Our pension is in difficult shape. It is under attack by its own leaders and the politicians in Ohio. Action today may save us.

Dr. Robin Rayfield, Executive Director of ORTA, addressed the STRS Ohio Board during Public Participation on May 15, 2025.. 

The recent election for seats on the STRS pension board proved, once again, that the membership of STRS is not satisfied with the management of the pension. That is understandable, with the confirmation of the reports that the 'anonymous memo' was authored by STRS management. What is troubling to many is that the people providing board members with bad advice, specifically legal advice and investment advice, continue to maintain employment. These are the people who have created the only pension in the US whose active contributors have a negative normal cost. Yet here we are, with management, highly paid consultants and lawyers, all bragging about what a top tier pension system STRS is.

I urge you to pass two board resolutions today: 

1. Pass a resolution opposing any changes to the balance of votes on the STRS board. With 7 elected and 4 appointed members, the balance is 63% democratically voted members and 37% appointed members. There has never been a more egregious attack on democracy than what the lawmakers are suggesting. Where were the concerns from legislators when our pensions were reduced and the contributions were increased? 

   
   

2. Pass a resolution accepting the appellate court ruling that Edward Siedle of Benchmark Financial is entitled to receive the documents he has requested. A panel of judges has ruled in favor of transparency. Ohio's teachers and taxpayers deserve to know the facts. If there is nothing to hide, show the documents. I recognize that the people you pay for legal advice will want you to appeal; however, these same people have been wrong on almost every big decision. 

Think about just these few situations where you were advised poorly: 

• Refusing to comply with open records requests filed by Siedle - wrong on the law.

  
  

• Accepting, without pause or concern, the illegal removal of Wade Steen - wrong on the law. 

  
  

• Authoring the 'anonymous memo' and behaving in such an unprofessional and unethical manner - wrong on the law and other aspects.

Our pension is in difficult shape. It is under attack by its own leaders and the politicians in Ohio. Action today may save us.