John Bos to State Treasurer Robert Sprague: Please help us DRAIN THE SEWER on E.Broad Street

John Bos' letter to State Treasurer Robert Sprague

June 9, 2020

To: constituentaffairs@tos.ohio.gov

Subject: StateTeacher Retirement System of Ohio

Good Morning Treasurer Sprague,

I am writing you regarding multiple issues regarding the STRS Ohio system that was establish nearly 100 years ago to provide a retirement for dedicated educators. In the May meeting of the STRS which was held via internet Web process, Mr. Mayerfeld, the appointee of your office (yes, I know you did not appoint him) spoke strongly to support a raise for the STRS Staff. As you are aware, the State of Ohio faces a major challenge for a 2021 budget. STRS is not a direct Ohio budget category, BUT a very wrong message is being sent to everyone. STRS associates get a raise when other Ohio Departments, School Districts, Cities, Villages, and Townships are making significant cuts. When the Ohio School Foundation is reduced for 2021, there will be fewer dollars being paid to STRS. Fewer teachers means lower payments to STRS.

Unfortunately, the management of STRS believes that the system is for the benefit of the associates, and not the retirees.

I retired in 1989. Since my retirement, the COLA for retirees has been suspended until 2021. To the best of my knowledge, STRS has never suspended associate compensation. I am now 83, and am no longer able to work, but have become very frustrated to see multiple employees paid in excess of $200,000. At least one associate makes in excess of $600,000 provided from Freedom of Information Request.

You have established a website to publish the salaries of all state agencies. STRS refuses to participate in this service. They operate in a secret world in many ways. The meetings are not video streamed, even after many requests for this service. My local church has less than 100 active attendance, and yet streams the service every Sunday. The most recent meeting was on the internet to comply with the Ohio Sunshine Law, but images were not available and it was extremely difficult to follow all of the actions. Many of the supporting documents were not shared.

I understand that STRS Ohio is probably not your highest priority, but we have a major problem. It is best described by an old television program: I’ve got a Secret!!

Please help our plea to assist with the efforts to DRAIN THE SEWER on East Broad Street.Sincerely,

John Bos

Elida, Ohio