May 2025 Board Highlights

News from the May 2025 board meeting, including board chair and vice chair election results, member death-benefit payment increases and funding status rises again.

Denise Bradford has blond hair. Karen Yamamoto has glasses and dark hair.

Teachers’ Retirement Board reelects Denise Bradford chair, Karen Yamamoto vice chair

The trustees of the California State Teachers’ Retirement System reelected Denise Bradford chair and Karen Yamamoto vice chair.

Two hands touching, conveying comfort and support.

Member death-benefit payments grow again

The Teachers’ Retirement Board approved an increase to CalSTRS members’ lump-sum death benefit payments, effective July 1, 2025.

Rick Reed and David Lamoureux at the May 2025 board meeting.

Funded status rises again; contribution rates remain the same

The funded status for the CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program rose to 76.7% as of June 30, 2024, according to the most recent actuarial valuation.

A white cloud with "CO2" and three downward arrows on a green background, symbolizing CO2 reduction.

Board receives update on CalSTRS net zero portfolio emissions pledge

CalSTRS staff made its annual report on efforts to achieve a pledge to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the investment portfolio by 2050, or sooner.

Hands holding puzzle pieces with icons like gears, code, chat, and pencil, suggesting collaboration and problem-solving.

Strategic Plan builds on vision for CalSTRS' future

The Teachers' Retirement Board adopted the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, designed to strengthen the ability to secure the financial future of educators.

Two men wearing glasses and suits, posed for portrait photos.

Two key investment leaders to retire

Two longtime leaders from CalSTRS investment team will be retiring, CIO Scott Chan told the Teachers' Retirement Board at the May meeting.

A man smiling, wearing a light gray shirt, with a brick wall and window in the background.

Teacher highlight video: Nicholas Miller

Sacramento City College sociology professor Nicholas Miller created a program for formerly incarcerated students that now spans 50 colleges.

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Board meeting calendar

The Teachers’ Retirement Board meets at CalSTRS Headquarters in West Sacramento several times a year.

Board Highlights

Read about activities by the Teachers' Retirement Board in the Board Highlights newsletters.