What Is The Fund?
The OEA Fund for Children and Public Education — now known as The Fund — is a non-partisan political action fund supporting candidates who champion public education. The Fund gives educators a seat at that table.
We Believe…
- Teachers and support staff are committed to the success of every child.
- Students must be at the center of education policy.
- Teachers, students, parents, and politicians must all be held accountable.
- The Fund is ultimately about issues, not candidates.
Issues We Fight For:
- Class Size
- Salary & Benefits
- Working Conditions
- Retirement Security
- Fair School Funding
How Does the Candidate Endorsement Process Work?
The screening process is non-partisan, objective, transparent, inclusive of members, and thorough. Recommendations are never based on party affiliation — only on candidates' records and positions on education and organized labor issues.
- Statewide Offices — Interviewed by The Fund State Council — reps from each of OEA's 10 districts, OEA's Retired affiliate, and the OEA Board of Directors.
- Ohio House & Senate — District-level interview teams include reps from each OEA local and a five-member District Screening Council.
- To receive an endorsement from the OEA Fund, a candidate must complete a written questionnaire and interview covering school funding, employee rights, retirement, and privatization. Candidates who decline are not eligible for endorsement.
- Any member may watch a candidate screening, but only members serving on the interview teams may ask questions.
- To learn more about which districts your association is eligible to screen, please contact your labor relations consultant.
Did You Know?
- Dues dollars cannot be used for political contributions. The Fund relies entirely on voluntary member donations.
- 25% of local contributions can be used in local school board and municipal races.
- Your collective bargaining rights depend on who sits in the Ohio Legislature.
- Local members make endorsement decisions — not OEA staff or officers.
- Electing pro-education candidates can reduce the need for local school levies.
- Every education decision is a political decision — The Fund is your voice as an education professional in the political marketplace.
How to Contribute to The Fund
- Payroll Deduction — Start with just $1 per pay period — speak to your local President.
- Online — Contribute by credit card — visit ohea.org.
- By Mail — Contact OEA or your Central OEA/NEA local representative for forms and information.