Robin Beebe to STRS board: I am not only puzzled and dismayed, but rather appalled and disgusted at the ORSC-STRS Subcommittee's contemplated plan to remove all the legally elected active and retired STRS Teacher Board Members to be replaced by legislatively determined appointed persons. This will TOTALLY SILENCE our TEACHER VOICES and POWER. SHAME!!!

Robin Beebe's speech to STRS board

May 15, 2025

I am puzzled and dismayed as to why the reform Board majority has not yet rescinded/nullified the 2021 Resolution ORC, Section 3307.04 which gives the power to the Executive Director to override the Board. Make a motion, second it, vote, and rescind it!!! Please!!! I beseech you!!! YOU HAVE THE POWER!!! (Ding Chime)I am puzzled and dismayed why the 3% COLA denial is always justified and explained away. The usual mantra is it will cost $20 Billion to restore the 3% COLA. I wonder if this isn't misleading and stated that way partly for shock value? I ask you, how many years is that $20 Billion cost spread over? What is the cost for just ONE year??? Am I missing something here? (Ding Chime)

I My name is Robin Beebe. Retired Master's Degree 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. Denied my full 3% COLA's. Denied approximately $120,000.00 - KISS IT GOOD-BYE!!!

First for some good news!!! An Edward Siedle Victory!!! Writ of mandamus granted requiring STRS to respond to Public Records Request. Thank you, KARMA!!!

I am puzzled and dismayed over many STRS conundrums. You know how frustrating it is when a puzzle piece just does not fit!!! Sometimes, you just never do figure it out! (Hold up giant puzzle piece.)

First off, I am puzzled and dismayed at what historically prompts a Board Member to get up and leave the room when teacher members get up to speak during Public Comments. Also, why is it that some Board Members and staff will not look at us, as we teachers "stand and deliver". (Ding Chime)

I am puzzled and dismayed why the Board is even contemplating an 8.8% raise for STRS staff employees. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Surely, you jest???? This is way out of line. You do NOT have to go there. You do NOT have to grant this. No one will leave because of no 8.8% raise. Think about it. They are not going to give up their PERS pensions! They have high paying jobs currently! They have perks! These unstable economic times are not a good climate to go job hunting. And, if some employees leave, so be it. It is an opportunity to trim excessive staff and reduce costs. It will be a "natural pruning" that very much needs to be done. (Ding Chime)

I am puzzled and dismayed with the practice of awarding PBI's, i.e., BONUSES. The Board does NOT have to award bonuses. It is NOT in the Board Policy. A mass exodus is purely speculative. I doubt it will happen.  And it is truly NOT the Board's fiduciary duty to staff, as the AG's attorney advised. There is NO SUCH THING as fiduciary duty to staff. Correct me if I am wrong? (Ding Chime)
\I am puzzled and dismayed at how we have STRS attorneys that are supposed to work for us, that are seemingly working against us. I am stunned that two of our lawyers are alleged to have helped draft the anonymous, accusatory letter of allegations against Wade and Rudy. YIKES!!! CRICKEY!!! Correct me if I am wrong. (Ding Chime)

Lastly, I am not only puzzled and dismayed, but rather appalled and disgusted at the ORSC-STRS Subcommittee's contemplated plan to remove all the legally elected active and retired STRS Teacher Board Members to be replaced by legislatively determined appointed persons. This will TOTALLY SILENCE our TEACHER VOICES and POWER.  SHAME!!! (Ding Chime)  SHAME!!! (Ding Chime)  SHAME!!! (Ding Chime)