Education Minnesota advocates for pension reform to retain veteran teachers

During the Cannon Falls School Board meeting on March 24, 2025, a significant discussion emerged regarding the urgent need for pension reform for teachers. An English teacher from the high school, who also serves as the pension action liaison for Education Minnesota, addressed the board, advocating for legislative changes that could greatly impact teacher retention and recruitment in the district.

Currently, teachers must work until the age of 65 to receive full retirement benefits, a requirement that many educators find daunting. The speaker highlighted that only a few teachers manage to teach for 40 years, emphasizing the challenges faced by those in the profession. To address these concerns, the proposed legislation, known as the "60-30 bill," aims to allow teachers to retire at age 60 with 30 years of service, providing them with a full pension. Additionally, the bill seeks to reduce penalties for early retirement and increase the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for pensions.

The teacher expressed optimism about the bill's bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, noting that it has garnered significant attention and enthusiasm among lawmakers. The proposed changes are seen as crucial for retaining mid-career teachers who are increasingly leaving the profession, as well as for reassuring new educators about their long-term prospects in teaching.

Importantly, the funding for this pension reform would not fall on local school districts. Instead, the state is expected to cover the financial gap, ensuring that the burden does not shift to the per-pupil funding formula. The speaker argued that passing this bill is essential for the sustainability of school districts, as failing to do so could lead to a loss of experienced teachers, ultimately impacting the quality of education.

The discussion at the meeting underscored the pressing need for legislative action to support educators and maintain a stable teaching workforce in Cannon Falls. As the school board considers these recommendations, the community awaits further developments that could shape the future of education in the area.