Representative William F. Goodling

William Franklin Goodling (December 5, 1927 – September 17, 2017) was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania who served 13 consecutive terms in Congress from 1975 to 2001. Over more than a quarter century in the House of Representatives, he contributed to the legislative process during a significant period in American history, representing the interests of his Pennsylvania constituents and playing a prominent role in federal education policy. At the time of his death, he was the Chairman of the Board of the Goodling Institute for Research in Family Literacy.

Goodling was born in Loganville, York County, Pennsylvania, the son of George Atlee Goodling, who also served as a Republican Congressman from Pennsylvania. He grew up in nearby York, Pennsylvania, in a family deeply involved in public service and civic life. After graduating from local schools, he entered the United States Army, serving on active duty from 1946 to 1948 in the immediate post–World War II era, an experience that preceded and informed his later commitment to public and educational service.

Following his military service, Goodling pursued higher education with a focus on teaching and school administration. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland in 1953. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Education from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) in 1957. From 1958 to 1963, he undertook doctoral studies at the Pennsylvania State University, concentrating on educational administration. Although he did not complete a doctoral degree, these advanced studies helped shape his expertise in education policy and school governance.

Before entering national politics, Goodling built a career in education in Pennsylvania, holding various teaching and administrative positions throughout the state. He worked as a teacher and later as a school administrator, gaining firsthand experience with public school systems and the challenges facing students, teachers, and local districts. He also served on the Dallastown Area School Board in York County and became president of that board, further solidifying his reputation as an advocate for public education and local control of schools.

Goodling was elected to Congress as a Republican in 1974, succeeding his father’s legacy of service and taking office on January 3, 1975. Representing a south-central Pennsylvania district, he served continuously in the U.S. House of Representatives until January 3, 2001. During his 13 terms in office, he participated fully in the democratic process, working on legislation affecting education, labor, and social policy, and became known as a leading Republican voice on education issues. His tenure spanned the administrations of multiple presidents and encompassed major national developments in domestic and foreign policy.

In Congress, Goodling’s influence grew steadily, particularly after the Republican Party gained a majority in the House of Representatives in January 1995. He then became Chairman of the United States House Committee on Education and Labor, which during his chairmanship was known successively as the Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities and later the Committee on Education and the Workforce. In this role, he oversaw and helped shape federal legislation on elementary and secondary education, higher education, job training, and workforce development. His leadership on the committee reflected his long-standing professional background in education and his interest in literacy, family learning, and school reform. During his years in Congress, he was also implicated in the House banking scandal that came to light in 1992, a controversy involving the handling of House members’ checking accounts, though he remained in office and continued to serve his district.

Goodling retired from public service at the conclusion of his final term in the House on January 3, 2001, choosing not to seek reelection in 2000. After leaving Congress, he remained active in educational and literacy initiatives. He became Chairman of the Board of the Goodling Institute for Research in Family Literacy, an organization dedicated to advancing family literacy programs and research, reflecting his enduring commitment to improving educational opportunities for children and adults alike.

William Franklin Goodling died on September 17, 2017. At the time of his death, he was serving as Chairman of the Board of the Goodling Institute for Research in Family Literacy. His career encompassed military service, decades of work in public education, and more than a quarter century in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented Pennsylvania and played a significant role in shaping national education and labor policy.