DC Caucus of Rank and File Educators
Fighting for the school communities DC deserves
2024 DC Retirement Board of Trustees Election
All current ET-15 Educators who participate in the DCPS Retirement plan have the opportunity to elect a current educator to the DC Retirement Board of Trustees by December 13th via Phone, Mail or Text (as mailed by the DCRB)
From DCRB mailing
Who Can You Vote For?
Check out what the candidates had to say who responded to our questionnaire
Anthony
Hurst
Thaddeus Stevens ELC
School Librarian
7 years
Why are you running and what makes you a good candidate for this position?
I have been a teacher both in public and private schools for the past 19 years which I believe has given me more perspective than a single long stint in DCPS. It has helped me see what possibilities exist and what must be improved.
When coming back I reached out the DC Retirement Board to create a calculation for buying back my original years of service. It took months and multiple emails just to get a calculation. I did make the choice to trust our DC Retirement program, but coming back helped me understand the need for improvement.
If elected, what is your vision for the position?
FULL transparency.
I firmly believe that every DCPS teacher should be able to quickly see in real time:
1. A rough retirement calculation available online, not after months of emails. This should be possible to calculate based on, years of service, the most recent high three years of salary, and expected age at retirement date.
2. How much you have contributed into your DC Retirement Board run pension total and during every year of DCPS service.
3. How the DC Retirement Board investments are performing vs a standard basket of index funds.
How will you communicate with members to make sure they are informed and their voices are heard?
The DC Retirement Board manages the main retirement saving vehicle that WE, the DCPS teachers use. Presently it feels like we are dropping our money into a hole. Teachers don’t understand the system, or feel empowered about their own retirement goals.
We need a portal that allows us to control our OWN information.
We also need to be given access to better options to invest additional paycheck deductions. Presently those options have woefully high fees and few investment options. Teachers need transparency for our pension system and access to better options for making additional retirement investments.
Describe your leadership experience, including what you have done in the WTU
Building Rep (third year), LSAT Committee, SCAC
Michael
Bethea
Eastern Sr. High School
Special Education Teacher (ILS/CES)
30 years
Why are you running and what makes you a good candidate for this position?
I am a strong candidate for the DC Retirement Board with 30 years of experience in DC Public Schools (DCPS) and my leadership in retirement planning. As chair of a retirement group at my school, I facilitate discussions on various retirement issues, helping colleagues make informed decisions about their futures. This role has deepened my understanding of the complexities of retirement systems. Additionally, with my long tenure in DCPS, I have a vested interest in ensuring that the DC Retirement Board remains in a strong financial position. I am committed to advocating for sustainable solutions that protect the retirement security of DC’s public employees. My experience, leadership, and dedication to the financial health of the system make me well-suited to contribute meaningfully to the Board.
If elected, what is your vision for the position?
In the coming years, the DC Retirement Board faces an exciting opportunity to redefine how retirement benefits are communicated and managed. A key part of this transformation is making future retirees’ benefits more transparent, accessible, and understandable. By embracing new technologies, offering ongoing education, and enhancing communication, the DCRB can ensure that every DC teacher who qualifies, no matter their stage in life, has the tools and information they need to plan for a secure retirement. This vision for transparency is not only a matter of improving the financial outlook for retirees but also building trust and confidence in the retirement system itself.
How will you communicate with members to make sure they are informed and their voices are heard?
To effectively communicate with the Washington Teachers' Union (WTU) membership about my work with the DC Retirement Board, I would focus on clear, transparent, and accessible messaging. I would provide regular updates through union newsletters, meetings, and online platforms, ensuring that information about pension benefits, retirement planning, and Board decisions is easy to understand. Engaging directly with members through Q&A sessions and workshops would help address concerns and clarify any complex topics. By fostering an open dialogue and offering resources that empower teachers, I would help them feel informed and confident in their retirement planning.
Describe your leadership experience, including what you have done in the WTU
President of the Brightwood Community Association, LSAT Chairperson, Participated in rallies, Member of Personnel Committee for Eastern Sr. High, Co-Creator of an informal retirement club at Eastern Sr. High
Information from the DCRB Mailing
