I look forward to a day when I won't need to do this. You have no idea what it takes, and how stressful it is to speak before this Board.

Robin Beebe addressed the STRS Ohio Retirement Board during Public Participation on April 17, 2025.

My name is Robin Beebe. Retired 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.

The loss of my 3% COLA's, that were supposed to be paid in accordance with the LAWS IN EFFECT at the time of my retirement, is approximately $120,000 and counting.

I come before you, yet once again, to stand and deliver on behalf of Ohio's active and retired teachers.

My people, my tribe.

I look forward to a day when I won't need to do this. You have no idea what it takes and how stressful it is to speak before this Board.

So that you do not need to READ MY LIPS today, I thought I would try another way to convey my pleas and messages.

My inspiration is to use an approach featured in the movie, "Love Actually".

From this point forward, no words are spoken. Large signs are silently held up for the Board to read. Below is what I printed on each sign. You could hear a pin drop while the signs were held up.

Sign #1 - FIDUCIARY DUTY TO TEACHERS

Sign #2 - REDUCE STAFF

Sign #3 - INDEX FUNDS

Sign #4 - SELL TAJ

Sign #5 - PROFITABLE CAFETERIA

Sign #6 - STOP TOWN HALLS

Sign #7 - SELL REAL ESTATE

Sign #8 - NO BONUSES

Sign #9 - GOV, AG, ORSC - NO MEDDLING

Sign #10 - 30 YRS. FULL RETIREMENT

Sign #11 - TRIM WASTE

Sign #12 - 3% COLA

Sign #13 - DO THE RIGHT THING

Sign #14 - MERCI BEAUCOUP!

You can watch Robin Beebe's speech online on the STRS Ohio website: https://www.strsoh.org/about/board-meetings.html