Shirlee Zerkel to Mary Ann Cervantes: Why even have a Board?

From Shirlee Zerkel, December 19, 2008
Subject: Re: Black Friday!

Dear Mary Ann:

I did receive your answer. Thank you for the slap in the face to me and all the other retirees and active members who are counting on the STRS pension to live. Most of us are not entitled to Social Security. At the rate you are willing to spend the money on staff, there will be none left for retirees and that includes you. But since you do not appear to be concerned, you must have another source of retirement income or a very wealthy spouse. The funds that STRS has to work with are funds paid in by members and school boards. According to the ORC 3307.15 it is to be used for the benefit of the members.

I am sorry, but the staff are not members. STRS is not another government office or pension fund. I find it interesting that you have compiled a list of other pension funds that give their employees more benefits than STRS. STRS gives the employees up to 24 vacation days, 15 sick days, 2 personal days and 10 paid holidays, 7 fixed and 3 floating. I request a list of those entities who offer the staff more.

But the thing that bothers me the most is that you do not care if the director breaks Board Policy. Why even have a Board? That policy was made to be followed. But as I understand from your comment-anything goes as long as the decision or action is made by the director or other upper staff-but just let Dr. Leone question and ask for a motion, and you and the rest of the Board try to silence him. Dr. Leone has the best interest of the system at heart and as I see it the rest of you just say yes to anything staff suggests.

Please start following policy and ORC 3307.15.

Shirlee Zerkel