National Day of Action
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Best STRS news EVER!
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the STRS Board voted to temporarily lower retirement eligibility and grant eligible retirees a 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for fiscal year 2026. The move came after a report from the Board’s actuary, Cheiron, indicated a “budget” of $2.34 billion based on the tests used to determine whether benefit changes would impair the fiscal integrity of the retirement system.
In November of 2024, the Board granted supplemental benefit payments to retirees and reduced retirement eligibility to 33 years of service for a three-year period. The supplemental benefit payment ($302 million) was deducted from the budget, leaving just over $2 billion available for benefit changes. The actuaries cautioned that the budget figure is the maximum amount allowable without impairing the fiscal integrity of the system; it may be prudent to spend less. Board member Pat Davidson made a motion to grant a 1.5% COLA for fiscal year 2026 and make the following changes to retirement eligibility:
Some board members expressed concern that the budget was based on the last actuarial valuation in June of 2024 and that recent market downturns and volatility are reasons to be cautious. Others expressed concern that the change in eligibility so close to the end of the school year does not give members or districts sufficient time to plan and that making a temporary change with a claw back to 34 years is going backward and creating eligibility tiers. Davidson countered that the change gives members options, and the goal is to make the reductions permanent as funding allows. The motion passed 6-4. |
OEA Summer Leadership Academy Scholarships
The 2025 OEA Summer Leadership Academy is scheduled for June 23 – 25, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 N. High Street., Columbus, Ohio 43215.
General scholarships are being offered to individuals from local associations across the state, with preference to members who have not previously attended. Please see this link to the Scholarship Information and Application for additional details. To apply for a scholarship, please complete and return the application no later than Monday, May 12, 2025. |
WEAR “Red for Ed” Tuesday, March 4th
OEA asks that members wear “Red for Ed” and share their pictures on social media tomorrow, Tuesday, March 4, 2025, during the national Protect our Kids Day of Action. On this day, we will stand with educators, parents, community members, and allies across Ohio and the country to oppose education funding cuts at the federal and state levels. As a reminder, we are asking members to:
- Gather before school on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in a statewide “Red for Ed” day in conjunction with the Protect our Kids Day of Action.
- We ask that you please take group photos with your colleagues and post them to your social media using the hashtags:
- For Facebook and X: #ProtectOurKids and #ProtectOurKidsOH
- For Instagram: #ProtectOurKids and #ProtectOurKidsOH
- Take OEA’s pledge to protect our students and schools!
Which Other Candidates are Supported by Ohio Educators?
Learn about more candidates who are supported by Ohio’s educators by visiting https://ballot.ohea.org You can find the “Champions of Public Education” candidates by typing your name, address, and zip code. We encourage you to share the list of endorsed candidates with friends and family. Links to social media platforms are provided. Visit https://ballot.ohea.org and share it with your friends, family, and colleagues! |