Bryan County Retired Educators began 2026 with a meeting to tour the renovated Kiamichi Technology Center. KTC Director, Scott Lowrance, explained the numerous new programs and certifications available to students of all ages. Career counseling, scholarships, and tuition affordability are major advantages to enrolling at Kiamichi Tech Center. Enriching their programs are Work Site Learning, Work Ready, Bryan County Work Force, and the Choctaw Nation. Members learned that vocational careers often offer lucrative earnings.
Lowrance specifically spoke of the new cosmetology “state of the art” space. Other curriculum innovations include a second year of pre-nursing, interactive media, bio-tech, electrical training, and plumbing. Calculus, biology, and chemistry classes are available.
Just as area school districts are preparing for an influx of students and an increased need for technical workers, Lowrance believes KTC is also readying the campus for additional students, more scholarships, and expanded job opportunities. Oklahoma has traditionally been a national leader in vocational education. The Durant campuses want to maintain this legacy. Lowrance answered questions from the retired teachers and then led them on a tour of the remodeled KTC campus on East Main Street.
The BCRE business eating was called to order by vice president Leslie Webster. Minutes of the November meeting were read by secretary Phyllis Rustin followed by the financial report by treasurer Tanya Lindley. Both reports were unanimously approved.
The Oklahoma Retired Educators Minute was presented by OREA Southeast District Membership Chairman, Brenda Callahan. The Teacher Retirement System is now 80% self funded. TSA is expecting to be 100% self funded in seven years. The Oklahoma has annually failed to provide a Cost of Living adjustment to teacher retirees. Yet some monetary benefits may be seen through an increase in death insurance benefits to beneficiaries. In addition, TRS payments to Health Choice have increased to meet Medicare rates.
Of particular concern is the Oklahoman initiative petition to eliminate state income tax. Oklahoma education receives 5% of state income tax to function. Therefore, public schools would receive fewer funds to educate children.
BCRE will next meet on Friday, February 20, 10:00 AM, at Durant High School. Members will learn about the DHS “Build a Plane.” DISD Superintendent Mark Moring will host.
