MRTA 2023 Annual Meeting Creates a Little Magic

Osage Beach, MO – The Missouri Retired Teachers Association (MRTA) held its 2023 Annual Meeting September 18 through 19 at The Lodge of the Four Seasons. More than 275 MRTA members from around the state attended the busy two-day event, hearing from a group of inspirational speakers, including keynote speaker Amina Makhdoom with NRTA as well as a presentation from the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, MO; MRTA Executive Director Maria Walden; Outgoing MRTA Board President Martha Schatz; MRTF President Karen Miller, MRTA Legislative Committee Chair Randy McClain, and 2023 Legislator of the Year Rep. Richard Brown. Attendees were also treated to a panel discussion on the future of MRTA from the chairs of the Strategic Planning Implementation Committees.

The conference was packed with informational and motivational sessions, as well as working sessions for the MRTA Board of Directors and a Delegates Assembly. Outgoing Board President Martha Schatz wrapped up her term and passed the gavel to 2023-2024 Board President, Maureen Hacker. Other administrative highlights of the conference included the installation of new officers and a meeting of MRTA’s newly elected board.

“It has been a pleasure to serve as your president,” said Martha Schatz, MRTA President.“ I have met some wonderful members across the state. I am proud of the work that we have started on the strategic plan. I am excited about the future of MRTA.”

Incoming President Maureen Hacker is ready to begin her term. “I am excited! I know that I have a unique opportunity to lead the organization as we implement our strategic plan,” she said. “It is helping us define and refine our organization to meet the threats faced by public education today. As president, I want to work to ensure all our members understand both the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of it.”

During the annual awards luncheon, MRTA recognized the accomplishments of distinguished educators and former educators for their dedication to working on behalf of Missouri public schools, public school educators and students.

The 2023 Distinguished Retiree of the Year award was given to Dr. Lynn Beckwith, Jr. Dr. Beckwith was chosen from the 14 MRTA Regional Distinguished Retirees by a committee of education and retiree group representatives. Dr. Beckwith embodies the term, “educational and community leader.” His 54-year career began with a teaching position in the St. Louis Public Schools, where he later became the district’s youngest principal at age 29. He served in that capacity for seven years before being named Director of Federal Programs and then leaving to become Superintendent of Schools in University City. He is entering his seventh year as President of the St. Louis Area Unit of MRTA and served as Region 14 Vice President in 2017-2018. His dedication and organizational skills helped him develop a program relevant to all retirees and grow the Unit’s membership to a new high. Dr. Beckwith’s service to education and to the education community since retirement includes numerous achievements, board appointments and public speaking engagements, including service for several area school districts and higher education institutions, the United Way, Rotary Club, the American Red Cross and the St. Louis County Library District, which named the Lynn Beckwith, Jr. Administrative Building, in his honor.

This year’s Legislator of the Year Award was given to Representative Richard Brown. Prior to his legislative duties, Rep. Brown was a public school teacher for 24 years in Kansas City Public Schools, and he is a retiree of the Kansas City Public School Retirement System (KCPSRS), where he also served as a Trustee. Rep. Brown is Assistant Minority Floor Leader in the House. He serves on the Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement, is Vice Chairman of the Ethics Committee, and is ranking minority party member of both the House Pensions Committee and the Committee on Professional Registration. During the 2023 Legislative session, Rep. Brown played an important part in the passage of several bills that benefit retirees, including legislation that gives more flexibility to retired PSRS/PEERS retirees to work after retirement without impacting the payment of their pension benefits. Rep. Brown also worked on important legislation during 2023 legislative session to create a multi-employer retirement savings plan in Missouri, and a provision to keep the Missouri Sheriff’s Pension fund solvent.

“I hope everyone enjoyed this year’s Annual Meeting and benefitted from this wonderful event,” said MRTA Executive Director Maria Walden. “I am grateful to the many people whose hard work and expertise helped make this year’s meeting such a success. A thank you to all the speakers and to the MRTA Board of Directors. I understand the tremendous effort and time it required of my team and our MRTA leaders. I extend my heartfelt thanks to each of them and to all of our wonderful speakers and guests.”

Next year’s annual meeting and awards banquet will be held in Branson, MO at the Chateau on the Lake on September 17 - 18, 2024.