Kathie Bracy to Bill Leibensperger: Exactly which motions is Ms. Frost-Brooks referring to?

From Kathie Bracy, December 14, 2007
Subject: Re: In the spirit of open communication

Thanks, Bill, for your letter and the text of Ms. Frost-Brooks' testimony to the STRS Board yesterday. I added both to my blog, with no omissions. I know many people will want to read them.

I was wondering if Ms. Frost-Brooks had written her presentation herself, since her words somehow had a very familiar ring, and knowing STRS Board policy dictates in a verbal policy statement presented by the Board president immediately prior to the Public Speaks portion of every Board meeting that speakers are to use their own words and not the words of someone else.

I know CORE members have taken this policy very seriously. I believe it came about at a time when some retirees wanted to speak for themselves, but were too far away and/or too ill to do so, and hoped that someone else could deliver their speeches for them. With OEA right next door, literally, it hardly seems the situation for Ms. Frost-Brooks or anyone else from there. I'm wondering why it's OK for STRS to bend the rules in this case -- for younger, healthier (and wealthier) people who are so close to the STRS building that driving there would be far more trouble than walking. I guess that's something I need to ask the STRS Board.

What I would really like for you to do is to send me a list of the motions Ms. Frost-Brooks specifically has in mind when she says:

The great work performed by the STRS Executive Director and staff in recent years should be reinforced by praise for finding ways to accomplish the objectives set by the Board. In doing its due diligence, the Board should be praised. However, any motions before the Board that would or could undermine trust and confidence between the Board, Executive Director and Staff, are not in the best interest of the system, and, in fact, may be unnecessary and counterproductive.

The significant external obstacles we face in achieving some of these objectives, especially those surrounding retiree healthcare, make this collaborative approach imperative. I urge in all of you the courage to trust. As the Board deliberates various motions today, at the January retreat, and into the future, we urge that these principles be kept in mind.

Since she did not make it clear, it would help to know exactly which motions she is talking about. It would certainly make it a lot easier to deal with them, so if you or she would be kind enough to provide such a list, I would be most appreciative.

Thanks again for writing.

Kathie Bracy