RH Jones: Why retired STRS Board members should receive a stipend from STRS

From: RH Jones

Sent: Monday, December 26, 2005

Subject: STRS Bd Stipends

Tom, John, and CORE Leaders:

This is one CORE Member who would support a STRS paid stipend only for the 2-retired members that serve on the board. For the other board members, including active teacher members, there is a "spin off" of deferred compensation in the form of having this prestigious service on there resume. Oftentimes, after or during board service, these board members have the enhanced opportunity to rise to higher paid position in related establishments. Bilirakis is an example of this, as he moves into a paid NEA position paid in the 6-figures. Others have gone before him to high paid jobs in government and industries. For them, opportunity is greater for career advancement than for those of us who, previously, never served.

Life is choices, and choosing to serve on the board can be very rewarding for all those except the retiree who is too old for career advancement.

RHJones, CORE member