May 2026 Board Highlights

News from the May 2026 board meeting, including board election, member death-benefit payments increasing and more.

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Teachers’ Retirement Board reelects Bradford as chair, names Hendricks new vice chair 

At the May Teachers’ Retirement Board meeting, the trustees of the California State Teachers’ Retirement System reelected Denise Bradford chair and elected Sharon Hendricks vice chair.

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Member death-benefit payments to grow

The Teachers’ Retirement Board approved an increase to CalSTRS members’ lump-sum death benefit payments to beneficiaries, effective July 1, 2026.

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Funded status continues to rise; contribution rates remain same

The funded status for the CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program rose to 79.3% as of June 30, 2025, according to the most recent actuarial valuation, an annual assessment of the Teachers’ Retirement Fund’s assets and obligations. The funded status refers to the ratio of CalSTRS assets compared to its total actuarial obligations.

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CIO Report: Diedesch named total fund management director

In his bimonthly report to the board’s Investment Committee, CIO Scott Chan announced that Josh Diedesch has been promoted to director of the Total Fund Management Division.

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Kristen LoPrell, math teacher, Grossmont High School

Kristen fell in love with math when she was stumped. Now she hopes all students take calculus.

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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.