Robert Hudson Jones, A call to arms re: OSBA Platform Opposing STRS Enhancements

From: RH Jones, February 18, 2006; Subject: My letter to Linda F.R. Omobien, Newly Elected OSBA President

To all:

My letter is below. It has been 2-wks. since I took the time to write her. In that 2-wks. I have not yet received a reply.

You retired & active teachers may wish to contact her at:

E-mail: lomobien@aol.com
Phone: Asst. Sup. Office Sec. Aldena Sample, 330/761-2921 or;
Akron Public Schools Switchboard Operator, 330/761-1661 or;
Home phone: 330/867-6571
Write her at:

Linda F.R. Omobien
The Akron Public Schools
70 North Broadway Street
Akron, OH 44308

Note: of course, she can also be reached at the OSBA, as well.

My e-mail letter to her:

Subj: OSBA Platform Opposing STRS Enhancements
Date: 2/4/2006

Dear Linda F.R. Omobien:

First, I would like to personally congratulate you on your election to the presidency of the OSBA and your Award of Achievement from them. What a great chance for you to do good for our pupils, and their active and retired teachers. I am proud to be a retired 6th grade teacher from the Akron City School System of which you are also honored to serve as a school board member. God Bless Your Service!

My reason for contacting you is that I am concerned that: the OBSA opposes -- according to OSBA Legislative Platform, Personnel Section -- any attempt to increase the employer's share to cover increase in cost. As you probably know, it has been 21-yrs. since there has been an increase. Therefore, an enhancement of the present 14% employer rate is long overdue. The teaching profession, and it's retirement system, needs an enhancement at this critical time in Ohio history. While businesses are leaving the state for lack of a pool of educated job seekers, the OSBA opposes future benefit enhancements unless accompanied with a reduction in the 14% only a reduction in the employers share.

As a consequence of this type of negative thinking, damage is being done to both the commercial businesses and the public education sectors. And, contrary to this outdated OBSA platform: #1. Our children need, and deserve, well paid career educators with a guarantee of a STRS offering a Compounded COLA pension & health care benefits. #2. And contrary to outdated OSBA statements, these enhanced STRS benefits will attract and keep the best educators serving Ohio's children, and their communities. The attraction of businesses and keeping them here will thus be the outcome of a financially healthy public school system backed by a forward thinking OSBA that cares for outstanding public schools; for the last several years that has not been the case. Furthermore, backward ultraconservative OSBA attitude is hurting us all. Please help with a progressive change.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I await your response.

Robert Hudson Jones,
a concerned retired career Akron, Ohio teacher

Note: Linda F.R. Omobien also was awarded the prestigious Master Board Member Award (2003)