Are teacher pensions contributing to the Districts financial problems?
Teacher pensions are primarily the responsibility of the State of Illinois. District 39 handles payroll deductions much like employers do for Social Security. Teachers contribute 9.4% of gross pay toward their pension to the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). Additionally, teachers contribute .88% of their gross pay toward the Teachers’ Health Insurance Security Fund (THIS). School districts pay a small amount as well. The employer pays only .58% of gross income on behalf of teachers to TRS. In addition, the employer pays .66% of gross income to the THIS. It is the State that has the largest responsibility for pension contributions, not District 39. As a result, teacher pensions are not a significant part of the District’s financial problems. Click here to learn more about teacher pensions.
