Chester County Retired Teachers welcome Representative Kirk Haston

President Jean Smith welcomed members and visitors to the September meeting of the Chester County Retired Teachers’ Association at Snookum’s restaurant. She expressed appreciation to First Bank for sponsoring the meal. President Smith introduced the bank’s representatives, Renee Phelps, Amanda Gregory and Russell Jones. They expressed appreciation for Chester County Schools and for Chester County.
The meeting began with Dr. Ronald Johnson leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Beverly Hardin gave the Thought for the Day, which was based from the book of Psalms on being able to rejoice in our lives.
Barry Smith gave thanks for the meal. The minutes from the June meeting were read by Marti McDaniel. Jennie Fletcher gave the treasurer’s report. The reports were approved as read.
President Jean Smith introduced the speaker, Tennessee State Representative Kirk Haston. Representative Kirk gave legislative updates on bills concerning teachers. He stated that several bills were set and ready to go, but the COVID pandemic happened and slowed legislation. He did give reports on some early bills that passed, which addressed the importance of early classroom literacy, classroom discipline, and a missing child act. This act was based on the Holly Bobo tragedy which changed the endangered child alert age requirement to 17-20 years. Representative Haston assured us that he will continue to work for teachers and students in Tennessee.
President Smith expressed appreciation to the outgoing school board members: Dr. Ronald Johnson, Dwight Bingham and Bob Moore. Many years of hard work have been given by these men to Chester County schools.
President Smith reminded CCRTA members that they can attend any non-tournament sporting event free. This includes football, soccer, cross country, volleyball and basketball. Thank you to the Chester County Board of Education for making this possible.
The CCRTA 2020-2022 year books were passed out. President Smith thanked Jane Rowlett for her hard work getting this information together. The service project for our December meeting at Freed-Hardeman University will be glue sticks, pencils and crayons. These items will help enhance the fine arts program.
Our meeting was concluded with the passing out of door prizes. Beautiful mums were provided by First Bank and homemade bread by Jackie Hibbett and Dr. Ronald Johnson.
President Smith adjourned the meeting by once again thanking First Bank, Snookum’s and all the members that make the Chester County Retired Teachers Association what it is.