RH Jones: Retired teachers support school levies

From RH Jones, October 6, 2007

To all:

Critics, of those of us who support the State Teacher’s Retirement System (STRS) health care (HC) increase in the House Bill 315, fail to understand that we STRS retirees generally are supportive of school levies. Statistics bear that out. Some of those educators in nursing homes may not be able to, but those of us STRS retired members who are able: vote.

Professional teachers have demonstrated, over our 30-yr.& + careers, a genuine dedication to the education service of the public’s children, no matter their background. Therefore, even though many of us in retirement cannot afford tax increases, conscientiously, how could we not support school levies? I always have.

It saddens me to think that the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) has voted to oppose the modest employer 2.5% increase phased over a 5-yr. period. And, I apologize for perhaps not doing a better job in teaching thousands of 6th grade Akron (APS) children better civics, sound business practices and empathy for the elderly – Seven APS board members came out against HB315 (Beacon,10/11/07). I wonder if one, or two, may be an ex-student of mine? And does the APS board realize that the two GREAT past superintendents, that guided the district through very tough times, deserve HC in their retirement too? The present super superintendent deserves retirement HC as well. The APS has always had tremendous staffing; Without HB315, will they in the future?

Anyway, to protect dogs, recently, the HB22 just passed. For Ohio retired educators, including retired superintendents, school boards can, at least, absorb in HB315 a modestly increased assessment to honor those who served their children and them. To do otherwise is to cause even further damage to Ohio’s children. That makes me wonder: Does the Ohio PTA approve of the OSBA hurtful vote? To their credit, the PTA fought Charter schools - of which there are now 350 in Ohio sucking up public tax dollars away from Ohio School Districts. The ultra-conservative OSBA sat by quietly.

If Ohio is to prosper now and in the future, it must bear the expense to provide the funding to place America’s best educators in their public school systems. Good HC in retirement is essential in that attraction. As an elderly 76-yr. old, my advice is to take the time be careful whom you vote for on local and state boards of education. It is fundamental to Ohio’s success.

That is my opinion,

Robert Hudson Jones, a retired APS teacher