The Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) Board of Trustees in Illinois has introduced significant updates to the Gemini system, aimed at streamlining the process for teachers to add and adjust records. During a recent meeting on June 18, 2025, board members discussed the new functionalities that will enhance user experience and accuracy in record management.
One of the key features is the ability to add a record by entering a member's Social Security number (SSN). This will either create a new blank record or pull up existing records for adjustments. Users are encouraged to specify a date range for corrections, with the system defaulting to the current fiscal year if no range is provided. This flexibility allows for comprehensive updates across entire fiscal years when necessary.
The meeting highlighted the importance of correctly entering earnings and contributions. Adjustments can be made by entering positive or negative amounts, depending on whether the reported figure was over or under the actual amount. For timekeeping entries, users will need to overwrite previous data with the corrected figures, ensuring accuracy in reporting.
Additionally, the system offers options to view, copy, or edit records. The copy function creates a duplicate record for further adjustments, while the edit function retains existing timekeeping and payment reasons, minimizing the risk of errors during corrections.
These enhancements are expected to simplify the record-keeping process for educators, ensuring that their contributions are accurately reflected and managed. The TRS Board of Trustees is committed to providing tools that support teachers in their retirement planning, ultimately benefiting the educational community in Illinois.