Listeners' comments following the June 18, 2020 STRS virtual Board meeting

"Hopefully Rita Walters gets voted out. She isn't doing her job very well representing what the retired teachers want. Sounds like she only represented what she wanted. Shameful!"

"Quoting Rita Walters 'STRS is what it is because of the people who work for it...' while voicing her support for passage of budget with 1.6% increase for employees. Guess she forgets all the retirees and teachers who really are what STRS IS. Thank you to Gruber, Hunt, McFee, Price, and Steen who voted no due to the included increase. The budget however, was passed."

"She sure did give a build-up on a prepared speech that supported the raise. Unbelievable! I am glad there was support from Gruber, Price, Steen, McFee, and Hunt."

"That speech was written by the STRS staff and she became their propaganda agent."

"And we, who paid into it, get nothing. Our cost of living increases also."

"Rita, you forgot to thank the behind the scenes people, THE OHIO RETIRED TEACHERS! 1.6% merit increase averaged over all employees, while we the members get 0%"

"Remind everyone to vote her out next year!"

"Can STRS Board members be recalled? She seems like a prime candidate."

"Both retiree board members voted for the proposed budget! How could they do so in good conscience?"

"OSU has no raises this year HOW can THEY have one???!!!"

"I just sent my latest message to the STRS Board after listening to an affirmative vote for salary and bonus increases for employees while retirees receive no cola and active teachers have seen a 40% increase in contributions along with 5-8 additional years of service retirement. I intend to follow-up with letters to ORSC, and my elected representatives. STRS is a "premier" system for employees, but not for those of us for whom the system was created."

"I am not a retiree yet but I dream of being able to retire before I die. Please search out good candidates to run for office."

"I am so very disappointed with our retirees and how they do not represent the people they are on the board to represent."

"They absolutely couldn't care less what the members want. It is a corrupt self serving entity that lives off the backs of educators. Changing this board is a must going forward."

"Thank you, Dale Price! TPS retirees appreciate your representation."

"I listened to the entire meeting. First off those that presented data spoke in lingo most non-financial listeners could even understand. However, embedded in their speeches were their negative forecasts that should have made board members sit up and listen. If they could not grant a COLA, why bonuses? And to those who stated that in order to keep “qualified staff” they should be rewarded for their efforts with merit bonuses. Well, listen up! I was a “qualified employee” for 38 years, and you know what I received for my hard work? A paycheck. That’s what all persons who will receive these unnecessary bonuses should get. A paycheck. Nothing extra. And keep in mind STRS employees, you have a job, because we worked hard!!! To those who voted “no” I applaud you for taking a stand. And shame on the board member for giving a prepared speech and voting against those you represent, as well as the others who let us down, once again. No amount of charts and financial babble will ever convince me that these bonuses are warranted."

"Performance fees are allocated for outside & inside managers. Teachers are the base of the STRS, why oh why do those that work for us or manage our funds get a 3% merit & incentives average. This is so backwards, the Ohio auditor should investigate & manage our interest as STRS is not managing our interest only associates & managers. Shame on our board!"

"I just sent my latest message to the STRS Board after listening to an affirmative vote for salary and bonus increases for employees while retirees receive no cola and active teachers have seen a 40% increase in contributions along with 5-8 additional years of service retirement. I intend to follow-up with letters to ORSC, and my elected representatives. STRS is a "premier" system for employees, but not for those of us for whom the system was created."

"Why are they getting raises? Teachers are barely getting a raise, (IF our union accepts the offer of a 0.977% increase for one year) if u can call that a raise, IF AT ALL! I know most schools are taking freezes, so WHY AREN’T THEY? We still have to pay our 14% in while they are just wasting it away?! For what?!!"