Cost Containment-
Key Position Point #4: Overhaul the Retirement System

The escalating cost of the current retirement system is an increasing burden to school districts and is not financially sustainable in the long run. A “blue ribbon commission” should be appointed to review alternatives that include moving to a defined contribution pension system, a “two-tiered” system of benefits, combining state retirement systems, moving retirees to a statewide health insurance pool, requiring active employees to make contributions toward pension and retiree health care costs and study the long range impact of district employment practices.