Kentucky Retired Teachers Association

08/20/2026

Tom Salyer, president of the Johnson County Retired Teachers Association, presented a $200 check to Paintsville Elementary Family Resource Director Libby Auxier, Paintsville High School Family Resource Director Cassandra Stratton, and Superintendent Bryan Auxier. The donation will support the Backpack Food Program and provide back-to-school resources for students.

08/16/2026

A great leader and even better person! KRTA was blessed to have her leadership!

At today's WKU Board of Regents meeting, several named spaces were approved in recognition of the generous philanthropic support of the late Romanza O. Johnson. Romanza was known for her life of service and philanthropy, including $2.8 million for WKU in her estate. The gift will honor her legacy and support several areas across the University, just as she impacted many areas at WKU and in the community during her lifetime.

Areas at WKU supported through her estate include various scholarship funds, Agriculture & Food Science, Family and Consumer Sciences, Education, Athletics, Public Media, the Kentucky Museum and more. Her philanthropic legacy mirrored her giving throughout her lifetime and benefits numerous areas to which she gave her volunteer service and financial support.

08/12/2026

Happy retirement to all the summer retirees!

We hope you consider joining KRTA!

KRTA remains the “only organization in the state that has as its main purpose to look out for the welfare of retired educators.” From its inception, KRTA has continued to grow in numbers and respect. Through its commitment to the priorities set forth by the leadership, more than 32,000 members enjoy numerous benefits, both individually and as a group.

With our low annual dues we offer; advocacy in Frankfort, member discounts with our vetted partners, local chapters across the state for comradery amongst other retirees, and more!

We have three ways to join;
1. Visit https://krta.org/join/join-krta/
*You can pay online or sign up for automatic dues deduction
2. Call and pay over the phone 1-800-551-7979
3. Mail a check to our office 7800 Leaders Lane Louisville KY 40291

06/29/2026

Under 65, the deadline to complete LivingWell Promise is July 1!!!!

Retirees insured through the KEHP (under 65 and not Medicare eligible), don’t forget to fulfill your LivingWell Promise by the July 1 deadline! Retirees insured through the KEHP can earn up to $480 a year ($40 per month) in premium discounts by completing a health assessment. Learn more at https://mycastlight.com/mybenefits/.

06/08/2026

UNDER 65 Insurance!!!!

Retirees insured through the KEHP (under 65 and not Medicare eligible), don’t forget to fulfill your LivingWell Promise by the July 1 deadline! Retirees insured through the KEHP can earn up to $480 a year ($40 per month) in premium discounts by completing a health assessment. Learn more at https://mycastlight.com/mybenefits/.

05/19/2026

We are so proud of Greg and all of our Volunteer of the Year candidates. Our retirees provide so much for their communities!!

05/18/2026

North American Insurance Services upcoming seminar;
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Times are 10 am & 1 pm EST
7800 Leaders Ln Louisville KY 40291 KRTA State Office

If you are not a member it is the perfect time to stop by and join! No high pressure sales- this is just to let you know what is available with one of our partners, North American.
If you have not yet joined the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association you can become a member at this meeting!
Please contact Jeff Johnson to register, 502-553-7630.

04/30/2026

The Kentucky Retired Teachers Association welcomed over 350 retired members and guests to the 2026 annual convention April 20-21, 2026, it was held at the Holiday Inn East in Louisville, Kentucky. KRTA couldn't do what we do without our wonderful leadership team, staff, partners, and volunteers across the state. YOU are what makes KRTA GREAT!!!!
The District Presidents and the Executive Council met on Monday, with both having summaries of the past year and plans for the coming year. The Membership and Health & Insurance Workshops were both informative and exciting! Dora Moore from TRS presented the Health & Insurance Workshop. Dora is well-informed and ready to share her knowledge with all TRS members. Mike Caudill led the Membership Workshop.
The opening evening included a dinner, door prizes, and entertainment by the Eastern High School Chamber Singers under the direction of Katie Jordan.
Gary Harbin, Executive Secretary for the Teachers’ Retirement System of Kentucky, delivered TRS updates, which remain a main topic of interest within our organization. Mr. Harbin’s presentation delivered very favorable news regarding the state budget and TRS investments.
Joel Escovitz, Senior Director of Social Security at the AARP Policy Institute, presented the topic Social Security at 90: A Bipartisan Roadmap for the Program’s Future. President Elect Charlotte Benton presented the Frank R. Hatfield Volunteer of the Year Award to Greg Gierhart.
The Cathy G Gullett State Volunteer Leadership Awards were presented to those who have volunteered at a state level position for 10, 15, and 20 years of service to KRTA. WE THANK YOU!
AARP Kentucky Volunteer, Sherry Adkins, introduced the winner of the Grandparent Essay Contest, Mia Marie Rupe, from Augusta Independent School in Bracken County. Mia and her teacher each received $500. Mia also received a plaque in recognition of her achievement.
After lunch, President Elect Charlotte Benton and Vice President Meg Judd presented the legendary “big check” for volunteers’ hours, worth $20,063,395.06.
The afternoon inspirational speaker was Merlyna Valentine. Mrs. Valentine took us on her personal journey of learning to be resilient and achieve personal goals.
Lisa Petrey-Kirk and Ellie Thompson organized skits, and fun-loving volunteers from across the state participated, making it a roaring success!
PowerPoint presentations, videos, and pictures are available on the KRTA website under the "Recent News" section (scroll down on the "Home" page) or just click here, http://bit.ly/4eUzXay