In the event you leave DC Public Schools (DCPS), you have the opportunity to seek employment with a DC Public Charter School. If you elect this option and you would like to continue participating in the District of Columbia Teachers’ Retirement Plan, you have 60 days from the date of your departure from DCPS to inform the Charter School that you would like to continue your participation in the plan. Below is important information for you to know.
What are the eligibility requirements for continuing participation in the Teachers’ Retirement Plan?
If you leave the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) to go work for a school that is a member of the District of Columbia Public Charter School Board (DCPCSB), you may be able to continue your participation in the District of Columbia Teachers’ Retirement Plan. To be eligible you must have held a position covered under the Washington Teachers Union (WTU) collective bargaining agreement or under the Council of School Officers (CSO) collective bargaining agreement.
If you terminate your employment with DCPS, you have 60 days from the effective date of your termination to submit your request for continued participation in the Plan. If you are on an approved leave of absence (LOA) from DCPS for the purpose of working at a charter school, you have 90 days to submit your application to continue your participation in the Plan.
How can I continue my participation in the Teachers’ Retirement Plan?
If you terminate your DCPS employment and begin your employment with a charter school, and wish to continue participating in the Teachers’ Retirement Plan, you must complete and return the Continuation of Participation in Teachers’ Retirement Plan form to your charter school administrative office within 60 days of your DCPS separation date. This form can be obtained from your charter school administrative office or DCPS.
If you are on an approved LOA from DCPS and you go to work at a charter school, you must begin your employment within 90 days of the effective date of your leave from DCPS. To be eligible to continue participating in the Plan, you must submit a copy of your personnel action and an official DCPS notification letter listing the dates of the approved LOA to the charter school administrative office.
What happens if I do not elect to continue participating in the Teachers’ Retirement Plan or fail to notify the charter school of my continued participation?
If I continue participating in the Teachers’ Retirement Plan, do I have to contribute to the Plan?
What is my mandatory contribution rate?
Are these contributions deducted from my paycheck on a pre-tax or post-tax basis?
If I elect to continue participating in the Teachers’ Retirement Plan, can I change my election later?
Can I participate in both the Teachers’ Retirement Plan and the charter school’s retirement plan?
What if I elect not to continue my participation in the Teachers’ Retirement Plan?
Where can I find more information about continuing to participate in the Teachers' Retirement Plan?
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Charter School Employees
Charter School Administrators