Conrad Ott: An editorial in the Akron Beacon Journal supporting HB 315

From RH Jones, October 24, 2007
Subject: Editorial of Ex Akron Super Surperintendent Ott

To all:

The Akron Beacon Journal, today, 10-24-07, pg. A8, has the text of this fine Kentucky gentleman’s Voice of the People letter. I have quoted it below.

Super Conrad Ott, successfully led the Akron Public School District for over 25 yrs. which is a record for big city superintendents. The Akron school boards of that time wisely continued his contract during those most difficult financial times. The Akron voters, children, and the school system’s staff, were rewarded by a well run school system. The levies always passed.

In retirement, Mr. Ott could have moved back to his beloved Kentucky but he and his lovely wife, Jeanne, (a retired Akron administrator) chose to live, spend their STRS benefit checks, pay their taxes, and vote here in his adopted City of Akron -- now that is loyalty! And, since his retirement, he has continued to serve Akron by his having won, just a few years back, a seat on the school board. Last but not least, he now volunteers at an Akron school close by his home, clearly demonstrating that he still has Akron’s children firmly in his heart. I must say that I am proud to have been one of his teachers during his active years.

Here is his letter:

Retired teachers need health-care increase

Akron school board President Linda Kersker has spelled out her board’s reaction to the State Teachers Retirement System’s support of House Bill 315 in the Ohio General Assembly (‘Districts’ can’t carry retirees, ‘ Voice of the People, Oct. 4): The Akron board rejects HB 315 in its entirety.

Teacher retirees should remember this rejection of their modest request for health-care benefits, particularly when the next school levy comes around.

Levy requests usually follow a three-to-five-year cycle, and the voters are asked to underwrite them. Retirees are most important in these campaigns of endorsement.

HB 315 would phase in an employer contribution of 2.5 per cent, for a total of 5 percent over a five-year period. For teachers, the school board contributes 10 per cent of their payroll for retirement purposes. These percentages have not changed in 23 years.

Retired teachers are living longer and need more attention as health becomes a problem.

After 23 years, an increase in their health care is necessary if they are not to go on Medicaid.

HB 315 is an honorable and justifiable request for the legislature consideration, remembering that there can be no retirement without health care.

Conrad C. Ott

Submitted by RHJones, Akron Education Association Member Emeritus and a proud CORE member