Cathy Steinhauser to STRS board and staff: I still haven’t found any information whatsoever about a pension fiduciary also obligated to being a fiduciary to the staff…most likely because it doesn’t exist due to it being a lie…certain people in this room should not speak of things they know not of. Intimidating board members through lies is disgusting.

Cathy Steinhauser's speech to STRS board

September 20, 2024

Cathy Steinhauser – 35 yrs., satellite teacher of Family & Consumer Sciences through Pickaway/Ross CTC for Circleville City Schools.

I would like to take a moment to thank an STRS board member for his years of service to the teachers of Ohio.  This is your last day and we are so very grateful for what you have done for us despite the despicable treatment you received your last 11 “stolen” months this past year.  Your integrity, morals and values were questioned and you and your family were threatened.  The evil you and your family were subjected to by individuals was unconscionable.  But STRS pensioners knew better and believed in your high morals, values, integrity and dedication to your fiduciary duty.  You are the definition of and ethical example of what a true fiduciary exemplifies. Pensioners owe you a great deal and we will not forget you and your famous quote:

“STRS exists to pay teachers”

For those of you who need to hear this definition again because you ignore what is the single most important responsibility you have serving on this board: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as such…

FIDUCIARY – “A person (all of you) who act on behalf of another person or persons (which are the teachers), putting the client’s interests (which are the teacher’s interests) ahead of your own, with a duty to preserve good faith and trust.  Being a fiduciary requires being bound both LEGALLY (meaning by the law) AND ETHICALLY (using morals/values) to act in others' best interests”.

I still haven’t found any information whatsoever about a pension fiduciary also obligated to being a fiduciary to the staff…most likely because it doesn’t exist due to it being a lie…certain people in this room should not speak of things they know not of. Intimidating board members through lies is disgusting.

Also concerning PBIs, 75% of ALL PENSIONS DO NOT GIVE bonuses which proves that STRS has been lying to those in this room by claiming it is common to award bonuses…because it is not.  I have a simple hand out that a pensioner, John Curry, through a FOIA request, a posted Memo from July 1, 2022 on the PBI Program and it says “Further, the Program may be interpreted, amended, rescinded and/or terminated by the STRS Ohio Board at any time”. Let’s try real hard to remember this for next year…because if you don’t, we pensioners will remind you.