The February General Meeting of the Highland County Retired Teachers Association was held on February 3, 2020 at the Hillsboro Ponderosa Banquet Center. The meeting was attended by 22 members and guests. After social time, introductions and singing, members indulged in a buffet meal consisting of ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, tossed salad, rolls, butter, drinks, and assorted desserts. Program: At the conclusion of the meal Hillsboro City Police Chief Eric Daniels spoke to the membership about “School Safety”. Chief Daniels noted that the Hillsboro City Schools have two fully empowered and armed police officers on campus any time that school is in session. He noted that the officers' presence helps build rapport between the students and the officers and assists to prevent problems such as bullying and aggression. Other school safety measures include a locked-door policy, periodic safety drills, an occasional canine presence, officers on duty during after-school activities, strict school zone traffic enforcement, and an increase of police supervision before and after school in student congregation areas. Also addressing the membership was, Bianca Walsh, a Recruiter for US Census Bureau from Chillicothe. She spoke to the membership about the importance of 2020 census effort. She highlighted the need for some 300 Census Workers for Highland County and provided information about the application process. Reports: In the business meeting November Meeting Minutes were approved as we'll as the January Treasurer's Report. Scholarship Chairperson Mary Black reported that there were no updates regarding scholarship recipients and thanked the membership for their continued support of the HCRTA Scholarship fund. Cindy Eigel delivered the Necrology report, eulogizing Nancy Porter Campbell Hicks, former employee of Greenfield Ex Village Schools; Robert Watts, 19 years of teaching and Coach: Mary Jane Burgess, former third- grade teacher at Blanchester; Richard Hill, longtime educator and coach at multiple districts including Miami Trace; Melinda Yankee, former Fayetteville school employee; Barbara Ann Sayer, of Bainbridge, who taught for 30 years in Chillicothe; Arthur Alexander, former teacher at Greenfield Bible Institute and substitute teacher at Hillsboro City Schools; Glenn M. Moore, bus driver for Hillsboro City Schools for 40 years; Mary E. Lauderback, retired Lynchburg-Clay bus driver; Phyllis A Crabtree, former Fairfield Local cafeteria employee; Hellen Sprinkle, mother of Linda and Kathy Sprinkle, former cook a Webster Elementary in Hillsboro; and Chad Hodson, son of former county official Ike Hodson and coach of youth sports for many years. During the Legislative Report, Charlie Newland discussed the lawsuit filed by Dean Dennis over the the STRS failure to deliver on promised COLA’s. Charlie also discussed a number of large financial bonuses (over 37 bonuses of $100,000 or more) paid to STRS investment employees. Old Business:
Joyce Baker, liaison for the Highland County Historical Society, reminded retirees that the theme for the 2020 Christmas Tree is “Collections”, and that she is seeking to create a collection of pictures showing past and present school buildings in Highland County. New Business: Prior to adjournment, members were reminded of the Executive Meeting at Bell Gardens Place on April 6th and the next General Meeting on May 4, again at the Hillsboro Ponderosa Banquet Center. The program for May will likely be a presentation by one of the area choral music departments. The May service project will be determined at the April Executive Meeting. For the complete meeting minutes click here. Meeting Handouts: Agenda Handout 1 Handout 2 Handout 3 |
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