Another superintendent speaks out re: Bonuses

From John Decker, September 17, 2009
Subject: Employee Bonus

Sir/Madam:

There have been numerous e-mails, letters, telephone calls, etc. regarding STRS employee bonuses. It appears the only supporters of such is the STRS Director and Executive Board.

I have never known a system/organization where employees were awarded bonuses, gifts, incentives, etc. during non-productive performance. It only seems logical the STRS Board would do the same.

In the past year, the ONLY reason the Board and/or Director has supported the bonus package was to keep 'good' staff. I have been an STRS Member for 40 years with 25 as a superintendent. I have seen hundreds of 'good' staff go and come. I have NEVER been unable to employ someone just as good or BETTER.

I have never seen such an outstanding organization run by such dysfunctional people in all by 60+ years. It appears as if you do not care about the thousand of retired STRS Members.

Your actions have disrupted the lives of hundreds of STRS members. It there anything we can do to make our statement any clearer.

John Decker. Supt.
Miami County ESC