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First-ever cuts to teachers pension await OK by governor, legislature

Vivian Jordan, 62, is a Language Arts teacher at Thurgood Marshall High School, in Dayton. Jordan is working with students in the school library.

Ron Alvey/Ron Alvey Vivian Jordan, 62, is a Language Arts teacher at Thurgood Marshall High School, in Dayton. Jordan is working with students in the school library.

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By Laura A. Bischoff and Margo Rutledge Kissell
Staff Writers Updated 9:29 AM Friday, January 28, 2011

COLUMBUS — More than 180,000 Ohio teachers will have to work longer, pay more toward their retirement and then eventually receive smaller pension checks if a plan approved Thursday by the State Teachers Retirement System becomes law.

Stingier cost of living allowances will be given out to future retirees as well as to 133,000 current retirees.

The STRS board of trustees voted 7-3 in favor of the changes, which would be the first cut in benefits in the system’s 91-year history, according to officials of the retirement fund.

The changes will be phased in between now and 2023.

Increased life expectancy, higher health care costs, investment losses two years ago and generous benefits are forcing the cuts.

“Without these changes, there is a time in the future where we would not be able to pay pensions,” said STRS spokeswoman Laura Ecklar.

The proposal is a starting point. The changes must be approved by the General Assembly and Gov. Kasich.

Lawmakers are expected to propose a comprehensive overhaul for all five Ohio public employee pension funds.

Dayton teacher Vivian Jordan, who plans to retire in June 2012, called the changes disheartening.

“It seems to be a backward step for teachers,” said Jordan, 62, a language arts teacher at Thurgood Marshall High School.

Jordan, who has taught 21 years, said the proposed changes won’t impact her decision.

But Dayton teacher union officials believe the plan could prompt a spike in retirements in the next two academic years.

Ecklar acknowledged that the lower cost of living adjustments as well as eliminating an enhanced retirement formula for people who work 35 years or longer could trigger a wave of retirements but she added, “Nobody has a crystal ball.”