STRS Flashback - 5 Years Ago - Herbie gets the pink slip party...along with a $550,000 check!

From John Curry, April 3, 2009

STRS staff say farewell to ousted executive director

Canton Repository, March 25, 2009
By PAUL E. KOSTYU
Copley Columbus Bureau chief

COLUMBUS — Senior staff at the State Teachers Retirement System hosted a reception this week for their former boss, who was forced out of office last year.

The get-together, paid for by the system’s 10 senior staff members, was described as a chance for employees to say goodbye to Herbert L. Dyer, whose tenure with the system officially ended Feb. 29, though his last day on the job was Aug. 5.

Laura Ecklar, a spokeswoman for the system, said no system funds were used to pay for the event.

“We didn’t want the system to come under any criticism,” said Ecklar, who was one of the 10 who contributed to the cost of the Tuesday afternoon event. “We’re very aware of how people might perceive it.”

Dyer was forced to step down after 10 years as executive director after media reports raised questions about spending on travel, employee bonuses, artwork and other items. His contract was bought out at a cost of $550,000; he remained a consultant through February.