MCREA Blog August 21, 2018

    School began very early this year.  When I walk my dog in the morning, I see the teacher up the street hurrying out to her car at 7:15 a.m.  I have to admit, I am not envious.  Thanks to the added funds passed by the community-spirited voters of Manatee County, at least the pay schedule is a little better.  However, the school day is a half hour longer. But, perhaps paying the health insurance deducted from educators' paychecks will not be quite as onerous.

    But just when we thought the school system was on a more even keel comes the news that the new computer programs initiated to keep the books on teacher pay schedules and work schedules is way over budget.  Oh my!  What can the voters think now, when they stepped up to help only to discover that so much money has been lost to this newest failure of the administration to control its spending.  The public does not understand the cubby hole system of finance that allocates some money to maintenance, some to building, some to instruction, etc.  To them, it is just all one amount which has been wasted. Optics matter and voters will not be so quick to tax themselves next time.

    The MCREA gathering of new retirees was a great success.  Several new members joined and some others are considering joining.  The reception was held at the Mall on August 16.  Our caterers from the old Renaissance provided the food, as they will when we have our meetings at the Mall this year.  It is really a pleasant atmosphere there.  The interior has been painted and the overhead windows have been replaced.  Slowly, businesses are returning.  If you haven't been to the new antique and collectible store in the old Macy's area, you will enjoy visiting it before or after a lunch meeting.  Security has been stepped up also.

Minnie Lee Jones took these pictures of the event at the Mall.

 



    Three candidates for the Manatee County School Board accepted our invitation to make a two minute presentation at our new retirees event.  Susan Darovek, Legislative Chair, had given them  a question to answer during their talk.  "What can you see yourself doing as a School Board Member to support new hires opting to join the Florida Retirement System Plan as they are going through the hiring process?

Joe Stokes said new teachers should be informed about FRS when they fill out their employment forms.  (As you know, the Legislature did away with this plan as the default choice.) 

Jim Daniels said the statistics of the differences between the plans should be presented to new hires.  He also said the School District should match individual contributions made to the FRS.

Richard Murphy said that at 22 years of age, workers tend to look at what they will earn now.  They need to be informed of the retirement choices during initial meetings with them.

    Deborah Thomas, District 7 Director of FREA, has announced the annual District 7 meeting. which will be held on Oct. 9, at the Holiday Inn at the Sarasota Bradenton Airport, located at 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota, 9:30a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  Enrollment fee of $25 includes lunch.  Those wishing to attend should call Deborah at 752-6895.

    Carole Monaco, new Cultural Affairs Chair, has organized an event on Sept.14, at 11:00 a.m., at the Designer and Topaz Boutique, 1870 University Parkway, Sarasota.  15 people may attend.  The vendor will donate $200 to MCREA.  There will be a musical fashion show and sales of the fashions will follow.  Although no one is required o purchase anything, you may be very tempted, I am told by last year's attendees.  Lunch will be arranged after the show at a nearby restaurant.

    Minnie Lee Jones also sent me some pictures of one of our MCREA Scholarship winners who attended the May meeting with her parents.  She also shot the photos of the group that attended the trip to Washington.  I will send those to you in an email since I am having trouble getting everything into this blog.  Minnie Lee has stepped down as our Cultural Affairs Chair this year.  We all thank her for the great times we had visiting interesting places together.  I think the "together" is the important word.  Having friends to accompany you can get you out of your rut and having fun.

    Our first meeting will be at the Mall, at 11:00, on September 30.  I hope to see you there.  If you do not hear from your caller a week or so ahead of time, call Mary Ann Jensen at 756-7603 to make a reservation.  Bring your retired educator friends who have not joined us yet.  We do have fun, besides doing great work for the community. 

    Don't forget to vote on August 28.  The county, state, and nation need to hear from senior, experienced people who love their communities, their schools, their children, and their country.

Ellen