Thursday, June 29, 6000
Tuesday, February 15, 4000
STRS Ohio Watchdogs: a public Facebook group you can join
Sunday, August 27, 3950
Have you joined the Ohio STRS Member Only Forum on Facebook?
Click image to enlarge
Monday, June 25, 3900
Monday, June 24, 3850
Wednesday, May 28, 3800
Friday, February 27, 3750
Sunday, April 11, 3700
Thursday, March 10, 3650
Friday, February 24, 3550
Monday, April 29, 3450
I know, it's weird.........
Monday, February 24, 3400
This is an abbreviated version of the original 'Handy links' post. Click here to view a more complete list. (Some of it is old.)
State legislators.......State of Ohio website
Tuesday, February 24, 3350
Dennis Leone's STRS Report to ORTA, March 2007
Tuesday, February 23, 3300
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
The Wizard of Taj?
Yes, we were ALL naïve and kept in the dark all during our active years and beyond. Anyone else see a resemblance between the Taj on Broad Street in Columbus being run by Bill Neville and the mysterious green castle in The Emerald City at the end of the Yellow Brick Road being run by a fake Wizard? Aren't we just now reaching the end of our Yellow Brick Road, with all the obstacles we've encountered along the way, only to discover massive chicanery behind the curtain by our own fake Wizard, thanks to our own Toto - our group of people who have doggedly pursued the truth and exposed The Wizard of The Taj/STRS? At least the story of Oz had a happy ending. But where are OUR ruby slippers?
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Robin Rayfield: What's wrong with STRS? Darn near everything!
From ORTA Blog
November 19, 2023
"It doesn't surprise me that something like this could happen because of the lack of oversight for decades at STRS. There has been minimal, zero essential, oversight in the years at STRS. What's really important is that STRS needs to be reformed, and Bill Neville cannot do that. It is his program, as it is currently organized, and he doesn't think there's anything wrong. We stand in direct opposition to that. We think darn near everything's wrong!."
~ Robin Rayfield, Executive Director, ORTA
Click here to watch and share Colleen Marshall's report on NBC4.
Ohio Retirement for Teachers Association
250 E Wilson Bridge Rd #150
Worthington, OH 43085
(614) 431-7002
Welcome to Michelle Flanigan's Campaign Website!
https://www.michelleflaniganforstrs.com/michelle-flanigan
Active Ohio teachers will decide in the Spring 2024 STRS Board election if they favor real reform, which has been badly needed for years, for STRS. Michelle Flanigan is a strong Reform Candidate who will let no individuals or groups stand in her way in her determination to bring reform to STRS that will benefit active teachers and retirees alike. She has the background and knowledge to bring real reform to fruition along with her research and outreach to teachers and experts on the matter. You are urged to learn more on her website. There is no one who knows better the problems teachers face because of requirements forced on them by STRS, or who will work harder to bring change at STRS that will benefit all teachers.
https://www.michelleflaniganforstrs.com/michelle-flaniganSaturday, November 18, 2023
Columbus Dispatch on Bill Neville's suspension from STRS
Columbus Dispatch
Friday, November 17, 2023
STRS director suspended after allegations of sexual harassment, verbal abuse and aggression
From ORTA's Blog
November 17, 2023
STRS director suspended after allegations of sexual harassment, verbal abuse and aggression
By Sarah Szilagy, Colleen Marshall
NBC4 Columbus
Posted: Nov 17, 2023 12:24 PM EST
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The director of Ohio’s $90 billion teacher pension fund has been suspended following allegations of sexual harassment, verbal abuse and threats of violence against staff.
The State Teachers Retirement System board voted to place Director Bill Neville on administrative leave at a Friday meeting, citing an anonymous letter from STRS staff alleging a pattern of harassment since the board appointed him in 2020. Staff also called for an investigation into Neville’s conduct, which the board indicated will occur.
On Thursday night, NBC4 obtained the anonymous letter, which was also sent to the Ohio Ethics Commission and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. The board made the move in consultation with the Attorney General’s office, Chair Dale Price said at the meeting.
The letter alleges that Neville verbally abused staff and had violent outbursts on a “regular basis,” at some points throwing furniture and office materials when he became upset. Staff also claimed Neville threatened his direct employees with physical violence.
“It does not take much to trigger an upsurge and staff truly fear for their physical and emotional safety when Director Neville behaves in this way,” the letter reads.
Lynn Hoover, deputy executive director of finance CFO of the STRS, will serve as interim director.
Neville has also made sexual comments about his previous relationships and people’s physical appearances, including female staff members, the letter claims. The letter said Neville “favors men he likes” when making decisions and is “degrading towards women.”
“Director Neville is not equipped to lead this organization and should receive whatever assistance he needs as determined by an investigation,” the letter reads. “He does not have the best interest of the members at the forefront of his decision making.”
The STRS is one of the largest teacher pension funds in the country with 500,000 active, inactive and retired public educators. Members have blamed Neville for apparent failures of the pension fund to provide for retirees, including the elimination of automatic cost of living increases while investment staff has received hefty bonuses.
Multiple STRS members told NBC4 they are relieved that Neville has been suspended, and they hope it signals a new day for the pension fund.
Neville has been at the center of controversy regarding the pension fund long before the allegations against him came to light. In February, the board rejected a motion to declare confidence in Neville, with one board member saying the fund needed a leadership change. Before that, an audit of the fund commissioned by retirees found “serious deficiencies” in STRS’s finances. A review by the state auditor last December found no evidence of illegal conduct but called on the fund to increase transparency.
Since July, the letter continued, Neville allegedly threatened to retaliate against staff whose family members testified against him in STRS board meetings. Staff members are seeking employment elsewhere due to Neville’s conduct, the letter claimed.
The staff members cited fear of physical violence should they have come forward publicly.
In May, Gov. Mike DeWine replaced a progressive board member whose election tipped the balance of the board toward those favoring reform. Weeks before, the board mulled over a 30% bonus for investment staff, a move highly criticized by teachers who pointed to the fund’s $5.3 billion in losses the year before.
The anonymous STRS staff letter outlining their issues with Executive Director Bill Neville (we didn't see it coming!)
https://www.nbc4i.com/news/politics/strs-director-suspended-after-allegations-of-sexual-harassment-verbal-abuse-and-aggression/
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
James Carr: The bank robbers don't care who the money belong to, they are equal opportunity thieves.
From James Carr
November 15, 2023
We, as teachers, are quite literally surrounded by people and entities that have done great harm to our retirement system. We need to cling to each other because ultimately, we have no chance to rescue STRS unless we do it ourselves. Just look at what we have to contend with:
Tom Curtis' report on the Norton Town Hall Meeting: Neville totally controls the meeting and attendance is of minimal worth for the huge expense that it costs to put each meeting on. The propaganda machine roars ahead full steam.
From Tom Curtis
November 15, 2023
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
James Carr on the 91 STRS investment staff members who receive raises that average out to more than $32,000 per member
From James Carr
November 14, 2023
When 91 STRS investment staff members receive raises that average out to more than $32,000 per member, you would think that they must be doing an unbelievable job. Actually, it is unbelievable, they aren't even coming close to beating an S&P index fund. We don't even know what kind of hidden fees are associated with those investments. All that we really know is that we are forking out millions of dollars a year to support an investment staff that is rewarding SOME OF US with a one time, 1% COLA. I'm not a financial expert, but that doesn't sound like the kind of results that merit 5-digit raises and 6-digit bonuses.
Monday, November 13, 2023
James Carr: Until we have a reform-controlled Board, we have no chance for a better future. It is a simple choice, either Michelle Flanigan is elected as our next reform Board member in the spring or we live like peasants for another year while the STRS fat cats continue to feast on our money.
From James Carr
November 13, 2023
If you are planning to spend your Golden Years basking in the sun as a member of STRS, plan wisely. The promised gold you see in the future is fools gold. STRS, will tell you that your retirement is secure, even as they pull the rug out from under you.
When you see 70 and 80 year old retired teachers working at Walmart or Kroger's, there's a very good chance they're not there because they are bored. There are a lot of other places they'd rather be; they just can't afford to be there. They put their faith in the promises made by STRS. This is the "real story" you don't see on the STRS Reflections series. There's not a pot of gold at the end of the STRS rainbow; just a rusty bucket filled with broken promises.
Friday, November 10, 2023
James Carr: As far as I'm concerned, any Board member who voted in favor of these raises is a criminal and any employee who accepts these raises is a criminal.
From James Carr
Friday, November 10, 2023
There is a difference in receiving a justified raise and outright theft. When you look at the scope of the raises recently handed out by STRS to employees who are already receiving 6-figure salaries, the word "outrage" comes to mind. How can raises of 20%, 30%. 40% and even higher be justified? There are exhausted teachers being drained of 14% of their incomes paying for these raises! There are retirees who are being denied their promised annual COLAs paying for these raises!
Thursday, November 09, 2023
James Carr: A suggestion to STRS. If you really want your "Reflections" series to be realistic and relevant, replace Ed with Fred, an 83-year-old STRS retiree who had to go back to work because he could no longer make ends meet.
From James Carr
November 9, 2023
ORTA Blog: Lavish unearned bonuses and ridiculous salary increases at STRS Ohio
ORTA's Blog: For Your Knowledge and Enlightenment About the Continuing Shenanigans at STRS Ohio
Find it here:
Ohio Retirement for Teachers Assn. (ORTA) Blog
Or go to ORTA'S Home page: https://www.orta.org/
Your Glorious Pension System As They Have Proudly Referred to Themselves Over the Years (updated to reflect the current status)
Monday, November 06, 2023
James Carr: While the Fat Cats who inhabit the Palace on Broad Street are living the high life, thousands of our most vulnerable members ran out of time waiting for help that never came from an STRS that doesn't care.
From James Carr
November 6, 2023
From ORTA
November 6, 2023
Michelle Flanigan: ORTA Member of the Month
ORTA is proud to honor Michelle Flanigan, ORTA's first Member of the Month!
Michelle has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the field of education and a true passion for inspiring the next generation. Her contributions to the Ohio educational community have not gone unnoticed, and it is only fitting that we recognize her exceptional work. Beyond her remarkable dedication to teaching, Michelle has also emerged as a steadfast leader in safeguarding our pension funds at the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS).
Michelle's tireless efforts to protect the financial security of Ohio's educators have been truly commendable. She has been a vocal advocate for transparency and accountability within the STRS, ensuring that the hard-earned pension money of Ohio's educators is managed with the utmost care and responsibility.
Still photos below; click here for video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2HCkLUbhUg
Sunday, November 05, 2023
Trina Kay Prufer: The Current Strategic Goals - How they Harm Teachers and Damage Public Education
From Trina Kay Prufer
November 5, 2023
Saturday, November 04, 2023
Ted Siedle: NEA Rakes In Millions Selling Annuities To Teachers
From ORTA
November 4, 2023
EDWARD SIEDLE
NOV 2, 2023
NEA Rakes In Millions Selling Annuities To Teachers
For over half a century, NEA has been in the business of selling financial and investment products to teachers.
NEA members sit on the boards of many state teacher pension funds which oversee the investment of hundreds of billions in retirement savings.
Less well-known is the fact that NEA has long been in the business of providing investment advice to teachers through an investment management affiliate registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, NEA Member Benefits. That is, the powerful union is also an investment adviser that profits from selling certain retirement products to teachers.
The fact that NEA rakes in millions from selling variable annuity and mutual fund investments to teachers is troubling to Dean Dennis, President of the Ohio Retirement for Teachers Assocation. Dennis has two concerns:
Finally, investment consultant Chris Tobe has concerns about annuities in retirement plans:“First, I question whether NEA, which claims to have conducted extensive due diligence and selected a variable annuity firm as the exclusive program provider to its members, is really up to the task. Should NEA even be involved with picking winning and losing investments for teachers?
Second, since NEA-sponsored state organizations are involved in selling investments and share in the related compensation, their members serving as trustees overseeing public pension investments may be conflicted in fulfilling their fiduciary duties.”
“The Biden Administration and U.S. Department of Labor, just yesterday, questioned the high risks and high hidden “junk fees” related to annuity products in retirement plans. So, it’s clear, teachers should demand transparency and low-cost investments in their retirement savings plans.”