Yep -- it fell on deaf ears, Dennis. They turned right around and did it again -- they rubber-stamped Damon. Real bright, guys!

Take note, some STRS Board members, as you continue to "abdicate duties to the staff." Why even have an STRS Board if critical decisions are left solely to the Administration at STRS? Rubber stamps are easily obtained, aren't they? John

Dennis Leone to Jim N. Reed, February 2, 2008
Subject: Being Inquisitive and Ultimately Responsible for "Everything"

Thank you Jim. More interesting for me, although it may have fallen on deaf ears, is the fact that one the board’s featured speakers – Attorney Ian Lanoff from Washington D.C. – publicly said to the board (also on page 15 of the board packet) and that the board “cannot abdicate its duties to the staff” and the board is “ultimately responsible for everything.” John Lazares and I have been trying to say this for years. Lanoff and another presenter named Ed Gaydos told the board that “board governance issues” and board policies need to be a top priority for the board, especially since a new executive director is due to be hired. Gary Hudepohl, who runs the executive director search firm, said the same thing board in his presentation and also described the board in his report as being “inexperienced.” After I left the meeting about an hour early for a previous engagement on the second day of the retreat, the board voted to give Damon authority to represent the board “in all matters pertaining to personnel and expenses.” John Lazares’ request that the board wait until I was present for discussion was completely ignored. Makes me wonder why I am on the board. All the talk about showing respect, working together, and fostering collaboration is just that – talk.

Dennis Leone

From Jim N. Reed, February 2, 2008
Subject: Fwd: "Each trustee should be inquisitive..."

Dennis, this certainly must lend itself to your sense of gratifying validation and it certainly gives your supporters a great sense of satisfaction. This affirmation of your tactics as a champion of retirees on the STRS Board is a clear-cut victory for all of us! It is a treat at the retreat.

Fellow Board members who have too often ignorantly vilified you must take note of this applause for an inquisitive nature.

I suppose they could spin it and accuse you and John of turning the Board meetings into a replica of the Spanish Inquisition. (I could suggest some victims for the rack.)

Thank you, as always, for being an inspirational leader and tireless advocate for Ohio's retired educators.

Jim N. Reed