The Kingfisher County Retired Educators Association group met on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Kingfisher Memorial Library, with eight members and one guest present for the meeting. Oklahoma Secretary of Education, Nellie Tayloe Sanders, shared that she has an “extra heart for education” due to being dyslexic, as she is a visual thinker and verbal processor.
Sanders stated that the generation coming up is different due to the emphasis on technology, and the way these students learn may differ from the past. There is a tremendous need for these students to learn AI (artificial intelligence) skills so that the United States can remain competitive in the world arena. She also supports apprenticeships in industry, where “hands-on” learning can take place.
She conducted a listening session where participants were able to provide input and feedback regarding the following topics: Certified teacher shortages in Oklahoma, curriculum materials, school security, cell phones in schools, and teacher morale. KCREA Secretary, Kathy Kadavy, stated that many children are in survival mode, so free breakfast and lunch programs are crucial for student success, along with school counselors.
Regarding other businesses, Treasurer Dana Golbek reported the current balances in the regular account as well as the CD which is currently paying 3% interest.
Membership Chairperson LaRita Sipe stated that she will be mailing out letters to schools to distribute to those teachers who will be retiring at the end of the current school year. LaRita also reported that the county Fine Arts contest will be held during the first week in April. Volunteers will be needed to help serve as judges for poetry.
The KCREA scholarship was discussed but no action was taken at the meeting. Members felt that it was necessary to provide only one scholarship per year due to financial concerns for the future.
The next KCREA meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Kingfisher Memorial Library with Leigh Ann Taylor, NBC Vice-President, as a guest speaker regarding the topic of bank fraud and scams against seniors.
Pictured from left to right:
Dana Golbek, Nancy Teders, LaRita Sipe, Debby Jorgenson, Nellie Sanders (guest speaker), Sandy Kramer, Florene Tipton, and Kathy Kadavy. (Not pictured: Deborah Maehs)
Information and photo provided by Deborah Maehs.
