STATEMENT OF CANDIDACY
Contact Information
Loisnelson2004@sbcglobal.net
EXPERIENCE AS A CTPF TRUSTEE AND EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Chicago Teachers Pension Fund: Active Teacher Trustee 2005 – 2010 Vice President, Financial Secretary, Chair of Personnel, Finance & Audit, and successfully advocated for the hiring of an Internal Auditor. I was selected to fulfill the vacancy left by the death of Trustee Walter Pilditch March 2018 – October 2018. While a Member of the Health Insurance Committee, I introduced a motion in Committee to allow a member to return to a CTPF plan after leaving by mistake due to erroneous information. The option went into effect to allow for a one time return during an open enrollment period.
Re-elected as a Trustee in 2019 and is presently: Recording Secretary, a member of Pension Laws and Administrative Rules, Chair of Claims and Service Credit which includes (Return to Work). I advocated for the Mandatory CPS Days for Guest Teachers to no longer be counted as a day of work toward their allotted days, Member of Health Insurance Committee (Responsible for the 60% subsidy increase in 2021 and going forward). I participated in a trip to Springfield with other Trustees, Director Lenoir, Staff, and the RTAC President, Luella Preston to advocate for increase of State money for our Health Subsidy allotment.
Chicago Teachers’ Union: An Active School Delegate while at Earle Elementary during my 40 + years as well as serving as a Lead Mentor Teacher for several years, A past Co-Chair of CTU Political Action Committee, Delegate to American Federation of Teachers while Active and as a Retiree, Delegate to Illinois Federation of Teachers while Active and as a Retiree, Member of the Retiree CTU Retiree Standing Committee.
Local School Council Community Rep: Johnnie Colemon Academy
National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. Mu Chapter (Life Member)
Caucus of Rank and File Educators (Member)
Retired Teachers Association of Chicago (Life Member)
American Federation of Teachers’ Chicago Black Caucus (Member)
International Association of Women (Previous NAPW): received the 2013 – 2014 Woman of the Year
Association for Gifted Children (Member)
Church Lector and Member of the Catholic LUMEN CORDIUM SOCIETY
Court Reporter for Chicago Title & Trust prior to teaching
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Education at Chicago State University
Master of Science in Education at Governor’s State University
60+ hours of Post Graduate Education at several Universities
Gifted Teacher Certificate: Illinois State University – Grade A
Entrepreneurship and Self-Sufficiency Mini Society Certificates
STATEMENT:
I would continue to bring knowledge, dedication, and prior experience successfully fulfilling the role of Trustee. I am focused and anxious to help protect pension benefits that we all worked so hard through the years to continue to receive. I am committed to look out for the members as evidenced by my ongoing accomplishments as Pensioner Trustee. I believe that attendance at meetings is important, so I make it a point to attend in – person. I recently attended the NCPERS Accredited Fiduciary (NAF) Program Modules 1&2 one year and Modules – 3&4 the second year which focuses on Pension Fund Governance.
A Trustee must be a good Fiduciary and “Watch Dog” if you will, regarding the ongoing workings within the Fund. I read all of the fine as well as the large print and research ideas in order to ascertain the relevance of the idea as related to the Fund and/or to the members. A Trustee must monitor the workings of the Fund as written in the Statutes that govern the Chicago Teachers’ Fund.
I have gone to Springfield many times in the past with groups to advocate for the restoration of the Tax Levy contribution to CTPF by the state. It has now been restored at a higher contribution rate. The resent Lobbying by Trustees, Director Lenoir, Staff and the RTAC President, Luella Preston in March of 2025 was to request an increase of the 65Million allotted for the subsidy which is now 60% because I asked for an analysis in 2019 for consideration of a raise from 50%. With so many new Retirees, the subsidy is still set now, but may have to change later. Also, the penalty for Guest Teachers who worked beyond the allotted days which are 140 now until June 2027, will be reduced by the signing by Governor Pritzker on August 15, 2025. The additional focus now is, no more Holidays and timely appropriate payments into our Fund by CPS. Also, I will continue to fight to protect the 3% Cola, “No” state tax for Pensioners, and “No” TRS Combo.
Another level of understanding is the types of investments that bring about increased revenue and lower fees that affect the Fund’s Bottom Line Assets. Pertinent questions are being asked regarding Private Equity and divestment from Fossil Fuels which are a detriment to us.
I attend Investment Forums and Conferences as required by the Statutes to keep up with new investment possibilities. The Knowledge and experience of the Staff at the Fund is paramount in all areas and is necessary to acknowledge their expertise and advice, but to also be able to work collaboratively toward the final outcome.
Disclaimer: CTPF is not responsible for the content of this material and has not verified any of the information.