RH Jones: The silence is hurting

From RH Jones, November 22, 2008
Subject: The silence of active teachers

To all:

The silence is hurting. The tremendous loss of $30 billion, the bonus giveaway of STRS dollars to some employees for 2008, and authorizing them for 2009, not only profoundly violates common sense; it was a public relations disaster. The Associated Press, in all probability, has sold this information around the world. And they have reported that the pension board vice chairman, who supports the bonuses as a motivating tool, will head the review committee studying the issue! Is that common sense, or is it like putting the wolf in the henhouse? Does not that send out another message to the news media? Some LOVE to seize on this type of shocking news! Therefore, what can the majority on our STRS board be thinking? Or are they thinking? I think not. They are responsible for this.

As a “ Paid up for Life Member Builder” of the OEA, I would like to caution the OEA leadership that many of their active members are quite concerned by the above. Is not it time that all levelheaded active teachers take note? The indifference must cease. In the long and the short term such losses like this to the system threatens the availability of the STRS funding -- Public education foes are looking on with glee.

With the awful working conditions that most active teachers are now suffering under, “burnout” is coming earlier in their careers. Sadly, just recently at my old place of employment at an “open house”, I had to suggest to an older couple -- both active teachers -- that: they should not plan on retiring soon, not even with their 32-years of experience each. I know that the OEA cannot control how an OEA-backed STRS Board member votes once they are elected to the board. They can, at least, suggest caution to them. There is too much at stake for teachers to allow their elected representatives on the STRS board to vote with such lack of regard for the all-round financial health of the STRS. Therefore, time must be found and spent by responsible active OEA members to monitor their STRS and its board. In fact, all active educators should. At this time, silence is not golden.

A Note for the board: In the past and in the present, the board has blamed poor performance on the economy. While no one can predict the future, a reasonable person can expect that those who are employed by STRS, and those who are serving on its board, to be prudent in their judgment. Excellence is what we STRS members expect and demand of those employees who are paid to serve, or our board members who volunteer to serve. Most certainly, both should be aware of negativity in their records. Future employment or promotions can, therefore, be at stake for them. Supervisors most certainly are taking note -- it affects their retirement.

One retired teacher member who expects the best,
RHJones