Bryan County Retired Educators study with AARP

February is a season of hearts, flowers, and candy. But it is always the season for learning something new. The Bryan County Retired Educators enjoyed their February meeting with fellowship, entertainment, and education.

The Colbert Mixed Choir under the direction of Ashleigh Self, shared their musical talents performing musical numbers such as “Oceans and Seas” by Amy Bernon and an African American folk song used to guide slaves on the Underground Railroad. In appreciation, BCRE donated $50.00 to the Colbert Choir program.

Superintendent Taylor Matlock of Colbert Independent School District reported on the many and varied learning activities offered to Colbert students. In addition to the successful choir program, Esports is the newest activity. This group qualified for state competition. Many Oklahoma colleges and universities, such as Southeastern Oklahoma State University, now offer E-sports in their curriculum. A STEM program has also been introduced through a Southern Education Board grant. Colbert Academic Team qualified for state contest. Two Colbert Leopards are Cross Country State runners. FFA Shooting Team are champions as well as a FCCLA member running for a state office. With state funds, improvements to Colbert ISD sites will focus on security and safety.

Superintendent Matlock shared his varied roles leading to his current responsibilities. He has served as an elementary principal, a middle school/high school principal, and an assistant superintendent. Matlock earned his bachelor’s degree from SOSU and his master’s degree from Southern Nazarene University. In praise of retired teachers, Supt. Matlock remarked,” Teaching is a part of you…everywhere you go, you can always tell a teacher.”

Member education this month focused on Social Security. James “Jim” Randall, AARP Oklahoma State President, explained five common misconceptions about Social Security. A primary myth is that Social Security is “going broke.” Social Security is a “pay as you go” system where workers and employers contribute payroll taxes. Social Security has always operated from a surplus. Soon the retirees will outnumber the working contributors. Retirees are also living longer. The surplus funds are projected to run out in 2034. Then only 80% of the benefits will be paid. Without action by Congress in the next ten years, Social Security could be cut by 20%, an average of $4,000 a year.

Myth Two is that the federal government “raids” Social Security finds for other programs. The reality is Social Security has never been a part of the federal general fund. The government does borrow from the retirement system but in return issues Treasury Bonds as repayment. Myth Three is that Congressional members do not pay into Social Security. They do. The members came under the Social Security umbrella in 1984 along with all the federal workforce.

Myth Four suggests you can collect more benefits if you collect early. Delaying the receiving of Social Security benefits until full retirement age of sixty-seven, means benefits will increase 8% a year until the age of seventy. When to begin benefits is an individual decision based on personal plans to work after retirement, health, and personal desire. Myth Five speaks to losing a portion of benefits permanently if you take benefits and keep working. Not exactly. Social Security does have rules about earning limits which may temporarily reduce Social Security payments.

The purpose of AARP is to help retirees navigate all the adjustments and decisions that retirement brings. Social Security knowledge is certainly a primary focus. Mr. Randall urged retirees to speak up to federal legislators to protect their Social Security. Benefits are earned.

To conclude the luncheon, Brenda Callahan, Oklahoma Retired Educators Association Southeast Director, delivered an Oklahoma Legislative update. Two Cost of Living Adjustment bills offer hope to retirees this year, HB 1277 for a 2% retirement increase and HB 2190 for a 4% increase. Another possibility to help all retired Oklahomans is a proposal to increase the state income tax exemption on retirement incomes. Relief could also come in the form of increased health insurance supplements for premiums for state insurance.

Every retired educator, in or out of state, is welcome as a member of Bryan County Retired Educators and Oklahoma Retired Educators Association. Unified, teachers, have a stronger voice for education and for those teachers who devoted their lives to students. BCRE meets next on March 15, 11:00AM, Roma Italian Restaurant.