2026 TAAAC-Retired Updates

COMMITTEES OF TAAAC-R
Presently, we have retired members who are actively participating with TAAAC on various committees. They include Instructional Professional Development, Government Relations and The Foundation. Other committees are the Social Committee, Membership committee, the By-Laws Committee and the TAAAC History Project Committee.
Update provided by Enid Collison-Lee

CHECK OUT TAAAC GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE

When you retire from AACPS, it does not necessarily mean that you are severing all ties. As a prior TAAAC member and now part of the elite TAAAC-R, you can continue in roles of political action, activism and advocacy to benefit our students and staff, schools, communities, non-profits, businesses, and all who live and/or work in our cities, counties, state, nation. The TAAAC Government Relations Committee may provide an avenue for you to forge ahead with this.

The committee, composed of current Unit 1 employees and retirees, meets regularly at the TAAAC office (also Zoom) on the first Monday of the month. On all Mondays during the 90-day session of the Maryland General Assembly, members of the GR committee may opt to join in appointments set up with members of the state legislators representing Anne Arundel County. Retirees, including but not limited to Ken Baughman and Cheryl Menke, were often seen “front and center” in the delegate and senate offices.

The GR committee is also tasked with interviewing candidates for local and state office during election cycles and then making endorsement recommendations to the TAAAC Board of Directors. This past school year, for the first time, the GR committee also interviewed candidates for the city of Annapolis elections. Additional meetings are usually scheduled to accommodate interviews. Retiree participants included Enid Collison-Lee, Cheryl Menke, Richard Benfer, Ken Baughman, and Pam Bukowski.

Retiree activists from the GR committee, such as Donzella Parker Bert have participated tirelessly in door knocking and phone calling on behalf of TAAAC/MSEA endorsed candidates, as well as handing out Apple Ballots at polls during the election period.

A look at our accomplishments when gathering for the 2026 county and state primary races:

• 34 interviews–20 for local positions, 14 at the state level
• 3 non-Democrats
• 27 endorsements (11 were friendly incumbents)
• Of the 27 races, our endorsed candidates won their primaries in 24

We’re not finished yet. Next up- the general election. And, the committee will probably begin discussion meetings in early August. If you’re interested in participating in TAAAC Government Relations Committee activities, contact the TAAAC office.

Update provided by Pam Bukowski

ACCRUED SICK LEAVE AT RETIREMENT
Basically when you retire your sick leave and personal leave can be paid out. However, if it's over a certain amount (not sure of the amount), it goes into a 403B for you to access later. Having over 250 days at retirement, it was quite a hefty sum that rolled into a new 403B account, separately from my long standing account. At the same time, I was moving my long standing 403B, that I had my entire career, into other investments through out investments partner BW Wealth Management, aka, Bill Bush. Meanwhile, I was waiting the required amount of days (I think 45 days) , then reapplied to sub, so I could fill in for right start when they needed someone (due to medical and/or maternity leaves). After I was rehired, I was continuing my efforts to consolidate investments and my accountant tried to move the 403B that rolled over from my sick days. Unfortunately, since I had already been rehired, AACPS would not release the money since I was considered an employee of Anne Arundel County Public Schools. The agreement between AACPS and Corbridge has language that does not allow movement of investments (or cashing in) if you are an employee (even when just a substitute). Consequently, after 3 years the money is locked in the 403B until I separate from AACPS. I hope this helps people to make informed decisions about their accrued leave and how to get the money before they consider applying for subbing or what have you.
Update provided by Richard Benfer

FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
This past year we have been quite active for the foundation. We got some calls for glasses for some students. We also offer warm coats, gloves, and hats that would keep children in the winter months. The foundation also gives out 7 scholarships to deserving students. We collect information from students that are asking for help with their educational expenses. I am happy to say that we have increased the scholarships to $2000.00 dollars this year. This fall we will be attempting to invest so that the scholarships will be funded in the future. I am also am trying to have dental as a part of our services as a part of the things we can offer students.
Update provided by Ken Baughman

GREEN COMMITTEE
One of the newer committees in TAAAC is the Green Committee, the mission of which is to assess the association's practices to make recommendations for more sustainability and environmentally-friendly actions. Committee members also make recommendations to advocate at the county level for school system-wide sustainable practices. If you are interested in joininig the committee, which hosts monthly meetings and quarterly educational events, please contact staff liaison Juanita Howard at jhoward(at)mseanea.org.
Updated provided by Amanda Trellis

Fraud Prevention Presentation from the Office of the Attorney General
In July 2026, the Maryland Office of the Attorney General presented the following information to members:

• https://www.marylandcomptroller.gov/about/locations.html
• https://www.marylandcomptroller.gov/about/compliance.html
• https://interactive.marylandtaxes.gov/Individuals/payagr/
• https://oag.maryland.gov/i-need-to/Pages/medicaid-fraud-vulnerable-victims.aspx

Update provided by Dan Chambers

MSEA-RETIRED 7-DAY BAHAMAS CRUISE

The MSEA Retired Advisory Council is pleased to invite all retired members to sail with us aboard the Carnival Cruise Line for a 7-day cruise departing from Baltimore, Maryland and running March 14–21, 2027.

Together, we'll visit beautiful destinations, including Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau, Bahamas, while enjoying great company, relaxation, and the chance to make lasting memories with fellow retirees from across Maryland.

Cruise Rates (based on double occupancy and availability):

• Inside Stateroom: $874 per person
• Ocean View Stateroom: $974 per person
• Balcony Stateroom: $1,104 per person

Final payment is due 90 days before sailing. Prices are subject to change and availability.

To reserve your cabin or learn more, please contact:

Erik Rojas

Carnival Cruise Consultant

800-819-3902, ext. 82880

[email protected]

Update provided by Donzella Parker Bert

TRAVEL WITH SUPERIOR TOURS
From Day trips across Maryland, to direct weekly buses in New York and Atlantic City, to Multi-Day Tours in Canada, Tennessee and Williamsburg, VA, Superior Tours has opportunities for you! Call 410-602-1704 or visit superiortours.com for details.
Update provided by Donzella Parker Bert