SMARTS celebrates 50th anniversary

The San Marcos Area Retired Teachers and Staff (SMARTS) met to celebrate its 50th anniversary at the San Marcos Recreation Hall, March 8. Since the group began and was chartered in the fall of 1971, the theme was the 70s, with tie dye and psychedelic colors and clothes. About 40 people were in attendance with several former presidents and officers, new members, visitors, plus special guests: Gene Stokes, district 13 president of Texas Retired Teacher Association, Dr. Michael Cardona, superintendent of San Marcos Consolidated School District and Dr. Eric Wright, superintendent of Hays Consolidated School District.

Stokes spoke of the past, present and future of the TRTA and how much the SMARTS group has contributed to district and state goals.

Dr. Wright spoke for the school districts in appreciation for retired educators. He mentioned the challenges over the last two years, but also the accomplishments. Dr. Wright also expressed how important it is to keep working with the state legislature to fund educational goals for current educators and for retirees.

President Alice Castillo presided and led in several games, using 70’s TV show titles and music. She and other members read portions from minutes, dating back to the beginning of the group.

SMART was chartered 50 years ago in 1971 as San Marcos Association of Retired Teachers. There were 45 members. The first SMART President was Dr. C. E. Burnett, who served from 1972 - 1974. In the 1970s, meetings were held in the San Marcos Library. In the 1980s, meetings were held in local churches or homes of members. The Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church was the location for meetings in the 1990s. From 2000 to 2010, they met at the Dunbar Center. The next few years, SMART met at restaurants in San Marcos and churches in San Marcos and Kyle. From 2013-2016, they met at various restaurants, the Activity Center, Horizon Bay (now Brookdale North) and churches in San Marcos and Kyle. In 2013, the name of the group was changed to SMART-Hays County, since they had members from other towns in the county. The Price Center hosted their meetings from 2016 - 2020. In 2017, the name of the group was changed to San Marcos Area Retired Teachers and Staff, in an effort to be more inclusive of all educational retirees. Due to the COVID pandemic, meetings in 2020 were held virtually on ZOOM. Current meetings are being held at various locations, including Dunbar Center, San Marcos Rec. Center, and by ZOOM when needed. Membership is around 125 members.

The next SMARTS meeting will be held April 12, 11:30 a.m., at the Dunbar Center. The program will have three parts: Andrea Brauer, founder and board president of Learning Bridge (tutoring foster children), Rosina Valle, board president of San Marcos Education Foundation, and an installation of SMARTS officers for the 2022-23 year. There will be boxed lunches from Jason’s Deli (available by RSVP, $15) and door prizes.

Persons interested in this group of retired educators may find more information (and for RSVP info), via email to: smarts.texas@gmail.com