Judge blocks law removing educators’ voice from STRS Board

By Farah Siddiqi

Ohio’s largest teachers’ union has won a temporary legal victory in its fight to preserve educators’ representation on the State Teachers Retirement System Board. The Ohio Education Association says the change, quietly added to the state budget this summer, would strip teachers of their elected seats in favor of political appointees. The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas issued a temporary restraining order last month, blocking the law from taking effect while the case proceeds.

Jeff Wensing, OEA president, said the move to expand political control over the STRS Board undermines fairness and transparency.

"This is just another attempt by the Legislature to silence the voices of Ohioans, to silence individuals who have been elected," he argued. "It was inserted in the budget bill at 1:30 in the morning during conference committee, and we believe there are legal reasons to challenge this and to go to court over this."

The lawsuit was filed by the Ohio Education Association, Ohio Federation of Teachers and the American Association of University Professors, arguing the law violates constitutional rules and unfairly targets teachers by reducing their elected representation on the STRS Board.

The groups say the court’s decision is an important step toward protecting educators’ voices in the management of their retirement system. Wensing added that educators see the move as part of a broader pattern of political interference in public education.

"Public schools are the bedrock of democracy, and that's where students go not only to learn, but it's the safest place for students to be during the day," he continued. "Cutting funding to public schools just hurts families and communities."

Judge Andy Miller’s order prevents lawmakers’ budget provision from taking effect until a hearing on a preliminary injunction is held. OEA said it hopes the court will issue a permanent injunction to keep elected educators in the majority on the STRS Board and maintain accountability for billions in retirement savings.