School Employees Retirement System history

School Employee Retirees of Ohio, Inc (SERO) was founded in 1978 by a Retired School Employee in Worthington, Ohio.

In 1985, TRS was assigned responsibility for administering a health insurance program for public school retirees.

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.

In 1995, TRS was authorized to offer a health insurance program for active public school employees, as well.

1998 Increase in retirement formula from 2.1% to 2.5% for future retirees with service credit over 30 yrs.

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

In 2001, TRS was given the responsibility of administering a new statewide health care program for eligible public school employees and dependents called TRS-ActiveCare.

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

2005 SERO Dues Deduction Program begins.

2006 Call to action on Offset and Windfall provisions.

2007 SERO representatives successfully testify in opposition to legislation (H.B. 151) that would negatively affect SERS retirees.

2008 SERO expands office hours to provide additional advocacy/ support for members.

2009 SERO representatives attend SERS Health Care/Pension Task Force meetings to provide education to members and chapters.

2011 SERO begins petition drive to have a fitness program (Silver Sneakers) for SERS health care participants.

2013 SERO Chapter leaders and member’s efforts to change travel plans/policies of SERS Board members are successful.

SERO receive “Best of 2014” Award for Business Services.

As of August, 31 2021, the agency is serving nearly 1.7 million participants.