SMARTS Executive Committee planning meeting: from left to right: Clem Cantu, benefits chair; Linda Reynolds, technology chair; Barbara Hollis, Legislative co-chair; Peggy Hillburn, first VP; Virginia Williams, treasurer; Susan Pulis, foundation chair & district president; Janis Brown, president; Viki Hicks, immediate past president; Julie Hoffman, second VP; Ginna Grimes, legislative co-chair; Sharon East, secretary; Carol Grimm, informative & protective chair; Gracie Campos, scholarship co-chair. Photo submitted by SMARTS
San Marcos area teachers make plans for 2019-2020
The executive committee of the San Marcos Area Retired Teachers and Staff (SMARTS) has been busy planning their meetings for the 2019-20 year. The association meets every second Tuesday, September through May. SMARTS had a very successful season this past year of interesting, informative and fun programs. Presentations at meetings included school district highlights, music, legislative updates, healthy living, authors and more.
Additionally, much was accomplished through the Texas legislature to help all retired educators in the Texas Retirement System (TRS). SMARTS members were active this past year in lobbying to obtain help for their pension fund. Officers and members attended the Day at the Capitol in April, where TRTA members filled the balconies of the Senate and House chambers to help get their message delivered. At various times throughout the legislative year, SMARTS members also visited our area state representatives and senators several times to make sure they understood the circumstances of the TRS pension. Texas legislators passed bills that will increase the amount allotted to the TRS pension fund in increments over several years. All TRS retirees (who have not received a raise in over a decade) will receive a 13th check in Sept.
SMARTS is affiliated with their state organization, the Texas Retired Teacher Association (TRTA). They are a group of fun-loving, active, retired educators who live in Hays County and also parts of Caldwell and Comal County. They have members from Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Wimberley and New Braunfels.
SMARTS will be having their first meeting of the 2019-20 year at 11:30 a.m., Sept. 10, at the Price Center, 222 W. San Antonio St. The program is “State of the County” with the speaker being Judge Ruben Becerra. The luncheon buffet (by Chef Ray Abazi) starts at 11:30 a.m. with the program following at noon. Luncheon is by RSVP ($15). For reservations contact Janis Brown at 512-393-9823 or by email at jsugbrown@gmail.com.
If you are a retired educator and you have questions about SMARTS, you can also contact Brown, who is the newly elected president of SMARTS.
