Responding to an STRS Ohio writer.....

From Kathie Bracy, February 4, 2008
Hi --

I shared your message with Molly Janczyk, since she's been "on board" with CORE since its inception five years ago. Here's what she said (and said I could share this with you):

"I think Lloyd should respond. However, I KNOW ALL I speak with highly respect and value STRS Staff. We always thank them and tell them that this does not pertain to them. I issue high regards all the time and always address the staff upon entering the building and those with whom I have contact. I always see my fellow CORE members do the same. We LOVE the staff at STRS"

I have sent your message on to Lloyd Knudsen, but haven't heard anything back yet; maybe you have.

My sentiments echo Molly's exactly, and I'm sure Lloyd's do, too. I haven't been active with CORE from the very beginning, but during the 3-1/2 years I have been involved, never once have I seen or heard anything that would indicate that any CORE members have anything but the highest regard for the employees at STRS. For myself, I've been totally amazed at how "classy" and professional they've been (at least the few I have been in contact with), especially considering all that's gone on during the past five years. They've been WONDERFUL.

We've had issues mainly with past Board members and the Executive Director. When past practices were revealed five years ago, retirees were shocked and outraged, and felt betrayed, feeling that their hard-earned money was being squandered in a most cavalier manner. The lavish surroundings, expensive trips and parties, bonuses far exceeding the total annual income of many retirees, etc., were totally beyond our wildest imagination. After many years of hard work in the classroom, many felt this was a slap in the face.

However, never once have I ever heard anyone criticize anyone working at STRS except those who were guilty of misdoings -- certain Board members and upper level staff. Not all. We had high hopes for Damon, and he did a better job than Dyer, but he still failed us. None of us have been happy with some unsettling things that have taken place during his tenure. Damon was better than Herb Dyer, but not good enough. I have no personal animosity towards him, but I also know he cannot be trusted.

It is my fervent hope that the right person will be selected as the new Executive Director, one who is competent AND trustworthy, who will truly put the membership first. A true leader will command the respect of all -- membership, board, staff and employees alike -- and won't give anyone reason to put him/her or the operation under the microscope. We haven't liked doing this; it's created a lot of change and tension for everybody, including us. The right person at the helm will change that atmosphere completely, and we can concentrate our energies on getting the best people elected to the Board.

When CORE first organized (as a grassroots organization in 2003), we thought OEA and ORTA would step in and take the leadership roles they should have in dealing with miscreant Board members and Herb Dyer. Then, when it was discovered that their leadership wasn't forthcoming and further investigation revealed these organizations were actually protecting their own people who were members of that Board, we had no choice but to mobilize and start getting some things done ourselves. CORE wanted to turn it all over to OEA and ORTA and then go away; we still would like to do that, but the right time hasn't come yet. It's an uphill battle, as CORE doesn't have the resources or the extensive contact lists that OEA and ORTA do, not to mention some philosophical differences with them. We're still grassroots and out-of-pocket, and retirees don't have the kind of income actives do. If you are aware of the costs of healthcare for many of our members, and the fact that many retirees subsist on annual incomes of less than $20,000 (mostly the oldest retirees, who are also the most likely to have very high out-of-pocket medical expenses), then you know we are in no position to do what the big money organizations can do.

Sorry -- I didn't mean to get so verbose. I just wanted to give you some idea of where we're coming from. Again, I've never heard anything but high praise for the regular staff members and employees at STRS. Nothing that's happened has been their fault. It's not been a pleasant time for anyone. No one has all the right answers, either. With the hiring of the new Executive Director, I am hoping this will all blow over soon, though I know it won't happen overnight. Those who have been honest and sincere and doing their job should have nothing to worry about, regarding their job security, and I know that covers a lot of people -- all the "good people." It's been a rough time for all of us.

Thank you very much for hanging in there, and for writing. You and others like you are very much needed and appreciated. There's still a lot of "class" at STRS -- just not all in the right places, but that's gradually changing for the better.

Kathie Bracy

In a message dated 2/3/2008 10:57:32 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [xxx] writes:

I read your blog and found something that I need to respond to. It is from Lloyd K. in regards to his speech at the January Board meeting. The quote by Lloyd was:

"Do our Executive Director and staff feel undermined? I think we've heard this "cry wolf" claim before. Not long ago it was rumored our investment staff felt threatened by the reevaluation of their bonus program and that they would leave en masse. It hasn't happened. It was also rumored that the de-subsidizing of the child care program would cause staff members to leave en masse. It hasn't happened. I suspect our STRS staff (that day in and day out does an excellent job) realizes that even without some of their prior perks – they work for an excellent employer."

Yes, let me tell you that the staff, who have done nothing wrong, does feel undermined. The staff does not like being criticized. The general working staff has had so many things taken away and they struggle with the concern of having to possibly leave a decent job. The staff has to take care of their families and the lack of respect coming from the company, the Board, and CORE has overwhelmed them.

Now, I'm not speaking as an associate. This is someone that supports the associates and the hard work that they perform every day. In talking with other current teachers and even some who are retired, I have noted that they respect the staff for what they are doing and the customer service they put forth every day despite what CORE has brought about in the system.

I cannot speak to the bonuses as the associates that I know were not receiving the Performance Based Incentives (PBI). Child Care has always been expensive - even when subsidized. Most of the normal workers (non-investment and non-management staff) cannot afford the child care. That is why the regular staff has somewhat remained. The turnover has increased greatly and CORE may not be aware of what the real truth in that is. The associates have had low morale and a sometimes a general dislike for their jobs since CORE has become involved with the practices at STRS.

This email is only to let you know that you should be respecting the normal staff at STRS whether you appreciate the senior staff and management or not. The normal associates did not have anything to do with what the prior Board let happen, the artwork, the expenses, or the policies. These are the worker bees that need supported. Although they work for what used to be an excellent employer, the main reason most do not go out looking elsewhere is because of the economy and the lack of jobs available.

When in the building for meetings and having lunch, please make it a point to respect the normal associates. Those walking down to lunch, walking in the hallways, and those who are there to serve you. They really are good people.

Thank you.