Read the latest updates from the School Employee Retirees of Ohio.
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Dear Tauwanta,

As we move out of the classroom and into summer (even though the weather in Ohio would say otherwise) we just want to take a moment to recognize and appreciate all of the new retirees who spent many years making school buildings safe and conducive learning environments. We wish those retiring at the end of this school year many years of joy and prosperity!

In service,
Jim Janosik, CAE, CNP
Executive Director

SERS

The Ohio School Employees Retirement System’s April 2026 meeting approved a 2026 asset allocation shift, adding gold and increasing infrastructure, while reducing real estate risk.The Board endorsed actuarial assumption updates, including inflation and mortality changes, slightly lowering funded ratios but maintaining progress.They authorized a private equity investment, a compensation study RFP, and recognized CIO Majeed’s strategy award. Read the full April 2026 board meeting highlights HERE.

Rule Number

Agency

Tagline

3309-1-70

School Employees Retirement System

Contribution based benefit cap.

3309-1-56

School Employees Retirement System

Alternative retirement programs

 

LEGISLATIVE

Tax Credits Could Help Many Ohioans Providing Unpaid Care to Family

The Dayton Daily News reports on a study finding more than two million Ohioans act as unpaid caregivers for their loved ones. AARP, which issued the study, wants leaders to approve state and federal tax credits to help people defray the cost of lost work time and caregiving expenses. Read the full story HERE.

More Schools Opting for Income Taxes amid Property Tax Woes 

Ohio voters will face the greatest number of school district income tax issues in several years in next week’s primary election, Cleveland.com reports. What was once more predominant as a funding option in rural districts is now spreading to the suburbs. Read the full article HERE.

Legislation Tracking 

We are currently tracking the following legislation that may be impactful to SERO and to you. When member action is necessitated, as determined by the SERO Executive Board, we will reach out with directives. You may always track any of this yourself and reach out to the SERO office and/or Board members to share your thoughts.  

Federal: HR2909.

Ohio: HB3SB3,HB18SB69HB73SB93HB116SB173, HB203SB239HB280, HB413, HB424, HB473, HB719.

 

FINANCE, HEALTH, AND WELLNESS

The IRS "dirty dozen" explained

$4.49 billion in tax fraud was flagged in 2025 alone. Learn the top scams to watch for and simple ways to stay safe HERE.

13 Common Medications You Should Never Mix with Alcohol

Alcohol changes how your body absorbs medications, which can lead to adverse reactions. Mixing them increases the risk of an overdose significantly. Read the full article HERE.

Social Security changed the rules for widows and divorced spouses, which could earn them thousands

The rule change mainly applies to widows and divorced spouses whose spouses worked in the public sector and did not always pay Social Security taxes. Read the full article HERE.

New Report Forecasts Medicare Premiums Will Double In 10 Years

Medicare Part B premiums could rise to about $5,000 annually per beneficiary in 2035, according to a recent report from the Joint Economic Committee of the United States Congress. Read the full article HERE.

AMBA Benefits

Check out all of your available member benefits with AMBA at myAMBAbenefits.info/SERO

SERO Member Exclusive Special Offers

TALKSPACE. Get help with or without insurance. Use code SPACE80 for $80 off.

$100 off your first 6pk of Naked Wines for $39.99

Save $100 on 15-minute meal kits with Gobble. 

Start speaking a new language in just 3 weeks with Babbel.

Access your home equity with Pre-qualification with Splitero.

We had a wonderful annual meeting with a special message from the Alzheimer's Association as well as reports from SERS Executive Director Richard Stensrud and Assistant Healthcare Director Christi Pepe, and from AMBA Agent Derek Weinrich. We also approved a few bylaws updates including adding a new class of membership to allow for SERS contributing Employers to join SERO and provide coverage to all of their contributing staff. You may download the newest version of the bylaws HERE. And congratulations to our elected officers Tauwanta Corns, President; Sue Burnside, Vice-President; Ernest Farrier, Member-at-Large! If you would like to view the video recording of the event, click HERE and copy and paste this passcode to access it: 0$%n^=GX

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SERO brings a new level of regional exploration to our members with our first ever group travel offer just for SERO, PERI, and ORTA members and their families and friends. Join us in September 2026 as we visit Kentucky Classics: Bourbon, Bats, and Bluegrass. Click HERE to view the full itinerary and details. To view the pre-recorded webinar about the trip please click HERE and copy and paste this passcode to access it: @SKbS$3l 

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Join our friends at PERI and ORTA along with our benefits partner, AMBA, on Tuesday, May 19th for a free webinar. Whether you’re planning a road trip or an international getaway, we’ll show you how to travel smarter, safer, and more affordably.
You’ll learn:
•        How to access exclusive member travel discounts
•        Safety tips for trips near and far
•        What to do if your plans don’t go as expected

Register for the 9:00am EST session HERE.

Register for the 4:00pm EST session HERE.

Your member benefits continue to expand with SERO's offering of guided group travel experiences around the globe. Here are the current travel offerings:

Explore America's Historic East

Tour departure: June 7, 2026

VIEW THE FULL TRAVEL OFFERING HERE.

Kentucky Classics: Bourbon, Bats, & Bluegrass

Tour departure: September 8, 2026

VIEW THE FULL TRAVEL OFFERING HERE.

Cape Cod & the Islands

Tour departure: October 3, 2026

VIEW THE FULL TRAVEL OFFERING HERE.

SERO DUES OPTIONS

Lifetime membership, available in either one-time payment or six easy monthly installments.

Under 55 $400
Age 55 to 59.99 $345
Age 60 to 64.99 $288
Age 65 to 69.99 $230
Age 70+ $173

Annual dues: $30 by check or $31.50 by credit/debit card or ACH

2-year dues: $61.50 by credit/debit card or ACH

3-year dues: $91.50 by credit/debit card or ACH

Monthly SERS dues deduct: $2.50

ALL of our memberships can now be paid with a debit/credit card or ACH directly from your bank account securely through the membership portal. 

You may self-manage any of these new options by logging in to your membership profile HERE and choosing the desired membership. You may also call the office at 614-431-0387 if you need assistance with this. If you are on Dues Deduct, please call the office for guidance before switching to another method of payment.

IMPORTANT CONTACTS AT A GLANCE (click name to visit website)

AMBA 844-385-4359

A Place for Mom - Senior Housing

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Medical Guardian Devices

OSHIIP 800-686-1578

SERS 614-222-5853

SOCIAL SECURITY 800-772-1213

IMPORTANT CONTACTS AT A GLANCE (click name to send email)

SERO Board President Tauwanta Corns

SERO Board Secretary Estelle Bush

SERO Executive Director Jim Janosik

SERO Office Manager Brian Murphy

SERO Office 614-431-0387

Upcoming events:

May 21 - SERS Board Meeting

June 17 - SERO Info Meeting Tipp City

Aug 5 - SERO Board Meeting

Watch ORSC meetings live or recorded at https://ohiochannel.org/

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