Submitted

Legislative updates and the Trenton Bright Futures program were presented to the Grundy/Mercer Unit of Retired Teachers and School Personnel when the group met Wednesday, March 18, at Dino’s Diner.

The meeting was called to order with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Lynn Griffin, co-coordinator of Bright Futures, presented the program. Bright Futures is a community-based initiative that provides a framework to help ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed. Students also learn to give back to the community through service projects, including making cards for veterans.

Each school building has an on-site council that informs coordinators of specific needs. Bright Futures assists students through several programs, including Beds for Bulldogs, Lunch Buddies, Stuff the Bus School Supply Day, vision screenings and after-school assistance. Food Pals and the Back to School Event are two programs that serve all students in Grundy County.

The program is staffed entirely by volunteers and funded through donations from individuals, organizations and businesses. Some grant funding also is available. As a service project, a group of retired teachers met March 19 to help fill grocery bags for the Food Pals program. Teachers understand the importance of good nutrition and having the personal and educational supplies students need to concentrate and learn.

The business meeting followed the program, with the community service report showing nearly 600 hours of volunteer time by local retired teachers for the month, in addition to donations of food and money to education. Several members again volunteered to provide food for the Third Judicial Circuit Court Adult Treatment Program meal following the group’s monthly meeting March 2 at the courthouse in Princeton.

Ron Hurst reported that applications are still being accepted for the scholarship the Retired Teachers Unit offers to a student pursuing a degree in teacher education.

Becky Cochran gave a legislative update concerning public education. If the state income tax is repealed, schools could face cuts of 18 percent. According to the Missouri Budget Project, Trenton could lose $1,268,944, or 7.5 percent of total spending, resulting in a loss of funding per student and the equivalent of 23 teachers or 40 support staff. Princeton could lose more than $400,000, Spickard more than $81,000, Grundy R-5 more than $260,000 and Pleasant View more than $240,000.

Legislation to expand Missouri’s open enrollment and voucher policies also could destabilize funding for public schools, which members said would adversely affect students, especially in rural areas. Members were encouraged to stay in contact with local legislators and voice their concerns about the negative effects the bills could have on local schools.

The next meeting will be Wednesday, April 15, at Dino’s Diner, with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and the meeting at 9 a.m. Organizers noted the meeting is in addition to the group’s alternating monthly schedule.

Retired teachers or retired school personnel interested in more information or in joining may contact Unit President Larry Dannar at 660-635-0195.