Robin Beebe: reminders to STRS board of a list of needs

Robin Beebe's speech to STRS board

August 21, 2025

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. If another 10-11 years go by with a 0% COLA, I will be denied a total of $429,000!!! Repeat, $429,000!!! LET THAT SINK IN....

          For about two years now, I have stood up and tried my best to creatively present 3 minute Public Comment Speeches to the STRS Board advocating for reform and to do the right thing for active and retired teachers, my people, my tribe. The purpose of Public Comments is to shine a light on issues and problems and bring them to the attention of the Board.

          It being the beginning of the new school year in Ohio, I brought my little school box. Let me open it and shine a light in there... (shine flashlight on each card as they are pulled out of school box)

                 Ta-dah, here is the need for a - 3% COLA!!!

                 Ta-dah, here is the need for - INDEX FUNDS

                 Ta-dah, here is the need for - NO BONUSES

                 Ta-dah, here is the need to - MAKE THE CAFETERIA PROFITABLE

                 Ta-dah, here is the need to - SELL THE TAJ

                 Ta-dah, here is the need to - REDUCE STAFF, ESPECIALLY                           

                    THE INVESTMENT STAFF

                 Ta-dah, here is the need - TO FIND YOUR LOST MORAL COMPASSES

          I could go on and on, but...my batteries are running low (flashlight off).

          Today, I stand before you, STUNNED at the despicable Midnight Machiavellian Massacre & Power Grab by the ORSC Legislators in removing our Elected Teacher Board Seats and the orchestrated, systematic replacing of them with and a majority of their appointees (which will include a monetary stipend and health benefits!)  This is stressful beyond belief. There is a real CRUELNESS as to how this was done at 1:00 a.m. by attaching it to a Budget Bill. ARE YOU KIDDING ME???  The phrase "Nothing good happens after midnight" cautions that late night activities are generally unwise or lead to negative consequences. In this case, ILLEGAL ONES!!! HOLY TOLEDO!!! WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE DO THIS????

          Now, we teachers must look at LEGAL MEASURES that can be taken to address and rectify this TRAVESTY.  We must also look to the BALLOT BOX and upcoming ELECTIONS to address and rectify this TRAVESTY.

          Finally, I am not only stunned.  I am also so very, very, very SAD..... But, right now....this is how things are.                

                                                   SHAME!!!!!!

          This is how it leaves me feeling..... (Place tape over my mouth.)

August 2025 

Public Comments to STRS Board