Suzanne Laird to STRS Board 5/19/22: What will your legacy be?

From Suzanne Laird

May 19, 2022

Good Morning, Members of My Board:

We are not here to gloat. 

Yes, the recent STRS election was a clear mandate from the educators of Ohio that change is required, but we need not wait until the new Board members are installed. The three out-going members still have time to redeem themselves, starting today. OEA's stranglehold has been broken: you are no longer beholden to them.

If you want to prove to your fellow teachers that you understand the referendum they've given you, all Board members purporting to represent educators can begin by standing up today, demanding transparency on the issues we have raised, time and time again.

Appointees: we understand this is just one of your many duties, and you are obliged to follow the directives of your respective bosses, but wouldn't they want you question the unacceptable practices witnessed here?

This month, thousands of Education majors are graduating from Ohio's colleges. Why would they risk staying to teach in a state where they are not certain of a decent retirement, affordable healthcare, and a COLA after 35 years of teaching?

The very profession of teaching is in jeopardy, in Ohio. I suspect that the Governor, the Treasurer, and certainly the Superintendent of Education would willingly support appointees who seek straight answers regarding the ONLY Ohio pension system unable to pay out permanent COLAs to its' beneficiaries.

What will your legacy as a Board be? Will you be the Board that is remembered for never questioning the rising costs and hidden fees? The Board that never fought to reduce the 14% that current and prospective teachers must contribute?

The Board that rubber stamped a bloated budget allowing raises and bonuses, while retirees wait for our one time COLA?

No, we're not here to gloat. We're here to challenge you ALL to do better for the teachers and students of Ohio.

What will your legacy be?