OEA Salaries from the U.S. Department of Labor

I have had several requests for the latest OEA salary listings and also some "newbie" readers haven't seen this one so.....................

OEA salaries.....Latest Dept. of Labor posting 11/2008

From John Curry, March 13, 2009

Below is a summary of the top OEA salaries as reported to the U.S. Dept. of Labor from their website. This posting was presented to the U.S. Dept. of Labor in November of 2008 and covers a time period from 9/1/2007- 8/31/2008. Just as public school educators' salaries are public domain, the salaries of the OEA associates are also public domain. I have listed all salaries at or above $50,000, there are some less than 50K but this may or may not be due to a part time position or a person who was hired during this time period or resigned during this time period or....could just be a salary lower than 50K.

John Curry

a member of CORE (Concerned Ohio Retired Educators)

If you wish to access the full report please follow this procedure:

1. Go to this page (this link opens in a new window): http://erds.dol-esa.gov/query/getOrgQry.do

2. Enter this employer number: 512-490 in the box listed as "File Number."

3. Click the "Submit" button.

Now, here's the summary. Please note the term "LRC" listed as a job description - this stands for Labor Relations Consultant....the OEA people that you probably see when they visit your school. These names/salaries can be found listed on schedules 11 & 12 of the U.S. Dept. of Labor document should you decide to click on the link above and do your own search.

I have left out the dollar signs. The first group listed are officers of the OEA and are on a separate schedule from the rest of the associates. Salaries in excess of 100K are in boldface print. These figures are from column (D) Gross Salary Disbursements (before any deductions).

Frost Brooks, Patricia---President---172,574

Leibensperger, William---Vice-President---151,451

Timlin, James---Secertary-Treasurer---151,382

Allen, Gary---Former President---97,502

Allison, Mark---CIS Consultant---118,901

Arrigi, Geraldine---Admin. Secretary II---58,821

Austin,Jolynn---Staff Consultant I---59,215

Avouris, John---LRC---91,314

Babcock, Susan---AED Strategic/Workforce---136,209

Heitzman, Lynn---LRC---54,663

Gee, Karen---LRC---54,574

Barbu, Alex---CIS Technician---55,732

Bartlo, Lynn---Admin Secretary II---58,887

Bayou, Ann---LRC---118,668

Bell, Marla---LRC---118,690

Bibler, Timothy---LRC---118,634

Biddle, Susan---LRC---118,536

Bird, Rodney---LRC---121,805

Blanden, Lee---LRC---107,062

Boerger, Katherine---LRC---72,695

Botz, Gail---Communications Tech.---61,654

Bozovich, George---LRC---124,050

Brooks, Lisa---Ex. Assistant-Counsel---66,286

Busby, Robin---LRC---118,369

Carlisle, Gary---LRC---118,917

Chandler, Elizabeth---LRC---119,904

Chanfrau, Graciela---Dir. Human Resources---85,826

Chavez, Peggy---LRC---124,235

Chute, Danielle---Staff Accountant II---60,790

Clark, Melissa---Lobbyist---86,002

Clar, Airica---LRC---86,213

Cline, Cathy---Admin. Secy. II---60,615

Clum, Darren---CIS Consultant---118,692

Cohagen, Joseph---Dir. Accounting---116,872

Colbeck, Tad---LRC---72,586

Coyler, Shelley---Admin. Secy. II---61,189

Cooper, Jeanette---Dir. Region 4---113,458

Cooper, Shawn---LRC---109,938

Constantino, Mark---LRC---106,966

Crawford, Douglas---LRC---118,621

Crumrine, Margaret---Admin. Secy. II---58,691

Dalton, Donald---LRC---118,580

Davis, Demetrice---Education Reform Cons.---101,237

Davis, Elaine---Admin. Secy. II---60,084

Davis, Robert---Lobbyist---106,625

Davis, Vicky---LRC---118,525

Dotson. Matthew---Lobbyist---114,386

Doubledee, Arlene---Admin. Asst.---55,048

Eichelberger, Donna---Admin. Secy. II---58,123

Elias, Dawn---Ex. Asst. Human Resources---77,814

Elling, Betty---LRC---96,394

Facchiano, Joyce---Admin. Secy. II---60,363

Fekete, Fritz---Dir. I/S & Research---140,258

Field, Ann---LRC---120,498

Fiely, Linda---Dir. Legal Services---111,075

Flanagan, Kevin---Dir. Region 3---137,692

Flora, Randall---Dir. EI&I---123,764

Fulton, Karen---Dir. EI&I---54,220

Gallagher, Kathleen---Admin. Asst.---68,625

Garlits, Lenna---Admin. Secy II---58,968

Gascon, Gregg---Research Cons.---121,534

Grafton, John---LRC---106,981

Graham, Stuart---CIS Consultant---121,518

Harris, Russell---Ed. Research Cons.---118,658

Hart, Jonathan---CIS Consultant---105,003

Helvey, Edward---LRC---101,457

Holub, Donald---Research Consultant---105,482

Hornacek, Anthony---CIS Consultant---86,782

Howell, Lynette---LRC---118,857

Hutchins, Talmadge---LRC---118,715

Jackson, Schalet---LRC---76,904

Jewell, Paul---Research Consultant---118,658

Johanson, Barbara---Admin. Secy. II---59,112

Johnson, Charles---LRC---118,633

Johnson, Rachelle---Counsel---111,171

Jones, Esther---Admin. Secy.II---59,040

Jones, Jan---LRC---118,658

Joseph, Bonnie---Political Consultant---139,822

Jowhar, Thomas---LRC---118,671

Kaliszak, Teresa---Membership Accounting---70,011

Kappes, John---Tech. Operator---74,868

Kaszar, Suzanne---Communications Cons---118,064

Keller, Rosemarie---Manager Legal Services---90,995

Kelm, Linda---Admin. Secy. II---63,488

Kestner, Jeffrey---LRC---131,935

Kidwell, Sally---Staff Accountant II---69,957

Kirdwood, Amber---LRC---96,485

Kovach, Gary---LRC---93,826

Kubiske, Annette---LRC---118,595

Lane, Kimberly---LRC---120,191

Leidy, Chloann---LRC---112,771

Lester, Donna---Admin. Secy. II---59,252

Linder, Mark---LRC---110,354

Lindsey, Linda---LRC---119,438

Lobert-Edmo, Lavonne---:RC---109,355

Mahoney, Mike---Dir. Communication---117,098

Marchese, Victor---LRC---112,885

Marcum, Connie---Admin. Secy. II---58,986

Martin, Beverly---Admin. Asst.---53,208

Martin, James---AED Business Services---148,249

Matkowski, Robert---LRC---121,120

Matusick, Michael---LRC---53,672

May, Linda---LRC---118,658

Maynard, Debbie---LRC---81,809

Mceachern, Michael---LRC---102,680

McMurray, Bonnie---LRC---120,157

Messer, Darlene---LRC---101,614

Messer, Donald---LRC---119,224

Miller, Diane---LRC---118,631

Miller, Tim---LRC---118,642

Miller, Vickie---LRC---101,900

Mills, Linda---Accountant Asst.---52,902

Mueller, Daniel---LRC---72,548

Munoz-Nedrow, Cristina---LRC---97,929

Murdock, Patricia-Director Region 1---126,006

Musilli, Henry---LRC---118,617

Navin, Lori---Admin. Secy. II---59,121

Nelson, Alfred---LRC---111,526

Nelson, Judy---Admin. Secy. II---64,674

Newhall, Julie---Editor---119,324

Nolasco, Jeffrey---LRC---106,810

Norris, Parry---Director Region 2---123,068

Obrien, Sharon---Admin. Secy. II---59,206

Oconnell-Burt, Kathleen---LRC---101,735

Odonell, Tina---Ex. Assistant---81,582

Otten, William---LRC---118,540

Patrick, Maureen---Prod. Consultant---159,087

Pearson, William---LRC---127,356

Peltola, Dennis---LRC---121,881

Peterson, Cynthia---Education Reform Cons.---125,441

Phillips, Crystalle---Admin. Secy. II---59,558

Picker, Barbara---Admin. Secy. II---58,681

Pipe, Herman---LRC---101,517

Prater, Michelle---Communications Cons.---107,679

Puterbaugh, Debra---Admin. Secy. II---58,393

Quesada, Dinica---Education Reform Cons.---88,836

Radel, Sam---LRC---81,994

Rapp, Ron---Director Governmental Svc.---73,384

Ray, Patricia---LRC---72,305

Reardon, Dennis---Executive Director---176,317

Reed, Phyllis---Admin. Secy. II---59,420

Reimund, Marci---LRC---118,681

Renaud, Thomas---LRC---118,670

Rivera, Daniel---AED Member Services---133,466

Roberts, Debra---Admin. Asst.---59,254

Rosa, Miriam---Admin. Secy. II---59,703

Rumsey, Lora---LRC---91,369

Saad, Sheila---LRC---127,606

Shoulders, Venita---LRC---135,677

Simonini, Laura---Admin. Asst.---66,634

Slaughter Rebecca---Mgr. Governance Relations---96,687

Smith, Peggy---Admin. Secy. II---58,717

Smolik, Carrie---LRC---118,665

Soto, Charlene---Reprograhics Tech.---53,847

Squires, Jerry---LRC---119,424

Starcher, Connie---Admin. Secy. II---60,424

Stephenson, Edward---LRC---118,653

Stewart, Joyce---Admin. Secy. II---54,648

Suchy, Mary---Dir. of Membership---135,321

Terman, Melodie---LRC---107,278

Thomas, Anne---LRC---68,629

Thompson, Angela---Admin. Secy. II---59,895

Tieman, Diane---LRC---123,962

Trapp, Helen---LRC---101,428

Tufaro, Dolores---LRC---80,960

Turner, Patricia---Research Cons.---118,750

Urban, Eric---LRC---98,610

Villamagna, Rebecca---LRC---118,624

Volz-Costell, Jerrilyn---Mgr. Admin. Svcs.---82,567

Walters, Saundra---Admin. Secy. II---58,815

Watson, Diana---LRC---77,486

Webster, Michelle---Staff Accountant II---79,438

Weldon, Cecelia---LRC---120,466

White, Cathy---LRC---117,624

Whitney, Theresa---LRC---76,220

Williams, Don---LRC---118,742

Williams, Kent---LRC---52,729

Wilson, Jada---Admin. Asst.---59,352

Wing, Debra---LRC---103,862

Winters, Deborah---Data Entry Tech.---50,505

Wittemire, Leroy---Ex. Asst. Business Svc.---83,431

Yevincy, Amy---LRC---61,118

Yoder, James---Director Region 5---166,254

Young, Alice---Admin. Secy. II---59,655

Young, Norman---LRC---127,705

Rich DeColibus to Mark Meuser: The horse may be gone from the barn, but let's make sure the barn doesn't burn down, too

From Rich DeColibus, April 20, 2009
[Sent to the STRS Board after it was refused by Mark Meuser's mailbox]

Dear Mr. Meuser,

First of all, thank you for the courtesy of a reply. I appreciate your taking the time to respond. I would like to address some of your points and do so with the understanding we're dancing in the gray area of opinion, not the arena of certainty.

Nobody believes it's our Investment Counselors' responsibility that the market tanked big time. We'll attribute that to the Wall Street wizards and banks and rating agencies who collectively created monsters they didn't know how to tame. What is more at issue is simply this: our Investment Counselors did better than the market average, but how much better? Yes, the 0.35 basis points mean something. What is true is STRS trumpets this number as if it majestically huge, while detractors pooh-pooh it as so insignificant it is meaningless. Given our asset amount, it does amount to $215 million, a number large by itself but, when push comes to shove, is about one-third of a percent of our assets. It is, in short, large in isolation and tiny in comparison. To be brutally honest, STRS has fared very poorly in investment competence compared to other Ohio retirement systems, something which certainly undermines the contention having our Investment Counselors "in house" has substantially improved our investment strategy. In the end, the assertions made must be backed up by the facts. To not change direction when the facts no longer sustain a given point of view is intellectually dishonest. "Faith" this is the correct investment strategy belongs to religion and ideology, not finance.

If the truth be known, when the market goes up, STRS's assets will go up in value, and when the market goes down, we will lose assets. The question is can we do better than average no matter how we manage the assets. I have no problem with managing our assets in house as we do, although it would certainly eliminate a lot of controversy if we just used index funds. It would be utterly foolish to use outside investment firms, no argument about that. While you accept the $215 million better-than-the-average as proof positive our Investment Counselors more than earned their salaries and bonuses, I'm not there yet.

The reason is simple: a one-third of a percent better than market index is well within the range of random luck. The market routinely goes up and down several percentage points per day; over the course of a year, a one-third percentage point above market index for a whole year is so trivial compared to a year's worth of gains and losses, it's hard for me to believe it really means anything beyond randomness. Do not take my word for it, check with probability theory. Indeed, with your math background, no further explanation is necessary.

I do take issue with the size of the Investment Counselors' salaries. The explanation is 25% of industry standard, but that way of thinking has been forever shredded after September 2008. Wall Street mentality now resembles the Polish cavalry charging the German panzers in 1939, and STRS looks extraordinarily foolish beating that drum over and over. However, I also am not in favor of reducing them much because it breeds too much resentment. Better to adjust salary amounts with new hires. Your Investment Counselors aren't going to leave except under extreme conditions because they have too much invested in their pensions in OPERS. By the way, you need to move them over to STRS's system; it's nuts having them investing for one pension system and contributing to another; whatever aggravation is necessary to move them is worth it.

With your permission (which I take for granted), may I quote you?

"My view is that the real bottom line is not how much money we spend on incentives. The real bottom line is the monetary value that our investors add to the system. No one relishes paying high salaries, but outperforming the benchmark by directly investing in the stock market requires specialized expertise. That expertise can be expensive."

Here we will disagree. There is no question the size of the bonuses is absolutely trivial compared to STRS's overall asset value, but that's not the point. I firmly believe there should be no bonuses; again, it's a Wall Street thing. They expect them only because they've been convinced they deserve them. The whole plan logic is flawed for the simple reason you do not reward people to take risks with other people's money so they can get higher bonuses. You virtually ensure risk-taking entirely out of proportion to STRS's single-most important responsibility, namely preservation of capital. Not only that, but it creates a huge hostility between the retired membership and the Board; my best guess is the retired membership is against any bonuses by a 5:1 ratio, at least when STRS is losing money. You don't have to take my word for it, poll the members. I understand the conflict between what you know the membership wants and what you believe to be in the best long-term interests of everyone, but keep in mind the old union saying, "None of us is as smart as all of us."

From a retiree standpoint, here's what bothers me the most: the attitude our Investment Counselors are an untouchable sacred elite. They may be collectively very good, or not, but from where I sit the evidence either way is pretty scarce, and if you compare how well STRS's investments have done compared to the other Ohio retirement systems, it's pretty clear the contention our ICs are special is not sustained by the facts. I understand the Board feels it is under siege because of the losses and the bonuses, but the solution is for management to actually manage, not automatically take the side of the Investment Counselors and the Board to automatically back management. Let me posit a few questions; they're not questions you need to answer, they are explanations why the retired membership is so unhappy.

1. We lost $32 billion. Was that entire amount simply bad luck because the market went down? The current Board stance is, "Yep, every cent of that loss was simply bad luck." That is, I think you understand, not an attitude which inspires much confidence in management, the ICs, or the Board.

2. How many Investment Counselors who were eligible for a performance bonus didn't get one? We have what, 83 ICs? Losing $32 billion and then awarding performance bonuses to virtually everyone who is eligible for one is shouting to the heavens, "Our standards are the world's biggest joke."

3. I assume our ICs are evaluated. How many of our ICs got excellent evaluations and how many got poor evaluations? Except, how can you give a poor evaluation to an IC if you also awarded him a performance bonus. Answer: You can't. The system is so flawed and twisted, the way the PBI program is structured makes real evaluations close to impossible.

4. The market went down, we lost $32 billion, but that was because we were way too heavily into stocks instead of bonds and other less risky investments. Hindsight is real good like that. Why were we heavily into stocks? Because they have the highest return (when they go up), thus ensuring better bonuses. Again, you are encouraging risk taking with other people's (like mine) money. Had the ICs socked away some proportion in T-Bills or whatever, our losses would have been less. The more they socked away, the less would have been our losses. They socked away virtually nothing. That is a fact. Yet, they all (or almost all) still received performance bonuses for superior performance. Not many individuals will agree that was "superior performance." Or, is it the Board's fault when they did asset allocation?

We lost much more than we should have. Can't do anything about it now, tomorrow's another day. But, the horse may be gone from the barn, let's at least make sure the barn doesn't burn down also.

Rich DeColibus

Rich DeColibus is a retired member of STRS and past president (for 16 years) of the Cleveland Teachers Union.

Base salary increases for STRS investment staff 2008-2009

Click images to enlarge

OEA pay...is the cart before the horse?

From John Curry, March 27, 2009

Mr. Mahoney,

As a "spokesperson" for the Ohio Educaton Association, maybe you can "speak" to the thousands of OEA affiliated educators in this state and tell them why the median salary of an OEA administrative secretary is almost $3,000 more than the average salary of an Ohio teacher who is now required to hold a Masters Degree to teach in Ohio's schools. I will be awaiting your answer.

The link to this salary information is: http://dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/11/29/unionyes.ART_ART_11-29-08_A1_5PC2RH8.html?sid=101

John Curry
A former 30 year OEA dues-paying member now, a retired educator

Click image to enlarge.

OEA salaries.....Latest Dept. of Labor posting 11/2008

From John Curry, March 13, 2009

Below is a summary of the top OEA salaries as reported to the U.S. Dept. of Labor from their website. This posting was presented to the U.S. Dept. of Labor in November of 2008 and covers a time period from 9/1/2007- 8/31/2008. Just as public school educators' salaries are public domain, the salaries of the OEA associates are also public domain. I have listed all salaries at or above $50,000, there are some less than 50K but this may or may not be due to a part time position or a person who was hired during this time period or resigned during this time period or....could just be a salary lower than 50K.

John Curry

a member of CORE (Concerned Ohio Retired Educators)

If you wish to access the full report please follow this procedure:

1. Go to this page (this link opens in a new window): http://erds.dol-esa.gov/query/getOrgQry.do

2. Enter this employer number: 512-490 in the box listed as "File Number."

3. Click the "Submit" button.

Now, here's the summary. Please note the term "LRC" listed as a job description - this stands for Labor Relations Consultant....the OEA people that you probably see when they visit your school. These names/salaries can be found listed on schedules 11 & 12 of the U.S. Dept. of Labor document should you decide to click on the link above and do your own search.

I have left out the dollar signs. The first group listed are officers of the OEA and are on a separate schedule from the rest of the associates. Salaries in excess of 100K are in boldface print. These figures are from column (D) Gross Salary Disbursements (before any deductions).

Frost Brooks, Patricia---President---172,574

Leibensperger, William---Vice-President---151,451

Timlin, James---Secertary-Treasurer---151,382

Allen, Gary---Former President---97,502

Allison, Mark---CIS Consultant---118,901

Arrigi, Geraldine---Admin. Secretary II---58,821

Austin,Jolynn---Staff Consultant I---59,215

Avouris, John---LRC---91,314

Babcock, Susan---AED Strategic/Workforce---136,209

Heitzman, Lynn---LRC---54,663

Gee, Karen---LRC---54,574

Barbu, Alex---CIS Technician---55,732

Bartlo, Lynn---Admin Secretary II---58,887

Bayou, Ann---LRC---118,668

Bell, Marla---LRC---118,690

Bibler, Timothy---LRC---118,634

Biddle, Susan---LRC---118,536

Bird, Rodney---LRC---121,805

Blanden, Lee---LRC---107,062

Boerger, Katherine---LRC---72,695

Botz, Gail---Communications Tech.---61,654

Bozovich, George---LRC---124,050

Brooks, Lisa---Ex. Assistant-Counsel---66,286

Busby, Robin---LRC---118,369

Carlisle, Gary---LRC---118,917

Chandler, Elizabeth---LRC---119,904

Chanfrau, Graciela---Dir. Human Resources---85,826

Chavez, Peggy---LRC---124,235

Chute, Danielle---Staff Accountant II---60,790

Clark, Melissa---Lobbyist---86,002

Clar, Airica---LRC---86,213

Cline, Cathy---Admin. Secy. II---60,615

Clum, Darren---CIS Consultant---118,692

Cohagen, Joseph---Dir. Accounting---116,872

Colbeck, Tad---LRC---72,586

Coyler, Shelley---Admin. Secy. II---61,189

Cooper, Jeanette---Dir. Region 4---113,458

Cooper, Shawn---LRC---109,938

Constantino, Mark---LRC---106,966

Crawford, Douglas---LRC---118,621

Crumrine, Margaret---Admin. Secy. II---58,691

Dalton, Donald---LRC---118,580

Davis, Demetrice---Education Reform Cons.---101,237

Davis, Elaine---Admin. Secy. II---60,084

Davis, Robert---Lobbyist---106,625

Davis, Vicky---LRC---118,525

Dotson. Matthew---Lobbyist---114,386

Doubledee, Arlene---Admin. Asst.---55,048

Eichelberger, Donna---Admin. Secy. II---58,123

Elias, Dawn---Ex. Asst. Human Resources---77,814

Elling, Betty---LRC---96,394

Facchiano, Joyce---Admin. Secy. II---60,363

Fekete, Fritz---Dir. I/S & Research---140,258

Field, Ann---LRC---120,498

Fiely, Linda---Dir. Legal Services---111,075

Flanagan, Kevin---Dir. Region 3---137,692

Flora, Randall---Dir. EI&I---123,764

Fulton, Karen---Dir. EI&I---54,220

Gallagher, Kathleen---Admin. Asst.---68,625

Garlits, Lenna---Admin. Secy II---58,968

Gascon, Gregg---Research Cons.---121,534

Grafton, John---LRC---106,981

Graham, Stuart---CIS Consultant---121,518

Harris, Russell---Ed. Research Cons.---118,658

Hart, Jonathan---CIS Consultant---105,003

Helvey, Edward---LRC---101,457

Holub, Donald---Research Consultant---105,482

Hornacek, Anthony---CIS Consultant---86,782

Howell, Lynette---LRC---118,857

Hutchins, Talmadge---LRC---118,715

Jackson, Schalet---LRC---76,904

Jewell, Paul---Research Consultant---118,658

Johanson, Barbara---Admin. Secy. II---59,112

Johnson, Charles---LRC---118,633

Johnson, Rachelle---Counsel---111,171

Jones, Esther---Admin. Secy.II---59,040

Jones, Jan---LRC---118,658

Joseph, Bonnie---Political Consultant---139,822

Jowhar, Thomas---LRC---118,671

Kaliszak, Teresa---Membership Accounting---70,011

Kappes, John---Tech. Operator---74,868

Kaszar, Suzanne---Communications Cons---118,064

Keller, Rosemarie---Manager Legal Services---90,995

Kelm, Linda---Admin. Secy. II---63,488

Kestner, Jeffrey---LRC---131,935

Kidwell, Sally---Staff Accountant II---69,957

Kirdwood, Amber---LRC---96,485

Kovach, Gary---LRC---93,826

Kubiske, Annette---LRC---118,595

Lane, Kimberly---LRC---120,191

Leidy, Chloann---LRC---112,771

Lester, Donna---Admin. Secy. II---59,252

Linder, Mark---LRC---110,354

Lindsey, Linda---LRC---119,438

Lobert-Edmo, Lavonne---:RC---109,355

Mahoney, Mike---Dir. Communication---117,098

Marchese, Victor---LRC---112,885

Marcum, Connie---Admin. Secy. II---58,986

Martin, Beverly---Admin. Asst.---53,208

Martin, James---AED Business Services---148,249

Matkowski, Robert---LRC---121,120

Matusick, Michael---LRC---53,672

May, Linda---LRC---118,658

Maynard, Debbie---LRC---81,809

Mceachern, Michael---LRC---102,680

McMurray, Bonnie---LRC---120,157

Messer, Darlene---LRC---101,614

Messer, Donald---LRC---119,224

Miller, Diane---LRC---118,631

Miller, Tim---LRC---118,642

Miller, Vickie---LRC---101,900

Mills, Linda---Accountant Asst.---52,902

Mueller, Daniel---LRC---72,548

Munoz-Nedrow, Cristina---LRC---97,929

Murdock, Patricia-Director Region 1---126,006

Musilli, Henry---LRC---118,617

Navin, Lori---Admin. Secy. II---59,121

Nelson, Alfred---LRC---111,526

Nelson, Judy---Admin. Secy. II---64,674

Newhall, Julie---Editor---119,324

Nolasco, Jeffrey---LRC---106,810

Norris, Parry---Director Region 2---123,068

Obrien, Sharon---Admin. Secy. II---59,206

Oconnell-Burt, Kathleen---LRC---101,735

Odonell, Tina---Ex. Assistant---81,582

Otten, William---LRC---118,540

Patrick, Maureen---Prod. Consultant---159,087

Pearson, William---LRC---127,356

Peltola, Dennis---LRC---121,881

Peterson, Cynthia---Education Reform Cons.---125,441

Phillips, Crystalle---Admin. Secy. II---59,558

Picker, Barbara---Admin. Secy. II---58,681

Pipe, Herman---LRC---101,517

Prater, Michelle---Communications Cons.---107,679

Puterbaugh, Debra---Admin. Secy. II---58,393

Quesada, Dinica---Education Reform Cons.---88,836

Radel, Sam---LRC---81,994

Rapp, Ron---Director Governmental Svc.---73,384

Ray, Patricia---LRC---72,305

Reardon, Dennis---Executive Director---176,317

Reed, Phyllis---Admin. Secy. II---59,420

Reimund, Marci---LRC---118,681

Renaud, Thomas---LRC---118,670

Rivera, Daniel---AED Member Services---133,466

Roberts, Debra---Admin. Asst.---59,254

Rosa, Miriam---Admin. Secy. II---59,703

Rumsey, Lora---LRC---91,369

Saad, Sheila---LRC---127,606

Shoulders, Venita---LRC---135,677

Simonini, Laura---Admin. Asst.---66,634

Slaughter Rebecca---Mgr. Governance Relations---96,687

Smith, Peggy---Admin. Secy. II---58,717

Smolik, Carrie---LRC---118,665

Soto, Charlene---Reprograhics Tech.---53,847

Squires, Jerry---LRC---119,424

Starcher, Connie---Admin. Secy. II---60,424

Stephenson, Edward---LRC---118,653

Stewart, Joyce---Admin. Secy. II---54,648

Suchy, Mary---Dir. of Membership---135,321

Terman, Melodie---LRC---107,278

Thomas, Anne---LRC---68,629

Thompson, Angela---Admin. Secy. II---59,895

Tieman, Diane---LRC---123,962

Trapp, Helen---LRC---101,428

Tufaro, Dolores---LRC---80,960

Turner, Patricia---Research Cons.---118,750

Urban, Eric---LRC---98,610

Villamagna, Rebecca---LRC---118,624

Volz-Costell, Jerrilyn---Mgr. Admin. Svcs.---82,567

Walters, Saundra---Admin. Secy. II---58,815

Watson, Diana---LRC---77,486

Webster, Michelle---Staff Accountant II---79,438

Weldon, Cecelia---LRC---120,466

White, Cathy---LRC---117,624

Whitney, Theresa---LRC---76,220

Williams, Don---LRC---118,742

Williams, Kent---LRC---52,729

Wilson, Jada---Admin. Asst.---59,352

Wing, Debra---LRC---103,862

Winters, Deborah---Data Entry Tech.---50,505

Wittemire, Leroy---Ex. Asst. Business Svc.---83,431

Yevincy, Amy---LRC---61,118

Yoder, James---Director Region 5---166,254

Young, Alice---Admin. Secy. II---59,655

Young, Norman---LRC---127,705
[Gov. Ted Strickland: $144,831]

STRS INVESTMENT ASSOCIATES RECEIVE OUTRAGEOUS BASE SALARY INCREASES IN 2009 DESPITE PENSION FUND LOSING OVER 30 BILLION DOLLARS.

From Jim Stoll, March 7, 2009

Please see the chart below which reflects BASE Salary increases for almost all STRS investment Staff associates from 2008 - 2009. In some cases the Base salary of associates was increased by as much as 14.6% or a total of $39,500. (Yes, that was the person's RAISE from one year to another.) In this particular case which occurred twice - two Asst. Dir. of Investments both received RAISES of $39,500 despite having made a salary of $270,000 in the previous year. They now make $309,500 PER YEAR and the investments which they are overseeing have lost over 30 Billion in Value.

Having shared this information with hundreds of teachers throughout the State I have yet to find one who isn't appalled by the arrogance and entitlement of the folks setting and approving these salary increases. ACTIVE TEACHERS need to know that 10% of each and every paycheck of their hard earned dollars go to pay these outrageous increases. Is there a School "Board" anywhere in Ohio that would approve an increase of 14.6% for their employees? I think not, But your STRS Board approved these increases upon the recommendation of the Executive Director.....one can only ask what is going on up there. Even more disturbing is that 82 Investment associates received RAISES. Yes, at the February meeting the BOARD implemented a salary freeze....... with a 14.6% salary increase already "in hand" for some - it appears to me to simply be a token gesture - In my opinion there should be CUTS and it should begin at the top!!

In this chart (which has been confirmed as accurate by STRS) you will find the following astounding figures.

33 Investment assoc. received RAISES between $39,500 - $10,000
27 Investment assoc. received RAISES between $9999 - $5000
31 Investment assoc. received RAISES between $4999 - $0

[For technical reasons, the chart which should be positioned here has been placed in a separate post immediately below this one. Click each part to enlarge. KBB]

Exec. Dir. Mike Nehf and apparently the Board (who approved these increases at Mr. Nehf's recommendation) want to pay these associates so their pay is in the 25th percentile of the private sector...(Even though we are a Public Entity) ...My response would be that If someone was paid a premium in the private sector and the end result of their performance was that the company lost 30 Billion dollars - "WOULD THEY STILL HAVE A JOB" ? I'd think not..... SOMETHING HAS TO CHANGE AT STRS.

James A. Stoll
Candidate for the STRS Board
Sycamore Community Schools
7400 Cornell Rd.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
stollj@sycamoreschools.org

Thank you, Jim Stoll, for turning over some MORE rocks at our beloved pension system!

"In my opinion, to give any employee a “RAISE” of approximately 15% which calculates to an salary increase of $39,500 for at least two of these associates, when our NET ASSETS have declined by almost 30 BILLION in the last 18 months is in no way a prudent expenditure of our funds."

From Jim Stoll, February 17, 2009
Subject: 2009 STRS INVESTMENT ASSOCIATE Salary Increases
Dear Kathie,

As an “Active” Teacher who is certified to be on the STRS Retirement Board Election Ballot in April, I wanted to share some more information with you and all STRS members. While the STRS Board voted to suspend the outrageous PBI bonus plan, something even more disturbing may have occurred. It seems to me if one looks at the 2009 Salary Increases of the 83 “Investment Associates” that the Executive Director and I assume the Board if they have already approved the 2009 Salary increases may be trying to make up for the bonuses by giving them huge increases in salary.

In my opinion, to give any employee a “RAISE” of approximately 15% which calculates to an salary increase of $39,500 for at least two of these associates, when our NET ASSETS have declined by almost 30 BILLION in the last 18 months is in no way a prudent expenditure of our funds.

For your reference please note these two examples: (Both of which were confirmed by the STRS Office)

Did You know that the Two STRS Asst. Dir. Investments both received a SALARY INCREASE of $39,500 this year.
[Click image to enlarge]

Unfortunately for STRS members paying into the system there are 81 other investment associate examples, similar to the above, which have yet to be listed here. I’m working on a spreadsheet to share all the information with you.

I really don’t know how STRS can justify these salaries and increases at a in economic times like these.

Respectfully Submitted,
James A. Stoll

Jim Stoll is a teacher and coach in the Sycamore school district in Cincinnati. He is currently a candidate for the soon-to-be-vacant active seat position on the STRS Board.

An oldie but goodie (1998)

Top OEA staff pay outpaces teachers' 9-to-1

http://www.buckeyeinstitute.org/article/525
The Buckeye Institute

Posted October 1, 1998

Compensation for top Ohio Education Association (OEA) union leaders grew more than 9 times faster than the average Ohio teacher's pay between 1996 and 1997, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Labor.

With 117,423 members, [1] the OEA is Ohio's largest public employee labor union, representing teachers, librarians, bus drivers, custodians, secretaries, and food service workers. The OEA had 240 full-time employees in 1997. [2]

Staff compensation grows

While the average teacher's salary and benefits grew 2.6 percent to $49,354, [3] the top 25 OEA staff members [4] increased their cash compensation and benefits by 23.5 percent to $131,822. The average OEA staff member's cash compensation and benefits grew 7.8 percent to $91,670 in the same period. [5,6]

Additionally, the number of OEA staff members receiving over $100,000 in cash compensation and benefits grew from 9 to 28 between 1996 and 1997. [7]

Salaries of OEA professional staff (which excludes support staff, such as secretaries) grew 6.1 percent per year on average from 1993 through 1995, from $66,046 to $74,403. [8]

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More union dues go to staff

While Ohio teachers and other members of the OEA paid $27,416,231 in union dues in 1997, the percentage going toward cash compensation and benefits for OEA staff grew from 76.5 percent in 1996 to 81.5 percent in 1997. In 1997, $22,330,760 went to OEA staff salaries, expenses, and benefits, up 9.9 percent from the previous year. [9]

Notes

[1] Education Intelligence Agency, Piles of Wealth: Teacher Union Staff Compensation (Carmichael, California, June 1998), p. 17, citing Report Form LM-2, "Labor Organization Annual Report," U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1997).

[2] Ibid, and Education Intelligence Agency, Teacher Union Staff Compensation (Carmichael, California, June 1997), p. 17, citing Report Form LM-2, "Labor Organization Annual Report," U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1996).

[3] Based on salaries reported by the National Education Association, 1997 (http://www.nea.org).

[4] Education Intelligence Agency (June 1998), p. 17. During 1997, the highest paid (in gross salaries and expenses) OEA staff members, lobbyists, and labor negotiators/political organizers ("UniServ consultants") were:

1. Michael Billirakis president $166,733

2. William P. Sundermeyer executive director $164,347

3. William Dorsey secretary-treasurer $148,208

4. Gary Allen vice president $145,988

5. Benjamin Gerber UniServ consultant $145,112

6. Edward Spiezio UniServ consultant $144,309

7. Dennis Coughlan UniServ consultant $140,990

8. William Canacci UniServ consultant $140,537

9. James Romick UniServ consultant $140,241

10. Alan Adair, Jr. UniServ consultant $137,906

11. Dorothy Fay UniServ consultant $137,590

12. Thomas Scarpelli UniServ consultant $137,256

13. Charles Williams UniServ consultant $134,095

14. Mary Jo Shannon Slick UniServ consultant $132,971

15. Michael Shanesy UniServ consultant $131,912

16. Donald Looker UniServ consultant $125,058

17. Richard Bourgault executive director $120,608

18. Barry Bartelt computer services consultant $119,907

19. Richard Baker magazine editor $119,082

20. Jerome T. Rampelt director $116,272

21. Christopher Turner director $115,647

22. Daniel Burke computer services consultant $113,305

23. Jane Currey UniServ consultant $107,973

24. Dennis M. Reardon executive manager $104,786

25. Ellen Currie director $104,705

[5] Ibid.

[6] Cash compensation includes salary and expenses and excludes benefits. Staff benefits include group health and life insurance, a pension, postretirement health care, and other unspecified benefits.

[7] Ibid. The increase in employees earning more than $100,000 is due to a significant increase in salaries for UniServ consultants from 1996 to 1997. The OEA?s UniServ consultants, who have their own collective bargaining agreement with the OEA, went on strike against the union, charging unfair labor practices. The settlement of the strike resulted in higher UniServ salaries and benefits.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Ibid.

Columbus Dispatch re OEA staff wages: The OEA pays 102 employees six-figure salaries; five get more than governor

http://dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/11/29/unionyes.ART_ART_11-29-08_A1_5PC2RH8.html?sid=101
OEA staff wages

Teachers union's pay a surprise to many

Saturday, November 29, 2008

By Bill Bush
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
The average salary for Ohio teachers dropped last year for the first time in at least seven years, but that's not the case for most employees of the state's largest teachers union.

Counting everyone from receptionists up to the executive director, the median salary for the 234-person staff of the Columbus-based Ohio Education Association is nearly $82,000.

The OEA pays 102 employees six-figure salaries, including 34 who made more than $120,000 for the fiscal year that ended in August.

The highest paid employee is Executive Director Dennis Reardon, who was paid $176,317, according to the union's annual report on file with the U.S. Department of Labor.

OEA President Patricia Frost-Brooks was paid $172,574, and the union's vice president and treasurer each were paid about $151,400.

"My gut feeling is that the average school teacher in our district has no idea what the average (union representative) is making," said Kevin Fourman, past president of the Bucyrus Education Association.

In all, three-fourths of the OEA staff make more than the $53,410 the average Ohio teacher was paid last school year, and almost one-third made more than the $113,890 average salary of the state's superintendents.

The OEA's officers and employees also were reimbursed a total of more than $2 million for business expenses, which the annual report doesn't detail. Almost half the staff were reimbursed more than $10,600 each, with the top reimbursement of $40,463 going to Vice President William Leibensperger.

The union says these reimbursements cover expenses including travel and supplies.

Spokesman Mike Mahoney said the salaries are appropriate for a staff that provides lobbying, research, education-improvement initiatives, legal services and communications comparable to other similar-size affiliates of the National Educational Association.

In response to the teachers' pay falling last year, the OEA froze the salaries of five top officials, Mahoney said.

Members pay $477 in annual dues to the union, which represents 130,000 people statewide, including Columbus public teachers.

"It's a very democratically run organization," Mahoney said. "We don't keep (the salaries) a secret."

But the leaders of some OEA locals contacted across the state said they had no idea that state union officials were paid so much.

"I am a little shocked," said Lima Education Association President Lori Ruschau-Will, whose local signed a new contract last year that included no pay raises.

"I was not aware that they made that much money.

"I think the classroom teachers have a problem with any management person making six figures. That's because they're not in the trenches dealing with the students day to day. Education is supposed to be about the students."

New teachers in Bucyrus are paid about $28,300 a year, and the top salary is a little more than $57,800, said Fourman, of the Bucyrus Education Association.

He said the state union officials' salaries would "raise an eyebrow" among teachers.

"I certainly think that somewhere out there, there would be an educator who would be surprised or resentful that (OEA officials are) making a lot more than the teachers in the classrooms," Fourman said.

The state's second-largest teachers union, the 16,250-member Ohio Federation of Teachers, paid President Susan Taylor $22,733 for the fiscal year that ended in June.

At the same time, the union reimbursed Cincinnati Public Schools, where Taylor is on leave from her teaching job, $100,700 for her salary and benefits.

The benefits account for about one-third of the reimbursement, Taylor estimated.

None of the federation's employees is paid more than $100,000.

The OEA does not report individual employees' benefits.

bbush@dispatch.com
Click image to enlarge