If you are contemplating retirement at the end of this school year please keep in mind the information regarding health insurance that was distributed by the MTA on June 2, 2006.  That memo outlined that the MTA and the District approved a Memorandum of Agreement (it is not printed in the new lime green contracts) that extends “active employee” health and dental insurance benefits until August 31st if the teacher-member notifies the district by June 1st of intent to retire as of June 30th.  This benefit is only in effect through the 2009 – 2010 school year.  Contact your senior building rep if you have misplaced your memo.

NYSTRS Pre-Retirement Planning Seminars are quickly filling up.  There are still openings for a May 10th seminar in Fishkill and March 20th and April 27th seminars in Albany.  To make a reservation at either location, call system headquarters at 800-356-3128 (ext 6180).  The seminars are day-long events.  To see a complete listing of the seminar’s topics visit the TRS website (www.nystrs.org).

Your paperwork for retiring from TRS cannot be submitted more than 90 days in advance of the date of your retirement.  Do not send it in too early.  If you do, TRS will send it right back to you.