COLUMBUS, Ohio-In the latest election for the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) board seat controlled by active teachers, Michelle Flanigan, a teacher at Brunswick City Schools, secured a resounding victory over Sandy Smith Fischer. Flanigan’s win, supported by reform-minded retirees and teachers, is seen as a mandate for reform within the pension system.
The push for reform stems from demands for transparency in investments, an end to excessive bonuses for investment staff, and the restoration of promised cost-of-living increases for retirees. The election outcome, which aligns with efforts by retirees for reform-minded candidates, coincides with investigations into the STRS. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s office is investigating a possible hostile takeover of the board tied to board seat elections, while Secretary of State Frank LaRose is looking into potential campaign finance reporting violations. Despite allegations and investigations, reform-minded retirees and teachers assert their commitment to democratic processes and moving forward with duly elected board representatives.
https://www.orta.org/post/teacher-backed-candidate-wins-seat-on-ohio-retirement-board
