Since its 2000 inception, the Katy Area Retired Educators, or KARE, organization has worked to support the local community by advocating for retiree benefits and building bonds among those who had a career in education.

At the organization's annual reunion of educators—dubbed “Hooky Day”—on Aug. 13, KARE members celebrated 25 years of service and dedication to the education community. Though retired from their official roles, KARE members continue to shape the future of Katy through donations, volunteer efforts and scholarships, President Cheryl Glasser said.

“KARE isn't just for retired teachers—[it's for] any retirees of the Texas Retirement System, including paraprofessionals, clerks ... maintenance and transportation,” Glasser said. “Because we've worked with kids, we have that instant bond. And that’s an instant bond forever.”
At the organization's annual reunion of educators—dubbed “Hooky Day”—on Aug. 13, Katy Area Retired Educators members celebrated 25 years of service and dedication to the education community. Though retired from their official roles, KARE members continue to shape the future of Katy through donations, volunteer efforts and scholarships, President Cheryl Glasser said.  (Courtesy Cheryl Glasser)
At the organization's annual reunion of educators—dubbed “Hooky Day”—on Aug. 13, Katy Area Retired Educators members celebrated 25 years of service and dedication to the education community. President Cheryl Glasser is pictured in the center. (Courtesy Cheryl Glasser)
The impact

KARE is a local chapter of the Texas Retired Teachers Association, or TRTA, and has grown to a membership of over 200 from its initial 40 members, Glasser said. Some members have even become KISD school namesakes such as Bonnie Holland, Peter McElwain and most recently, Al and Ann Boudny.

KARE's impact reaches beyond monthly meetings by participating in community engagement opportunities, including:
  • Community service with over 76,000 hours clocked in 2024
  • Local scholarships to support the next generation of educators
  • Legislative advocacy, including working closely with TRTA and state legislators to protect retiree pensions and health care
  • Book Project, a donation drive that collects and donates new and gently used books to local children
The celebration


On Nov. 12, Glasser said all KARE members are invited to celebrate the organization's 25th birthday party at the KISD Professional Development Annex, located at 6361 S. Stadium Lane, Katy.

The event will feature special presentations by founders and past presidents, along with performances by a vocal ensemble from Katy High School and a flag ceremony conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, according to the website.

Moving forward

Out of the Houston-area chapters, Glasser said that KARE “took first place” for the most members, a title she hopes the chapter will keep with the goal of 350 total members this year.


Glasser said interested retirees can complete a form in person at meetings, submit an application online through the organization's newsletter, or send it by mail.