After 22 years at the helm of the OFT, President Ronald E. Marec has chosen to retire. He has overseen many changes and improvements that have benefited Ohio students and teachers. He has been a key player in the formation of several coalitions to defend and reform education in Ohio.
As we begin a new millenium, with new challenges for education, it is useful to remember how far we have come durring the 20th Century. The many benefits, rights, and guarantees that are part of state and federal law, and our local contract were achieved through the hard work and sacrifice of those that came before us.
It is hard to imagine how difficult working conditions were for teachers before collective bargaining, health care benefits, tenure, class size limits and the grievance procedures we enjoy. Without OFT's lobbying efforts we might not have even the current level of funding for Ohio's public schools.
An outline of OFT's many legislative and educational accomplishments can be found on our web site at www.chtu.org/OFThistory.html. A corresponding history of our local's accomplishments at the bargaining table is viewable at www.chtu.org/795History.html. Memories shared at our 50th Anniversary Banquet in 1994 can be read at www.chtu.org/795Memories.html. A Short History of American Labor is available at www.unionweb.org/history.htm.
Newly elected President Tom Mooney of the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers brings a wealth of experience, at the local, state and national levels. Mooney's 21 year tenure in Cincinnati has been marked by significant progress in improving teachers compensation and professional status. Under his leadership, the CFT has been a national leader in advancing teacher professionalism. The local negotiated the country's second Peer Assistance and Evaluaiton Program and built a four tiered career ladder for teachers, the Career in Teaching Program.
The OFT will be moving it's offices to Columbus later this year to work more closely with state legislators on issues affecting public education and our members.
Four people were recognized for their Outstanding Service to Public Education this past year. Their efforts reflect on the challenges that lie ahead for public education. Sue Gatton, former President of the Ohio PTA, chaired the Citizens Against Vouchers. William Phillis is Executive director of the Coalition for Adequacy and Equity that includes over 550 Ohio school districts. Their web site at www.ohiocoalition.org/ details school funding issues and the coalition's objectives. Doug Oplinger and Dennis Willard wrote the December 1999 Akron Beacon Journal series on the profitable relationship charter school magnate David Brennan had with former Governor Voinovich and the State Legislature. The reporters challenge us to hold the news media accountable for the depth of research that goes into reporting on education issues and the state of school funding in Ohio. Their eye-opening series on public education in Ohio can be read at www.ohio.com/bj/projects/whose_choice/ and includes links to many primary documents used in their research. Additional Beacon Journal school funding articles are online at www.ohio.com/bj/projects/shortchange/.
Installation of OFT officers: (from left to right) Treasurer Lovie Jones (Cleveland), Recording Secretary Dale Pertchek (Toledo), Vice President Kathy Young (New Lexington), President Tom Mooney (Cincinnati). Retiring President Ron Marec is at the podium.
CHTU President Tom Schmida presents his resolution allowing OFT to sign up locals that want to switch from OEA representation. The resolution, rescinding the no-raid agreement with OEA, was passed overwhelmingly.