Retired Teachers Asked for Pensions Back

Cajon Valley Union School District made mistake on retirement incentive payments, state says

Imagine being a retired school teacher: You’re accustomed to receiving monthly pension payments, or you’ve already received a one-time retirement payout.

Then, your former employer asks you to give some of that money back.

The Cajon Valley Union School District made an accounting mistake on retirement incentives that forced trustees to ask that of their retired teachers, according to the California State Teacher Retirement System (CALSTRS).

CALSTRS recently notified the district, which spans 28 schools in El Cajon, of the errors. Teachers said the errors happened as a result of the district “overgifting.”

District officials would not say how costly the mistake was, but it effects approximately 80 teachers who retired between 2004 and 2010.

The district and CALSTRS sent those teachers a letter, asking them to give back lump sum payments and/or monthly pension cuts. Roll backs could return to 2004 levels.

Many of the effected teachers met today at Rancho San Diego Library for preliminary discussions about the cuts. The teachers did not want to make an on camera statement until they decide what if any action they will take.

"We were notified by CalSTeRS in a draft audit report received on May 29 that the District incorrectly reported or coded retirement incentive payments,” said Cajon Valley Union Superintendent Janice Cook in a statement.

“We are conducting a thorough review and analysis of the draft report to make sure we understand the preliminary conclusions.”

Cajon Valley Union School District has until August 31 to respond to the state report.
 

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