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SWEA-R Celebrates the Joys of Not Going Back to School

Many members are scrambling through the bustle of August — but not Southwest Education Association-Retired members, who recently gathered for their annual Not-Back-to-School Picnic at Kleiner Park in Meridian.
A group of retired people eats around a park picnic table
By: IEA Staff
Published: August 21, 2025

SWEA-R's Annual Not-Back-to-School Picnic

A group of retired people eats around a park picnic table
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SWEA-R members at their annual picnic.
Retired union members eating around a table in a park on a sunny day
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After decades serving Idaho's students, members of SWEA-R don't have to head back to school this September — a cause for celebration.
Retired members talk around a picnic table
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Members — and Jim Shackelford, seated center, who served years as IEA's executive director — gathered in Kleiner Park in Meridian.
Retired people browse potluck offerings on a picnic table
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The potluck-style event is one of many offered to retired members.
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