Mahoning Retired Teachers Association Board Meeting Thursday, August 7, 2025 Boardman Library
Present: Susan Harris, Phil Butto, Diana Brabel, Barbara Ade, Kim Pontuti, June Logan, Sally Knapick Winsen, Irene scullen, Sonia Tsvetkoff, Debbie Haverstock
President Susan Harris called the meeting to order at 10:38 AM.
Barbara Ade read the minutes from the April, 2025 board meeting. The minutes were accepted as read.
There was no Treasurer's report.
Old business: No old business.
New business: Programs were discussed for the second half of the year. In September, Jim Cain from AMBA/ORTA will discuss benefits his company offers. In November, Dr. Jeanine Mincher from Youngstown State University will talk about food as medicine. In December, Dr. Robin Rayfield will join us to talk about STRS/ORTA updates and the Boardman Jazz Band will entertain. There are no scholarship applications to consider. The MRTA Scholarship will go unfilled this year.
Committee Reports: Membership: Diana called two boards of education to get data on newly retired staff. She was unsuccessful. Phil suggested a Request for Records be sent to district treasurers. Treasurers must respond to these requests. Program: Please see New Business. Community Service: Kim reported that the YWCA's Young Women with Bright Futures program would get the September Community Service donation. The Canfield Veteran's Auxiliary will receive the November collection, and in December, the Salvation Army will benefit. Parliamentarian: No report given. Legislative: June reported that though the STRS Board election in April resulted in an overwhelming victory for reform minded candidates, the resulting "midnight massacre" amendment to the budget bill again changes the composition of the board. This action is being challenged. We are asked to be patient, as there are both legal and legislative actions taking place against this amendment. Dean Dennis and Bob Buerle's lawsuit will be heard in October . This is a class action lawsuit challenging the elimination of the COLA The second case, also being heard in October, is the one being brought by Ohio's Attorney General against Rudy Fichtenbaum and Wade Steen. The suit alleges that Steen and Fichtembaum breached their fiduciary responsibility and must be removed from the board. The case was prompted by an anonymous memo (written by STRS staff). The Pension Defense fund needs money to help pay for expenses incurred . Monetary contributions by members are currently being encouraged and accepted. Hospitality: Irene provided attendance data for the first three MRTA meetings this year. A discussion followed on what could be done to encourage members to attend meetings. In Memoriam/remembrance: Sally reported that the 2o24-25 deceased MRTA member names flash across an electronic crawl found in the lobby of the Main Branch of the Public Library. A $50.oo donation from the Knapick fund was given for this purpose. Public Relations: No report given. Newsletter: barbara Ade reported on the new print company who is produciing the newsletter. The company is able to print and mail the newsletters in less than a week, so members receive them sooner. Nominations: No report given Scholarship: Sonia reported no applicants for the scholarship Website: Debbie asked the board to visit the website, and check to make sure all information is accurate and up to date. Other: A survey about member concerns regarding meetings, costs, program ideas and decrease in attendance was discussed. Barbara Ade said she could generate a short survey to included in the newsletter that would address these issues.
The next MRTA board meeting will be October 9, 2025 at the Boardman Library.
There baeing no further business, Phil Butto moved the meeting be adjourned. Kim Pontuti seconded the motion, and the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 11:52 AM
Respectfully Submitted, Barbara Ade, Secretary
Mahoning Retired Teachers Association Board Meeting Thursday, October 9, 2025 Boardman Library
Present:Susan Harris, Phil Butto, Diana Vrabel, Barbara Ade, Kim Pontuiti, June Logan, Irene Scullen, Sonia Tsvetkoff, Debbie Haverstock
President Susan Harris called the meeting to order at 10:32 AM.
Barbara Ade read the minutes from the August, 2025 board meeting. The minutes were accepted as read.
There was no Treasurer's report.
Old Business:No old business
New Business: Irene reported that 31 surveys were receivd and tallied. The general consensus was that members were happy with the venue, food and price of luncheons. Thee were also a number suggestions offered for meeting speakers. Phil will follow up next year. It was also suggested that the survey be handed out during the November general meeting.
Committee Reports: Membership: Diana is waiting on district treasurer reports regarding newly retied members. In the meantime, she is contacting those she knows who've recently retired. Program: Phil was delighted to receive a variety of speaker suggestions from the survey He will use them when setting up next year's schedule. Dr. Jeannine Mincher will speak at the November luncheon, and The Boardman Jazz Band confirmed that they will perform in December. Community Service: No report given. Hospitality: Irene suggested two minor changes be made to the eservation forms. She also reported that our September meeting attendance was close to what it was in September 2024. She also talled and reported on survey results. See New Business. Parliamentarian: No report given. Legislative: A temporary restraining order was placed preempting changes to the STRS board that was passed in the Ohio Budget Bill (referred to as the Midnight Massacre). This restraining order is in effect through October 15, 2025. Court cases regarding Rudy Fichtenbaum, Wade Steen and the class action suit filed by Bob Buerkle and Dean Dennis (to reinstate COLA) continue to move forward and should be heard in late October. The next STRS board meeting will run from October 15th through the 17th. Viewing is available through YouTube. In Memoriam/Remembrance: No report given. Public Relations: No report given. Newsletter: Irene suggested that the words "guest" and "member" be included on the reservation forms beside the word name to eliminate confusion, and to make it possible for her to make name tags for guests. The reservation forms are found in the newsletter and on the website. Nominations: No report given. Scholarship: No report given. Website: Debbie will update the reservation form found on the website
The next MRTA board meeting will be January 8, 2026 at the Boardman Library.
There being no further business, Barbara Ade moved the meeting be adjourned. Diana Vrabel seconded the motion, and the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 12:14PM.