Hardin Co. Retired Teacher Association Meeting Minutes

Dr. Robin Rayfield

Hardin Co. Retired Teacher Assoc. President Madelyn Lowery welcomed 25 attendees and guest speaker Dr. Robin Rayfield at the Kenton Elks on April 21 at noon. Annette Ansley introduced guests Ron Rogers, Beth Wetherill, and Marge Jenkins.

Chaplain Melanie Kindell sent a prayer shared before lunch. All enjoyed a lunch of romaine & cashew salad, chicken salad croissant, fruit cup, beverages, and desserts from members Lori Paul and Jodine McKinley of strawberry shortcake cupcakes & chocolate brownies. Sue Buroker and her volunteers from the Elks were thanked. The committee of Chr. Jodine McKinley, Lori Paul, Melanie Kindell, Norma Frederick, and Madelyn Lowery was thanked for the lovely arrangements.

Following the meal, Norma Frederick introduced Dr. Robin Rayfield, Director of Ohio Retirement for Teachers Association (ORTA) who shared updates about Ohio’s State Retirement System. He gave a summary of concerns that STRS has experienced. Ohio’s Retired Teachers still have not regained the COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) as had been promised. As of this time, about 15 COLAs have been lost with approximately $1,200 each time for each member. Only one COLA has been returned. Of the 5 pension programs in Ohio, only STRS is not providing a COLA to its pensioners.

Ohio’s teachers have donated $75,000 for a forensic audit. It showed that STRS had invested badly and did not make prudent investments or give care about money provided by Ohio’s teachers. The teachers endorsed 3 candidates who won seats on the STRS board to start the push to change the STRS ways of investing and reasons for raises and bonuses. He says that STRS has set no benchmarks and presently plans 2% merit raises and 30% increase for bonuses for those who are still there even though 17 positions have been lost. Bonuses are always given regardless of losses from investments made by the STRS investors who are not working prudently for Ohio’s teachers. Rayfield is getting only lip service from those in the House and Senate seats so the retired teachers must continue trying to unseat those long time STRS board members who are not caring about the members and their retirement finances. Active teachers have the opportunity to vote for Pat Davidson to initiate change in the STRS board next year.

The aim of ORTA is to try to get at least 5 people on the STRS board who are pro-reform. The lack of concern for teachers is evident. STRS is causing teachers to pay more and collect less by working 17% longer. Employers’ share of payment are frozen at 14% rate while others in the country are ahead by 6 or 7%. This has been supported by OEA. ORTA wants more transparency from STRS. STRS risks more in investments but won’t explain costs, fees, or values of properties. STRS owns a building in New York City but refuses to state the value toward the possibility of selling it.

Rayfield says that ORTA is against Senate Bill 1 and 11 and House Bill 1. He says that we need transparency, a better investment strategy, and getting rid of bonus incentives for those in the investment offices of STRS. If an investment officer loses all the money in an investment, that person is still granted a bonus incentive. Giving a person more money for doing things badly is unfair to all STRS members. STRS has set up great incentives for its workers by providing daycare, a gym, expensive art on the walls, and a cafeteria with several chefs to name a few. Rayfield feels that Ohio has the most corrupt state system which includes paying off politicians.

Lowery led the group in thanking Rayfield for the information to make us all aware of what needs to be changed in STRS. She began the meeting with Sec. Norma Frederick reading the minutes from October 21. It was accepted. Treas. Joan Mouser had her report filed for audit. Mouser also presented a letter from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. It was voted to provide $30 each for 5 children. It was also voted to provide $25 to each of the 6 county libraries for their summer reading programs.

Mouser distributed program booklets to the members that she and Frederick had formed. Those remaining will be sent through the US mail. She had also asked for someone to assist her in the treasurer’s duties. Lowery suggested cards for Sandy Moore, Melanie Kindell, and the family of Dave Sturgeon. Volunteer hours were totaled to be 348 hours. Scholarship donations totaled $99. Lowery with Nancy Musselman reported about LifeWise at HN School. About 103 action Bibles had been distributed to students there. A couple of other county schools may begin the same offering. Martha Cramer read an article concerning lies from STRS.

In closing, all were thanked for donations to God’s Lifeline Thrift Shop in Mt. Victory. A closing prayer was shared as sent from Chaplain Melanie Kindell. Having no other business, it was announced that the next meeting will be May 19 at noon at the Kenton Elks. Associate Professor Jessica Hinson from ONU’s Pharmacy will speak concerning updates on vaccines. The committee will be Chr. Jean Kearns, Joan Sullinger, Cheryl Hiller, and Kim Thomas. Donations will be accepted for Beatitudes in Ada. The meeting was adjourned and all were wished safe travels.

(picture and minutes of meeting submitted)