Robin Beebe's signs get the board's attention (helper: Cathy Steinhauser)

Robin Beebe's speech to STRS board

April 17, 2025

My name is Robin Beebe. Retired teacher of mainly 4th Graders, 2nd Graders, Kindergarteners, a smattering of other elementary grades, and eight summers of Migrant Education. 35 years. Fremont City Schools and Perrysburg Schools. Retired 16 years. The loss of my 3% COLA's that were supposed to be paid in accordance with the LAWS IN EFFECT at the time of my retirement is approximately $120,000 and counting.

I come before you, yet once again, to stand and deliver on behalf of Ohio's active and retired teachers. My people, my tribe.

I look forward to a day when I won't need to do this. You have no idea what it takes and how stressful it is to speak before this Board.

So that you do not need to READ MY LIPS today, I thought I would try another way to convey my pleas and messages. My inspiration is to use an approach featured in the movie, "Love Actually".

Note: From this point forward, no words are spoken. Large signs are silently held up for the Board to read. Below is what I printed on each sign. You could hear a pin drop while the signs were held up.

Sign #1 -  FIDUCIARY DUTY TO TEACHERS

Sign #2 -  REDUCE STAFF
Sign #3 -  INDEX FUNDS
Sign #4 -  SELL TAJ
Sign #5 -  PROFITABLE CAFETERIA
Sign #6 -  STOP TOWN HALLS
Sign #7 -  SELL REAL ESTATE
Sign #8 -  NO BONUSES
Sign #9 -   GOV, AG, ORSC - NO MEDDLING
Sign #10 - 30 YRS. FULL RETIREMENT
Sign #11 -  TRIM WASTE
Sign #12 - 3% COLA
Sign #13 - DO THE RIGHT THING
Sign #14 -  MERCI BEAUCOUP!