Kurt Kiefer, assistant state superintendent of schools, headed a program sharing how the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction collaborates with partners to address the needs of school districts in an era of increasingly more technology and data use.

Kiefer spoke as part of the 64th annual convention of the Wisconsin Retired Educators’ Association (WREA) at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc Sept. 29 and 30.

The convention featured the theme “Light the Way with WREA” and included presentations on diverse subjects such as the lighthouses of Door County, legislative happenings, technology in schools, how to downsize, the Wisconsin Retirement System and the Manitowoc Historical Society.

Representatives from the Stevens Point Area Retired Teachers’ Association who attended the convention included Santha Bickford, Janet Langton, Joyce Chekouras and Mary Ann Krems.

The WREA is a nonpartisan, independent organization with more than 12,000 members statewide and 65 local units. WREA has been recognized for its role in protecting the public pension fund, advocating for public education and supporting the interests of senior citizens. In addition, members typically contribute more than $10 million worth of community service each year.

For more information about WREA, SPARTA or the activities of retired educators, contact Joyce Chekouras at 715-446-1485.