STRS Board Changes Are an Attack on Educators and All Workers
In the state budget, the legislature passed a provision that radically changes the composition of the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) Board. It would remove four members of the Board elected by active and retired teachers and replace them with political appointees. This would shift the majority of the Board away from those who represent the active and retired educators of Ohio. It would also prevent members of the system from serving as Chair or Vice Chair of the Board. This is a direct attack on the voice of educators and the ability for them to have a meaningful say in the direction of their pension plan.
Here are some important things for you to know:
A change in STRS Board composition was not included in the budget bill as
initially passed by the House or Senate. It was added in the eleventh hour in a 6-
member conference committee without the opportunity for public debate.
This is a direct attack on Ohio’s teachers. Of the state’s five public retirement
systems, only STRS was targeted. Only Ohio’s public educators had their ability
to set the direction of their pension system stripped away.
STRS investments are performing well, and the system is well within the financial
metrics established by state law.
This is yet another attack on the voice of educators. The legislature has also
undercut educator collective bargaining rights, removed elected members from
the State Board of Education, and continues to come up short in funding our
public schools.
Write to your state lawmakers today to voice your opposition to this change. Tell them that you want to have a meaningful voice in the direction of your pension system. Tell them that you resent this attack on your voice as an educator in Ohio and demand that they take immediate steps to reverse this action. Feel free to use the sample letter provided.
