Ennis Retired School Personnel Association

07/19/2026

Rates and benefits for the 2027 TRS-Care health plans have been set! This set of decisions includes lowered Medicare premiums and a new chance for TRS retirees to choose TRS-Care Medicare Advantage. Learn more: https://ow.ly/OkSV50ZowFn

07/19/2026

TRTA is holding a giveaway for *brand new* members! By joining as a NEW member, you will be entered into a drawing for a FREE trip to the Grand Canyon through Boscov’s Travel, and you can even bring a friend! We are accepting entries through July 31. The drawing will occur on August 1. Learn more at www.trta.org/giveaway!

07/10/2026

A new study of people 80 and older with exceptional gaits finds fast walkers have about a 50% lower risk of cognitive decline, showing the connection between physical health and brain health.

06/10/2026

ERSPA 2025-2026 Year in Review

05/31/2026

05/28/2026

Wow! What a great meeting on May 28, 2026, to end our year! Great food and great conversation with 56 people in attendance. We even conducted some business. Melinda Shaw is now our 1st VP.

The pictures tell the story – the gathering, bringing of food, catching up on conversations started a long time ago, pledges, prayer, introductions of new retirees present and new members, catching up on previous scholarship recipients, hearing from hearing from a most recent scholarship recipient (Evalyn Cardona), eating all the food you could possibly want (thanks to everyone bringing a favorite dish or treat), election of the 1st Vice-President, Membership info, Legislative info, volunteer hours info, Walk Across Texas recognitions, Children’s Book Project report, $50 prize drawing for ones who donated to the scholarship fund – Kristi Copeland, and appreciation to all who have taken on a responsibility for ERSPA!

Whew! That was a lot for one sentence, but….it IS a just a capsule version of the experience.

Reminder: Next meeting will be on Thursday, September 3, 2026!

05/21/2026

ERSPA Volunteer Spotlight is on BettyAnn Blazek!!!

BettyAnn worked 42 years for EISD - Retired in 2014! Don Walker hired her as a classroom teacher. Her first principal was B.C. Fowler at Travis Elementary. She taught 4th grade at Travis and Austin Elementary for several years and taught 6th grade reading at the old Carver school. Currently is enjoying spending more time with her and her husband’s grown kids and six grandkids.

She served as Guidance Counselor for 32 years at Travis, Austin, Houston, Bowie elementary, Ennis Intermediate School, and Dorie Miller Intermediate. When she began as a counselor, the district rotated two Guidance Counselors to travel back and forth to all the elementary schools. The good news now is there are counselors at each of the elementary, intermediate, and high school campuses.

ERSPA has been well recognized the last few years at the local and district level and have a lot of accomplishments of which our members can be very proud! BettyAnn steered that to happen!

TRTA and ERSPA Member since 2003

President of ERSPA 4 years straight

1st Vice President and Membership Chair 4 years

Scholarship Committee Chair

Promoted Walk Across Texas District program

Initiated partnership with high school CTE Ready, Set, Teach class

Presented scholarships to EHS seniors at award assembly

Participated in delivering books to elementary schools for ERSPA
Children’s Book project

Increased visibility in the community and placed ERSPA articles in local paper

Worked her heart out to increase attendance at local chapter meetings

Increased number of members who attended TRTA District 10 yearly Conferences

Increased recognition by TRTA district in membership growth and volunteer program hours

Initiated visiting the Ready, Set, Teach CTE class at Ennis High School, answering questions about teaching and gave information on how to apply for the ERSPA Scholarships

Received the District 10 TRTA Leadership Award

Led chapter campaigning for the successful passing of Proposition 9 and repealing the WEP and GPO that allowed retirees to begin receiving a monthly Social Security check

Increased community outreach services through the Volunteer Committee leadership which included GAKAC volunteers to stuff backpacks with school supplies

Encouraged chapter donations to Ennis Helping Hands, Golden Circle, Ennis Pointe Senior Living

Instituted visitation of homebound members

Began ERSPA volunteering for Ennis United Way campaign kickoff set up

Active and working Immediate Past President

BettyAnn’s goals to increase attendance at chapter meetings, increase membership in the chapter, become visible in the community were accomplished! BettyAnn has set a new standard for excellence for our organization. For that we are so very grateful! We appreciate BettyAnn Blazek immensely!