As the backbone of retirement security for California’s public educators and classified staff, the CalSTRS and CalPERS systems carry significant operational responsibilities for school business professionals. Yet despite their importance, many school districts struggle with the nuances of reporting, eligibility, and compliance—especially when onboarding new staff or navigating changes in legislation.

To address this, CASBO is offering a CalSTRS and CalPERS workshop that explores the foundational concepts behind these two critical systems. The goal: to ensure that payroll, HR, and retirement division staff are equipped with the knowledge they need to accurately administer employee retirement benefits.

Why Specialized Retirement Knowledge Is Crucial

CalSTRS (California State Teachers’ Retirement System) and CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) serve distinct employee populations within California’s public schools, community colleges, and charter schools. Both are defined benefit plans governed by unique education and government codes.

Unlike 401(k)-style plans common in the private sector, CalSTRS and CalPERS require employers to make detailed determinations about eligibility, contribution rates, and compensation limits. Mistakes in reporting or enrollment can trigger financial penalties and affect an employee’s lifetime benefits.

Topics Covered in the Training

The workshop is designed to clarify key issues that often generate questions or errors in the field. Participants will explore:

• The structure and purpose of defined benefit retirement plans.
• Criteria for determining whether an employee qualifies for CalSTRS or CalPERS.
• Responsibilities for reporting accurate earnings and enrollment data.
• Employer risks associated with late or incorrect reporting.
• Key distinctions between the two systems, including post-retirement work limitations.
• Where to find and interpret relevant education and government codes.

The session also addresses frequently misunderstood topics, such as hiring retired members, mandatory requirements for membership, and the financial consequences of non-compliance.

Supporting Both New and Seasoned Staff

The training is designed to be inclusive of varying experience levels. For new staff, it provides a clear and structured introduction to retirement system fundamentals. For veteran employees, it offers a chance to revisit foundational concepts, receive clarification on recent updates, and reinforce compliance best practices.

A Unique Resource for School Business Professionals

Because CalSTRS and CalPERS training is rarely covered in general accounting or HR education, workshops like this fill a critical gap. They offer school districts a way to strengthen institutional knowledge, reduce compliance risk, and ensure staff are equipped to manage retirement-related responsibilities with confidence.

As the retirement landscape continues to evolve, staying informed is not just helpful—it’s essential. For districts seeking clarity and consistency in this area, targeted professional development remains a key part of the solution.