The Illinois Network of Charter Schools Responds to the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund to Clarify Issues Regarding Pension Requirements for Chicago Charter Public Schools

CHICAGO, Sept. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the wake of recent questions about charter school pension obligations, the Illinois Network of Charter Schools continues to seek clarity from the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund concerning Chicago public charter school contributions.  

"This year, the Illinois legislature amended the law requiring certified charter school teachers to contribute to the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund," said Andrew Broy, President of INCS. "We have been working directly with the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund and our member schools to clarify charter schools' obligations as they deal with many, many different categories of employees."

Over the years, there has been substantial confusion about which charter school employees are required to pay into the pension fund and which employees are legally barred from making such contributions. For instance, certified full-time teachers in charter schools are required to be part of the pension system, but uncertified teachers are not permitted to make any contributions. Teachers who are certified, but part-time are generally not permitted to participate in the pension fund.

INCS has a direct interest in ensuring that any conflicting information on charter schools' obligations is resolved in a way that adheres to the charter model, which allows charter schools the freedom and flexibility to hire the most effective staff members, whether they are certified or non-certified.

"Charter schools are working in good faith to comply with the relevant regulations and understand how the new law will impact them and we expect the CTPF will do the same," noted Broy. "Given the financial impact on charter schools, there is no incentive for charter schools to under-identify teachers who are eligible to participate in the pension fund. The fact that the law was amended this year to clarify these and other related issues suggests that the impact of the law has been unclear."

INCS will continue our work with charter public schools and directly liaise with CTPF on this issue to seek clarity and ensure consistent reporting and payment to the pension fund.

The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS)is dedicated to the improvement of education by establishing high-quality charter public schools that transform lives and communities.  As the voice of the Illinois charter schools, INCS advocates for legislation on behalf of the charter sector, provides support to strengthen charter schools, and influences education policy for the benefit of all public school students.

Contact: Jodie Cantrell
312-629-2063 ext. 28

SOURCE Illinois Network of Charter Schools