History of SERO

 

School Employee Retirees of Ohio, Inc (SERO) was founded in 1978 by a Retired School Employee in Worthington, Ohio. SERO was formed as a non-profit retiree advocacy and education organization. SERO works solely for School Employee Retirees. Those same School Employee Retirees operate and govern SERO by serving on the SERO Executive Board. Any non-certified (non-teaching) School Employee who is retired from Ohio public schools, technical schools, joint vocational schools or schools of higher education covered by the School Employees Retirement System, SERS, may become an active member of SERO. Many cafeteria workers, custodians, secretaries, teacher’s aids, and bus drivers to name a few have joined SERO to have a support organization to assist them through their retirement. With more than 10,000 members, and growing, SERO maintains an ever vigilant presence at the legislatures’ (state and federal) as well as the retirement system, SERS. SERO provides its members with information and links to other retiree service organizations. SERO has announced a new agenda of supplemental products and services to augment members’ current programs or plans. Members are eligible to enroll and utilize these additional programs through various providers by maintaining their SERO membership.

 

Accomplishments

 

Effective Date
1978 SERO is founded and begins operating in Worthington, Ohio.

1979 COLA increased from 2-3% with reduction in waiting period Catch up increases (5%) for those retired prior to July 1974.

1981 Catch up increases (6%) for those retired prior to Jan 1977 and (4%) for those retired from 1977 to 1979.

1983 Retiree Representative added to SERS Board effective July 1984

1984 Catch up increase (5%) for those retired prior to Feb 1983

1988 Catch up increase (2%) for those retired prior to Feb 1983 and (5%) for those retired after Feb 1983

1991 Increase the number of days a retiree can work (now unlimited)

1993 Toll Free number for Aetna claims established

1994 SERO endorses United Teacher Associates (UTA) to provide group Long Term Home Health Care Plan for members. Additional quality insurance products will be available for members at group rates.

1997 Death Benefit at SERS increases from $500 to $1,000.

1998 Increase in retirement formula from 2.1% to 2.5% for future retirees with service credit over 30 yrs. Increase in Medicare Part B reimbursement from $24.80 to $31.80. One-time lump sum payment ($7/per month) given to eligible recipients retroactive to 1/1992. (H.B. 673)

2000 SERO approves an Executive Director for the organization and Valerie Rodgers is named for that position.

2001 Increase in Medicare Part B reimbursement from $31.80 to $45.50 per month. One-time lump sum payments made to eligible recipients retroactive to 1993. Improved Survivor benefits (S.B. 270). Cost of living (COLA) increases are now a 3% “fixed” rate instead of using CPI figures (H.B. 655).

2004 SERO Board member appointed to SERS Executive Board by Governor Taft.

2005 SERO Dues Deduction Program begins. SERO announces a new website (ohio-sero.com) SERO announces largest agenda of supplemental benefits and discounted programs for members by Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA).

2006 Call to action on Offset and Windfall provisions. SERO facilitates Chapter Leadership Workshop.

2007 SERO representatives successfully testify in opposition to legislation (H.B. 151) that would negatively affect SERS retirees. SERO supports SERS pension funding solvency legislation (S.B. 148).

2008 SERO expands office hours to provide additional advocacy/ support for members. Office now open M thru F from 9-4.

2009 SERO representatives attend SERS Health Care/Pension Task Force meetings to provide education to members and chapters. Pension funding issues begin to surface with market decline.

2010 SERO announces program for members to renew or join SERO using credit card through our website (ohio-sero.com). SERO provides education/information for members seeking options for their care.

2011 SERO begins petition drive to have a fitness program (Silver Sneakers) for SERS health care participants. New benefits added for SERO members through AMBA.

2012 SERO approves new office computer systems and programming upgrade. New systems and programs allow us to strengthen our current programs and develop innovative projects to serve our members. SERO supports pension funding solvency legislation (S.B. 341) signed into law.

2013 SERO Chapter leaders and member’s efforts to change travel plans/policies of SERS Board members are successful. SERO receives “Best of 2013” Award for Business Services.

2014 SERS announces “Silver Sneakers” fitness plan effect for most all SERS health care participants. SERO receive “Best of 2014” Award for Business Services.

2015 SERO announces active School Employees members may now join SERO as “Associate” members.