TEMECULA- Temecula Valley Educators Association (TVEA) hosted a highly successful retirement presentation on February 23rd for nearly 200 members considering retirement thanks to new contract language by their local. The health and welfare bridge language negotiated by their local chapter allows teachers that are not yet 65 to receive those benefits from the district until members reach medicare eligibility. This allows veterans who would otherwise take that step in retirement to do so without healthcare concerns. 

The number of educators at the event represents over ten percent of the total population of certificated professionals in the Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD). Retirement expert Rose Luna from California Teachers Association’s Negotiations and Organizational Development Department walked members through a primer on the State Teachers Retirement System that is now over 100 years old and still providing secure finances for long term educators. 

Members were reminded to:

Access your STRS account online calstrs.com and do your homework

Use the calculators to determine your estimated retirement income

Consider pre-election if you want to leave income behind for a spouse or partner

Investigate the Defined Benefit Supplement Program established in 2013 for possible additional retirement savings 

TVEA President Jeff Kingsberg thanked the TVEA Retirement Committee and the Membership Engagement Committee for its work in reaching out and providing important information for members.  “When we deliver needed services for our members we communicate the importance of our organization and our role in promoting educational improvement and excellence.”