Del Río Area of Retired School Personnel Association Invites New Members to Join

Deborah Hernandez-Salinas, Co-President speaks to members at Memo's

The Del Río Area of Retired School Personnel Association recently held its luncheon, an event aimed at showcasing the group's activities and encouraging new members to join through various efforts. Co-President Deborah Hernandez-Salinas updated members by highlighting the association's mission and various projects, including book collections, scholarship fundraising, and growing the membership base.

"We are collecting books, we are raising money for scholarships, and we are trying to work on just building our membership," Hernandez-Salinas said. " Membership is $45, $35 goes to the state, and $10 stays with the local group."

Established in 1999 by notable local educators such as Eloy Barrera, Liz Barrera, Julio Ramos, Al Cervantes, Roy Mouskis, and Mary Mouskis, the association celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Hernandez-Salinas, who retired three years ago, has been an active member and now co-leads the group with association president, Carmen Sutton. Together, they have attended district meetings and state conferences, advocating for significant changes.

"one of the biggest things that happened this last year was that teachers received a COLA." Hernandez-Salinas noted. "They had not received a COLA in over 15 years. So it was much needed, and we got it

done"

Susan McBee, the DRARSPA secretary, also spoke with us. McBee, who retired two years ago, emphasized the group's welcoming nature and their exciting future plans.

"We're having our social end of the year today. Very excited about the number of people who showed up.," McBee said. "And we have lots of good plans for the future."

A special highlight of the event was the raffle of a book donated by local author Marcela Fuentes, who has recently gained national attention with her new publication. Fuentes, a product of San Felipe Del Rio CISD schools, set her novel in a city called La Cienega, which closely mirrors Del Rio. Her mother, Ketha Fuentes, is a retired teacher and active member of the association.

"This book is beautifully produced and written, and it's on everyone's to-read list," McBee shared. "We in Del Rio are particularly excited because, although the book is set in La Cienega, it's patterned on Del Rio. Readers will recognize many local places and events."

"Our retired teachers group here in Del Rio is growing steadily," McBee continued. "We welcome anyone who worked for the school district – not just teachers, but bus drivers, janitors, cafeteria workers, and aides. Anyone who played a role in the school district here is more than welcome to join. We have had a very successful year last year in the Texas legislature. We're one of the only groups in the state that actually got money from the legislature."

As the Del Río Area of Retired School Personnel Association celebrates its milestones and plans for the future, it invites all former school district employees to join its growing community. The group's efforts highlight the lasting legacy of those who have dedicated their lives to supporting students in Del Rio.

For those interested in joining, you can contact them through here:

Debbie Salinas

(830)719-0882

Diana Aguirre

(830)703-0391

Susan McBee

(830)703-6145