OEA Endorses Rita Walters for Retired Seat on STRS Board – December 2, 2021

During the August meeting of the STRS Board, Rita Walters was elected by a majority of the Board to fill a vacancy as a retired member.  Walters recently completed a four-year term on the Board and had finished third in the election for two retiree seats.  Robert Stein, who had finished second in the election, resigned his seat before beginning his new term.  An election will be held among STRS benefit recipients to elect a representative for the remaining three years of the term.  OEA has endorsed Rita Walters for this election.

Download and circulate a nomination petition for Rita Walters:
2022 Rita Walters STRS-R

Video message from Rita Walters: https://youtu.be/kE_Gxic2gnw

Rita Walters retired with 35 years of experience as a language arts teacher from the Switzerland of Ohio School District and a member of OEA-R.  She was elected by the STRS Board to a one-year term, September 1, 2021 through August 31, 2022.  As an active teacher she also served as president of her local association and on the OEA Board of Directors for 12 years.  Walters was originally elected to the STRS Board in 2017.

When it comes to the oversight of retirement funds for Ohio’s teachers experience matters.  The OEA Board of Directors has endorsed the candidacy of Rita Walters for the vacant seat.  She is committed to acting in the best interest of all STRS members and ensuring that STRS is strong and stable for the long haul.

During her time on the STRS Board, the solvency of the STRS retiree health care program has vastly improved.  Once, projected to run out of money in a few years, the health care plan is now over 100% funded.  Additionally, STRS continues to be recognized as a premier public retirement system and over 90% of retirees have favorable views of STRS.

In early April, ballots will be sent to all STRS members.  STRS retirees, are eligible to vote in the election for the retiree seat.