If Ohio Legislators truly want to attract the best teachers, a healthy, well-thought-out pension system is essential. Legislators should never be afraid of the democratic process unless they have an agenda that requires circumventing it.

To the elected members, I encourage you to continue the struggle to implement reforms at STRS. To the appointed members, I encourage you to take the message to the person that appointed you to increase funding for STRS.

Members might want to attend or tune into Tuesday’s STRS Investment Seminar. To the surprise of nearly everyone, Investment Committee Chair Alison Lanza Falls has invited Senator Mark Romanchuk and Representative Adam Bird to the seminar. They are scheduled for the 11:30 - 12:15 time slot. Here is why their attendance is interesting.

Ohio Retirement Study Council Chairman Adam Bird and Vice Chairman Mark Romanchuk will be the Special Guests at the STRS Ohio Retirement Board meeting on March 17 at 11:30 am. Why did Rep. Bird and Senator Romanchuk request to speak at the first STRS Board meeting after Dr. Rudy Fichtenbaum was removed from his seat as Board Chair? And what does this mean for Ohio's teachers?

In recognition of Rudy’s dedication to Ohio teachers, please consider donating any amount you can to help him pay his significant legal fees. If you’re unable to donate, you can still help by sharing his GoFundMe on your social media and with your network.

You worked hard to build your savings—now make sure it lasts. This session uncovers the biggest financial threats retirees face and how to stay ahead of them.

Rudy Fichtenbaum stood up for Ohio's teachers. Now it's our turn to stand up for him. Please donate to his GoFundMe campaign to help him pay his legal fees.

Nearly every year, the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) holds an election to fill one of our seven allotted seats on the Board; the other four seats are appointed. Dr. Rudy Fichtenbaum has twice won his election by landslide margins as STRS members moved toward selecting Board members intent on addressing the problems that led to drastic cuts in member benefits. Fellow Board members recognized Rudy’s skill set and voted him as their Board Chair. To date, Rudy has spent

ORTA understands that this Board has a daunting task of serving members with such a significant cash-flow problem, whether elected or appointed; the insufficient Employer Contribution rate is a no-brainer. In this election year, let’s drive this point home with Ohio’s legislators. No more hiding from the problem.

ORTA recognizes that the work of the STRS board has been severely restricted by political forces. The democratically elected members of this board have struggled against political forces to provide some restoration of promised benefits. Your efforts are appreciated. ORTA’s goals include support for the continuation of an elected board.

It's not too late to register for this FREE AMBA webinar on Tuesday, February 17, at 9:00 AM. Every AMBA webinar begins with an ORTA Update by our Executive Director, Dr. Robin Rayfield.

Elizabeth Jones needs your help! STRS Ohio requires at least 20 signatures on nomination petitions from 10 different counties in Ohio. Elizabeth currently has enough signatures from three counties: Hamilton, Lake, and Geauga. She needs 20 signatures from 17 additional counties. (Click here to read this post.)

Our Heart Health and Your Wallet webinar is almost here! Learn how major health events can affect your finances, steps that support better wellness, and which costs may fall outside typical insurance coverage.

This spring, an election for one retired seat on the STRS board will take place. ORTA is assisting Liz Jones in collecting signatures to qualify her for the ballot for this spring’s election to be held in late April and early May.

Dean Dennis, ORTA Executive Chair, talks to Jim Vail, Chicago Public Schools teacher and journalist, about the attack on Ohio's teachers and the attempt to destroy pension democracy.

Kick off the new year with practical steps that can help you stay organized, informed, and confident in 2026. Join ORTA and AMBA for a free webinar focused on smart health and money strategies designed for today’s retirees. We’ll walk through important updates for 2026, including Medicare changes, health coverage considerations, budgeting reminders, planning tips, and financial risks that retirees often face.

ORTA has created a new Facebook group to make Ohio's retired and active teachers aware of all of the opportunities available to them at our county chapters throughout the state. Chapters can submit posts about monthly meetings, classroom grants and student scholarships, volunteer opportunities, events and activities.

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.

And here is where the harm deepens: STRS also hid its consequences, even though it was bound by a fiduciary duty to forewarn.

The holidays are here, and your member perks are ready to spread a little cheer. Whether you're shopping for the perfect gift, planning a getaway, or treating yourself, we’ll show you how to unlock savings to make it all a little sweeter. And here is something extra festive. When you register, you will be entered to win prizes, including a hotel stay and free rental car days.