Report: Dennis Leone's Swearing-in at STRS 09/15/2005

On Thursday, September 15th, 2005, a CORE reception was held at the STRS building honoring Dr. Dennis Leone, a newly elected member of the STRS Board. The reception was held at noon preceding the swearing in ceremony for Dr. Leone and the two other new STRS Board members, Ms. Mary Ann Flannagan and Mr. Jeff Chapman. The Sublett Room at STRS was filled with proud CORE members who had gathered to witness Dr. Leone's swearing in and to share this important occasion with him and his family. Following a song of tribute to John Lazares, he shared highlights of his first year as a STRS Board member. Mr. Lazares then introduced Dr. Leone who was interrupted by the CORE group with a song written and sung by CORE member, Ryan Holderman. Dr. Leone thanked CORE for the welcoming reception and their continuing support. He then introduced Mr. David Freel of the Ohio Ethics Commission who brought the group up-to-date on the status of the ongoing investigation of STRS, other pension funds, BWC, etc. Refreshments were served, and Mr. Chapman and Ms. Flannagan arrived and were introduced to CORE. Shortly before noon, the group disbanded to go to the STRS Board meeting room where the new Board members were sworn in.

Following the swearing in ceremonies, there was a fifteen minute break followed by the Public Speaks portion of the STRS Board meeting. The first fifteen or so speakers were all OEA, OEA-R, or Education Association reps. All speeches had common threads in them. . .specifically stressing the importance of the Health Care Advocates, the importance of the use of surveys to determine wishes of the STRS members, concern about the three new members of the Board creating change in favor of the retirees versus active teachers, and several speakers emphasized a hands-off policy regarding certain aspects of SB 190 (specifically protecting the 88% pension for 35 years service). An exception was made for this time only to allow CORE speakers to speak or pass since the first 15 speakers (the number allowed) had consumed all of the speaking slots.

Following the Public Speaks portion of the Board meeting, it was announced that the Health Care Committee would meet in ten minutes. A decision was made by Mr. Tom Curtis, Chair of the CORE Annual Meeting, to cancel the CORE meeting in order for members to attend the Health Care meeting. The fact that so much time had elapsed due to the number of speakers precipitated this decision. The CORE Annual Meeting will therefore be held next month on Thursday, October the 20th at 11:45 in the cafeteria room behind the Sublett Room as usual at which time, CORE goals and objectives for the future will be determined. Please try to join us.

By Mary Ellen Angeletti