The article lends academic support to concerns ORTA has raised for several years about STRS transparency, investment-return reporting and performance bonuses. It credits the ORTA-commissioned Benchmark investigation as part of the chain of events that brought these governance questions to the attention of state auditors and policymakers.

The lavish bonuses given out to managers of the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio have long been criticized by this editorial board and others. Now a financial journal is weighing in with evidence that supports the case.

ORTA's county chapters play an important role in supporting Ohio’s retired educators through pension advocacy, networking opportunities, member benefits, and community involvement. Some chapters offer classroom grants and student scholarships. Joining your local chapter is a great way to stay informed, connected, and engaged during retirement.

John Damschroder, a reporter with The Blade newspaper in Ohio, said staff bonuses were paid while retired teachers’ COLA was not paid. So the Fund’s employees were essentially rewarded for impoverishing their members, because their real bosses in Wall Street made their profits.

Taking care of your eyes and teeth is about more than maintaining your vision and smile. These routine checkups can also provide early insight into your overall health and help you avoid more costly issues down the road. Taking small steps now can help support your health, comfort, and confidence in the years ahead.There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

Ohio educators are encouraging the state legislature to make adjustments to the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) once they return from summer break. A year ago, the General Assembly used the state operating budget to make significant changes to the board controlling the pension system Ohio public teachers rely on. Educators have denounced those changes ever since, and House Bill 719, sponsored by Rep. Jim Hoops (R-Napoleon) would basically hit the reset button. “This i

We are aware that STRS is underfunded, and I am glad that, although decades late to the party, STRS has made the fact that the system is underfunded known to the legislative bodies in Ohio. Although not optimistic that the elected officials in Ohio will offer any assistance, it is encouraging that the discussions surrounding STRS include the fact that Ohio does less than any other state in the US to support teacher pensions.

Dean Dennis, ORTA Executive Board Chair, addressed the STRS Ohio Board on June 25, 2026. The National Retired Teachers Association was founded in 1947. The Ohio Retirement for Teachers Association, ORTA, was founded in 1949. Our organization is 77 years old. Both organizations were founded to advocate for retired teachers and ensure they had a voice at the state legislative and state board levels. At the state level, ORTA is well aware that Ohio’s legislators are either bli

ORTA county chapters serve as grassroots hubs for retired educators. They focus on pension advocacy, providing community networking opportunities, and delivering local member benefits. ORTA county chapters offer a variety of activities for their members: Pension Advocacy and Updates: County chapters frequently host guest speakers—often ORTA state directors or Executive Council members. These presentations provide crucial updates regarding the State Teachers Retirement System