The membership is encouraged that STRS can move into a position where it can fulfil its promise to all STRS members and provide the benefits promised so many years ago.

Due to a change in the meeting agenda, Dr. Rayfield was not able to address the STRS Ohio Board in person during Public Participation on December 11. Here are the comments he submitted to the Board members.

I want to publicly thank Mr. Toole for the invitation to the semi-annual stakeholder meeting last month. The meeting included many STRS members and provided a more in-depth exchange of information. 

I also want to thank Aaron DiCenzo for his time after the meeting answering questions and the discussion of differing perspectives related to investment philosophy.

Although ORTA’s executive committee is convinced that more investment in passive strategies will produce better results, we are encouraged by Mr. DiCenzo’s explanation of what motivates the current active management strategies in place. I urge the board to continue its revision of the performance-based incentive policies and transition toward passive investment strategies that are lower cost and have greater returns.

As the current board has made incremental changes to the pension system with its sustainable benefits policy and its establishment of real benchmarks, the membership is encouraged that STRS can move into a position where it can fulfil its promise to all STRS members and provide the benefits promised so many years ago.