advocacy update | PAG News
PAG is calling on current and future beneficiaries of the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund to seek answers about recent changes to the 2026 Teacher Trustee election process.
CTPF confirmed that its October 2, 2026, Election Committee meeting was canceled and subsequently announced that the committee would meet on October 15 to certify candidates. Election materials and voting previously scheduled to begin October 12 have also been delayed.
While the revised schedule has been announced, important questions remain.
PAG believes members deserve answers to the following:
- Who are the candidates for the two Active Teacher Trustee positions?
- Have all candidates completed the required verification and certification process?
- Why was the October 2 Election Committee meeting canceled?
- What caused the delay in distributing election materials and opening voting?
- When will members of the pension trust receive complete candidate information and an updated election schedule?
- How will CTPF ensure that members have adequate time and information to participate in the election?
Election Oversight and Accountability
The CTPF Board of Trustees includes representatives elected by active teachers, principals, administrators, and retirees, as well as trustees appointed by the Chicago Board of Education.
The Election Committee is chaired by Principal/Administrator Trustee Pedro Beiza. Because CTPF trustees represent different constituencies, PAG believes members should understand how the committee maintains independence, ensures impartial oversight, and protects fair representation throughout the Teacher Trustee election process.
Regardless of a trustee’s professional position or affiliation, election oversight must be impartial, transparent, and accountable to the members whose retirement security is at stake.
CTPF is not simply another administrative body. It is a pension trust built over generations to provide retirement benefits earned by Chicago educators. Protecting that trust requires informed members, responsible trustees, and governance decisions that withstand public scrutiny.
A canceled meeting may have a reasonable explanation. A revised schedule may be necessary. But members should not have to guess why changes are being made or how those changes affect their opportunity to participate.
Take Action: Request Information
PAG encourages beneficiaries and future beneficiaries to contact CTPF and request clear, timely answers about the Teacher Trustee election.
View the CTPF Board of Trustees and contact information.
Members can also review CTPF’s Election Central for official election updates or contact the Election Coordinator at elections@ctpf.org.
Get Involved
There are several ways you can help protect and preserve the retirement benefits provided by CTPF:
- Become a Pension Representative at your school.
- Sign up for the PAG Newsletter.
- Learn more about becoming a Pension Ambassador.
- Stay informed and encourage your colleagues to remain engaged in pension governance.
The Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund exists to provide retirement security for its members and beneficiaries. Its future is too important for unanswered questions, unclear procedures, or decisions made without meaningful transparency.
Thank you for your continued engagement and commitment to protecting the retirement security of Chicago educators.
PAG will keep watching, keep asking questions, and, as always, keep showing up.
With respect and gratitude,
Tina
