A Worthington Schools retiree: Some words for the STRS Board

From Donald Hyatt, September 20, 2009
Subject: Bonus

Perhaps you should ask all the people who are going to get their bonus to turn it down like the teachers in Worthington City Schools did this week. They don't get a bonus for receiving a high rating in their performance. They get a step increase based upon years of service. It had nothing to do with performance. I agree that experience does not mean better teachers, but they turned down something that their contract said they should receive.

They had a good report card, and turned down the money. STRS employees did not. Perhaps they might turn down their bonus. Schools are cutting back for the good of the community, maybe the people who work for STRS would do the same if given the opportunity.

If the Worthington City School Board had turned down the offer to refuse their annual raise, how do you think the community would react?

We are the community who you represent. How do you think we feel when you grant a bonus to a person making 6 figures? In this economy, do you really think these people can not be replaced with equally competent people?

Donald Hyatt
Retired Ashland, Upper Arlington, and Worthington City School teacher