Beech Tree News Network

October 19-25 is Kentucky Retired Teachers’ Week. This week is a great time to notice how much retired teachers give back to their communities.

Retired – as well as active – teachers contribute substantially to the local economy. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, 101 Butler County retired teachers collectively received retirement benefits of $3,186,216 from the Kentucky Teacher Retirement System (Working teachers pay about 10 percent of their salaries into the retirement fund, and Kentucky retired teachers do not receive Social Security checks – regardless of whether they paid into the system.). These local retired teachers also received approximately $374,212 in medical benefits – likely spent within our region. Butler County retired teachers’ benefits for the year totaled $3,560,428. And, Kentucky retired teachers spend most of their money within our state.

As a retired teacher, I am proud of my profession. Our country, state and school district are blessed with teachers who want to help students learn. Additionally, retired teachers volunteer and provide dependable support to leaders and organizations within our communities, state and nation. Kentucky Retired Teachers Association (KRTA) gathers volunteer data and computes the total dollar value for volunteer services. Last year statewide, KRTA members donated more than 964,691 hours, valued at $18.9 million. Retired teachers remain dedicated to improving our society.

Teachers – active or retired – impact their communities in many ways. During Retired Teachers’ Week, I wish to thank our local retired teachers for their commitment to making our community a better place to live.