Minutes of CORE Meeting on Sept. 18, 2008

The monthly meeting of the Concerned Ohio Retired Educators (CORE) was held Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008 at the STRS Building in Columbus.

President Dave Parshall opened the meeting at 11:45 a.m. The first order of business was the approval of minutes from the August meeting. Treasurer C.J. Myers gave the treasurer's report and thanked all members for our improved financial status, since the campaign for last spring's STRS Board election had greatly depleted our funds.

Dave read a letter of appreciation from John Lazares, thanking CORE members for their support, help and friendship.

A motion to amend a constitutional bylaw, assessing a $10.00 membership fee and waiving dues for people who donate more than $10.00 to CORE, was made by Kathie Bracy, seconded by Ruby Fisher. The motion passed.

The group was given an update on the status of HB 315. The bill more than likely will not survive this session and will resurface (under a new number) when the new legislature is in place.

The slate of new officers and trustees was presented to the membership; President: Dave Parshall; Vice-President: Kathie Bracy; Treasurer: Herman Fisher; Secretary: Marie M. Fetters; Trustees: Jim N. Reed, Mary Thomas, George Justice and Donna Seaman; Co-trustees: Nancy Boomhower and Chuck Chapman. Betty Bell moved to approve the entire slate; Mary Ellen Angeletti seconded it. It was unanimously passed.

The officers and trustees who were present (Dave, Kathie, Herman, Marie, Nancy, and Chuck) then were sworn in by Mary Ellen.

New CORE brochures were handed out for proofreading by the group. A few errors and/or concerns were noted, so the next set of brochures will include the group-recommended changes.

Dave mentioned our need for new members and more support. The membership brainstormed possible ways to increase our numbers.

Other items discussed: updating our website; possible bi-monthly meetings with the executive director; Steve Mitchell's willingness to talk to CORE members; inviting the new STRS Executive Director, Mike Nehf, to join us for lunch; problems getting highly qualified active teachers elected to the STRS Board; and working with ORTA.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m. so that interested members could attend the afternoon session of the STRS Board Meeting.

The next CORE meeting will be on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 11:45 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Marie M. Fetters
Secretary