Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System

"I remember hearing about teachers who had taught for 35 years and thinking, how did they do that? But then you blink, and now that teacher is you." Today we celebrate Sarah Schaefer who retired recently from Waukee Community School District. Sarah was a favorite teacher of Speech and Theater Arts students at Waukee Middle School where she helped direct the school's fall plays and spring musicals. Teaching runs in Sarah's family; her husband is also an IPERS retiree, and their daughter is a new college graduate planning to work in elementary education. Sarah will miss the classroom but is eager to get involved with her community and explore new opportunities in retirement. Congratulations to Sarah and all recent retirees!

The IPERS Investment Board meets this Thursday, June 18. You can find the agenda and meeting materials here: https://ipers.org/about/governance/investment-board/investment-board-agendas-materials-minutes

When an IPERS-member leaves public employment, they have three options.

1️⃣Members can leave their contributions with IPERS. Doing so allows them to contribute more to their account if they work in public service later in their career. Members can leave their contributions with IPERS until they apply for retirement benefit payments or a refund.

2️⃣Members can apply for a refund of their contributions and – if they are vested - a percentage of their employer’s contributions. When a member receives a refund, they are no longer an IPERS member and cannot claim prior service or contributions if they return to public employment. Refunds are paid in one lump sum and are subject to federal and state taxes and withholdings.

3️⃣Members can roll some or all of their pretax contributions (and a percentage of their employer’s contributions, if they are vested) into an eligible retirement plan.

IPERS’ website is a great resource for members leaving public employment. To learn more about these options, visit https://ipers.org/life-events/changing-jobs

Did you know that the IPERS Investment Board is established in state law and is mandated to create and review investment policies, among several other responsibilities? The Board's seven voting and four non-voting members includes professionals with substantial institutional investment and financial expertise. Meet the board ➡https://ipers.org/about/governance/investment-board/board-members

The school music scene will sound a little different next year at Lawton-Bronson Community School District schools without longtime elementary band and choir teacher, Chuck Prior, in the classroom. Chuck recently retired after working 39 years as an educator. While he's looking forward to spending his retirement watching his talented children - both of whom are actors - from the front row, Chuck says he'll miss the classroom, sharing: "Interacting with all these kids, it's really kept me young and kept my mind strong." A hobbyist woodworker, Chuck is also eager to tackle some larger projects in retirement. We're wishing Mr. Prior, and all Iowa's retiring public educators, the best of luck in their retirements!

IPERS' Benefits Advisory Committee (BAC) acts as a link between IPERS and the members we serve. The committee and its duties are established in state law: Consider and make recommendations to IPERS and the Iowa Legislature about administration of the benefits program. Members of the BAC include representatives of IPERS' constituent groups, including employers, and active and retired members. To learn more about the role of the BAC, visit https://ipers.org/about/governance/benefits-advisory-committee

After working 39 years in public schools, Becky Vincent has officially retired from Davenport Community Schools. A longtime instructional coach and classroom teacher, Becky shares that what she'll miss the most is witnessing a students' eyes light up when a tough subject finally clicks. In retirement, Becky is looking forward to having the flexibility to spend more time with grandchildren who live out of state, something she says wouldn't be possible without IPERS. "IPERS retirement benefits are amazing for teachers. At the end of the road, after all the hard work we have done, IPERS is really the main avenue for us to retire." Congratualtions to Becky, and all the other educators who are retiring in 2026!

Save the Dates! IPERS is hitting the road this summer with a trip north to Mason City on Aug. 28 & 29. While registration for retirement counseling sessions won’t open until early July, members in northern Iowa should visit My Account now to review, and if necessary, update their contact information to make sure they receive more information about IPERS’ visit.

➡www.ipers.org/myaccount

IPERS' investment program is designed for long-term sustainability. The IPERS Investment Board establishes and annually reviews the program's policies and asset allocation plan to ensure the ongoing stability of the IPERS Trust Fund. Members can rest assured that IPERS is positioned to pay benefits now and in the future. IPERS' FY2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report provides a deep dive into IPERS' investment program and performance.

➡https://ipers.org/media/404/download?inline