Trina Prufer: In the private sector, retirement plans are covered by ERISA. In Ohio, teachers are subject to the whims of politicians. Teachers have no inflation protection whatsoever.

From Trina Prufer

July 25, 2025

What is the value of STRS to teachers? 

Does the STRS defined-benefit, over a 33 year career, offer any financial benefit over contributing to Social Security and an IRA ( 60% stock 40% bond portfolio) in an amount equal to what is contributed to STRS (14%).

Right now, active teachers do not benefit at all from the 14% contributed by the employer.. it all goes towards the unfunded liability. In the private sector, it is customary to have an employer match. For STRS, this does not exist for the d-b plan.

In the private sector, retirement plans are covered by ERISA. In Ohio, teachers are subject to the whims of politicians. Teachers have no inflation protection whatsoever. 

Members need answers.