Geauga Retired Teachers Assn. Still Fighting for Educators
The Geauga Retired Teachers Association has a mission to keep its members informed and active in the world of education — even after their careers have ended.
The Geauga Retired Teachers Association has a mission to keep its members informed and active in the world of education — even after their careers have ended.
The local chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association was founded in May 1966 after a lunch at Punderson Manor House in Newbury Township, according to their website, www.gcrta.net.
Their next meeting, held in October of that year, drew 27 attendees.
“(Acting Chairman) Frank Schofield explained that the time had come for an organization of retired educators in Geauga County,” the website said. “Seventy-nine names were on the list of retirees. He hoped the organization would find a way to express its wants or wishes for future programming.”
In a recent interview, Cheryl Sekura, GCRTA legislative and co-program chair, said one of the main issues of concern for members has been the management of the State Teachers Retirement System.
Education groups and newspaper editorial boards around the state have criticized recent appointments to the STRS board and decisions around investments, Sekura said.
“Our membership has become increasingly concerned about the management of funds at STRS. Many participate in online information groups in order to stay informed,” she said. “The legislative chair sends current legislative updates and pension status information. GCRTA is very fortunate to have a superb STRS liaison who attends every STRS meeting in Columbus, addresses the board and then provides an in-depth report to GCRTA members.”
In addition to tracking legislation in Columbus, GCRTA provides educational grants to classroom teachers and grant-in-aid scholarships to college students during their student teaching year, Sekura said.
“Our members contribute funding, as well as volunteer hours for Books for Babies, the Geauga Library Mini Golf Program, school supplies for the (Geauga County Job and Family Services) Help Us Learn Program, and an ongoing collection of paper products and canned goods for those in need,” she said.
GCRTA member and Public Relations Chair Carane Ladd said retired teachers should join GCRTA to stay involved with changes to state benefits and retirement.
“I, along with most members, am concerned about how inflation is impacting my retirement. With no regular cost of living adjustment, we see our buying power shrinking each year,” Ladd said. “I am also upset with some of the risky investments being made and the high bonuses awarded to our investor employees even in years when STRS has lost millions.”
Ladd said there are other perks to being a member of the group.
“GCRTA helps us keep in contact with former colleagues and meet retirees from other school districts,” she said.
The group’s membership includes those who are not instructors, Sekura said.
GCRTA membership reflects a diverse group of educators, spouses and those who are interested in education, she said, including those from Geauga, Lake and Cuyahoga counties.
Membership Chair Jean Paine said dues, normally $15 per year, are free for new members through 2023 and 2024.
“We also welcome new members, regardless of where they live or worked,” Paine said.
Ladd said the group’s concerns extend into recent issues plaguing public schools, such as funding debates at the state level and concerns over the censoring of books that have historically been considered important to school literature programs.
But Ladd said there have been victories along the way, including the recent election of members to the STRS board she believes will more closely represent GCRTA positions on retirement fund issues.
Although the new STRS board members do not change the balance of power on the board, Ladd said it’s a real move forward.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” she said.
