The Illinois General Assembly adjourned the spring session on May 31, 2012, without passing reform legislation. The Governor has called on legislators to return to Springfield on August 17 to take up an administrative issue and vote on pension reform.  

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Free Training Opportunity

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is offering free advocacy training sessions. The session will prepare CTPF members for coordinated meetings with legislators during the week of August 9-12.

Who can attend?

Sessions are open to all CTPF members free of charge.

What's involved?

During the sessions, members will learn more about the facts and myths about CTPF pensions, have a chance to ask questions, and participate in role-play sessions to gain hands on experience in preparation for face-to-face meetings.

When

The Chicago Teachers Union will offer four sessions (attend one session either day)

• Tuesday, August 7 at 10:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, August 8 at 10:00 am. or 4:00 p.m.
• Members will then meet with their legislators in a coordinated effort the week of August 9-12.

Where:

Chicago Teachers Union Office

222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, suite 400

Chicago, IL 60654

Parking validation and refreshments will be provided.

How

Advanced reservations are required so call reserve your place today. Contact Lupe Coyle at the Chicago Teachers Union, 1.312.329.6227 or e-mail lupecoyle@ctulocal1.com. Include your first and last name, your address, and the names of your local legislators.

Plan Ahead 

Members who attend should know the names of their state representative and state senator. Click here to look up your local representatives.

CTPF Teacher Trustee Election will be held Friday, November 9, 2012 

Candidate Eligibility

Candidates for a Teacher Trustee position must hold an Illinois State Teaching Certificate, be current CTPF contributors, and have been assigned on a regular certificate in the Chicago Public or Charter Schools for a minimum of 10 years.

Nomination Packets

Nomination packets are now available. Members interested in running for office should contact the CTPF Election Team at 312.604.1400 ext. 132 or 169 to request a packet. Candidate eligibility will be verified before the packet can be issued. Nominating petitions must be returned by 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 1, 2012.   

Electronic Voting Option for Track E Schools  

The CTPF Board of Trustees voted to allow an electronic voting pilot program for the 2012 election. Track E (year round) schools will have the option of voting electronically in 2012. Pension Reps at each school will check with their staff and register a voting preference (on line or on paper) with CTPF by August 31.

On line v On Paper Comparison 

The election process will remain essentially the same for schools who choose online voting.   

Voting will take place on November 9 (election day). Pension Reps will distribute sealed envelopes to their faculty with a control number and voting instructions. Instead of completing a paper ballot, voters will sign on to the electronic voting system using a CPS computer in their school (voting will not be available from home or using a mobile device). Schools who choose to vote online will benefit from an extended voting period, with polls open until 5:00 p.m.  

"We are excited to offer the on line option to voters in 2012," remarked Frances Radencic, CTPF Election Coordinator. "On line voting can offer significant cost savings and increased access for our users. Based on the success of the program, we plan to expand the electronic voting option to additional schools in future years." 

Additional information about the on line option will be distributed to eligible Track E schools the week of August 6. 

Election Questions

Election questions may be directed to the CTPF Election Team at 312.604.1400 ext. 132 or 169.

The General Assembly recently passed changes to the return to work portion of the Illinois statutes which regulate CTPF.  

Non-CPS Employers

A retiree may return to work at non-CPS position without restriction.

CPS Board of Education Employment

A retiree may be re-employed as a teacher by the CPS Board of Education on a temporary and non-annual basis or on an hourly basis without loss of pension, with the following restrictions:

1. Employment is limited to 100 days.
   A day is equal to any amount of time spent in the school.   
2. Compensation for teachers is limited to $30,000 per year. The school year is July 1 - June 30.   
3. A person who retires with at least 5 years of service as a principal may earn an amount equal to the daily rate normally paid to retired principals multiplied by 100 (at this time, CPS has not provided the daily rate. Principals will be notified when this information is made available).  
4. CTPF members must submit Form 770 to CTPF and comply with any additional requirements from the Board of Education.

Action

If you plan to return to work and have not yet completed CTPF Form 770, download and return the form to CTPF before you begin employment.

The Board of Education is required to certify employment data to CTPF. Members are encouraged to keep their own records to ensure that the day or salary limits are not exceeded.

Retirees who violate the return to work rules may have their pensions cancelled and be obligated to repay all benefits earned while working in a permanent or annual position.