President Lois Carson and Executive Director Joe Rugola want to share a holiday message with the entire OAPSE family.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Today, leadership from all four AFSCME affiliates in Ohio (OAPSE, OCSEA, Council 8, Retiree Chapter 1184) came together with AFSCME International President Lee Saunders to formally endorse Dr. Amy Acton for Governor. Executive Director Joe Rugola and a few OAPSE leaders were able to attend the press event in person.

Dr. Acton earned this endorsement because she respects public service and supports the freedom of working families to speak up for the resources and fairness their communities deserve. Leaders also pointed to Dr. Acton’s consistent support for working people, including walking picket lines, speaking out for higher wages, and advocating for public education and strong public services.

OAPSE Executive Director Joe Rugola highlighted Dr. Acton’s support for strong public schools and the workers who serve Ohio’s children. 

“Public education, and our members who serve Ohio’s schoolchildren, are foundational to our democracy,” said Executive Director Rugola. “Amy Acton is committed to strengthening our public schools and our communities.” 

AFSCME International President Lee Saunders told the crowd that the joint endorsement sends a clear message. 

“Dr. Amy Acton’s story is an Ohio story, full of grit and guts. She is part of a union family. Her grandfather worked in the Youngstown steel mills. She understands the challenges facing working families because she has lived them,” said Lee Saunders, President of AFSCME. “Now, Dr. Acton is ready to meet the moment — to lift up, empower, and show solidarity with working people across Ohio. That’s why all our AFSCME affiliates in the state are proud to endorse her today.” 

Following Saunders’ remarks, Dr. Acton thanked the unions for their support and reaffirmed her commitment to the people who keep Ohio’s communities safe, healthy, and supported. 

“The women and men of OCSEA, OAPSE, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, and AFSCME Retirees Chapter 1184 are on the front lines of public service. They keep our communities and schools thriving, and our families and kids safe. They connect us to one another, ensure our health and well-being, and lift up those most in need,” said Dr. Amy Acton. “I am deeply honored by the support and vote of confidence of this incredible coalition of hard-working Ohioans. As Governor, I will support and honor their service, and ensure that the dignity and value of their work are respected at all levels.” 

With less than 12 months before Ohio’s next Governor is elected, Dr. Amy Acton will use the endorsements from AFSCME affiliates as a springboard to shift her campaign into the next gear in 2026.

OAPSE Districts and Locals will be receiving information regarding OAPSE’s 2026 Conference shortly.

General Information:

80^th OAPSE/AFSCME Delegate Conference

Hilton Columbus Downtown Hotel

402 N. High St.

Columbus, Ohio 43215

May 6-8, 2026

Book Your Room for the OAPSE/AFSCME Delegate Conference HERE

OAPSE held a membership drive this year focused on reaching both new employees and co-workers who hadn’t joined the OAPSE family in the past. Thanks to all the hard work from Local Officers, leaders, activists, and staff, we were able to sign up hundreds of new OAPSE members this year! Every Local involved put in the work to make this an awesome membership drive!

As an incentive, at the end of the drive we held drawings for the new members who signed up, the recruiters (Local Officers and activists) who make it a success, and the OAPSE Locals that took part in the drive. Below are just some of the drawing winners.

A huge thanks to all involved! Enjoy the summer!

Last week, at the end of the 2024-25 school year, OAPSE held a drawing to pick winners from the 2025 Membership Drive. This year’s membership drive has a huge success! Local leaders and activists worked for months talking to and educating both new and current employees about all the benefits available when you become a member of the OAPSE family. Hundreds of membership applications were signed. This not only increases our member numbers, but more importantly, increases our effectiveness at the table when it comes to negotiations.

New members, recruiters and Locals who participated in the membership drive were eligible for a number of prizes. Below is the list of winners. Congratulations to everyone and lets keep up the great work in the 2025-26 school year!

NEW MEMBER WINNERS

Kimberly Reeves – Perry Local #329

Jamia Fentress – Columbus City Custodians #101

RECRUITER WINNERS

Robert Conley – Columbus City Special Needs #529

Robin Bray – Plains Local Transportation #428

Sharon Wise – Northern Local #359

Sandy Ratliff – Norwalk City #269

Fran Knebusch – Parma City Children Services #165

William Weaver – Washington Local #279

Ann Jones – Bluffton Exempted Village #395

Shawn Phillips – Morgan Local #51

Kelly Grogan – New Richmond Exempted Village #267

Pete Rosile – First Student Germantown #142

LOCAL WINNERS

Indian Valley Local #474

Napoleon City #314

Coshocton City #387

Shadyside Local #547

Logan City #2A

Canton City Custodians #107