TUPELO - Educators who wish to learn more about Mississippi's retirement system are encouraged to attend the district meeting of the Retired Education Personnel of Mississippi on Wednesday.

Virgil Belue, who serves on the board of directors for Mississippi's Public Employees Retirement System, will be the guest speaker at the meeting, which begins at 10 a.m. at the ICC-Tupelo Multipurpose Building.

Registration begins at 9:30, and cost is $15 for a buffet lunch.

Belue's presentation will focus on discussions the legislature has had regarding the state retirement system, said Henry Cobb, president of the Lee County-Tupelo chapter of Retired Education Personnel.

The organization is open to all retired school employees, from teachers and administrators to bus drivers and cafeteria workers, Cobb said, but Wednesday's meeting is also open to non-members.

County groups meet about four or five times per year, Cobb said. Members also serve in a variety of volunteer roles, such as helping with the American Red Cross or Salvation Army or serving as tutors. It also funds six $500 college scholarships for Mississippi students who plan to become teachers.

"The organization helps you to stay aware of what is going on with the legislature and the retirement system that will affect us," Cobb said.

Contact Chris Kieffer at (662) 678-1590 or chris.kieffer@journalinc.com.