STATEMENT OF CANDIDACY
Contact information: marierodriguez106@gmail.com
773.960.7173 - Cell
Maria is a current Pensioner Trustee of the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund with 20 years Board experience, advocating for all CTPF members. She is the only Independent Trustee on the Board, who is recognized as the CTPF “fiscal watchdog”. During the June 26, 2025, Board Meeting, Maria was the only Trustee who voted against the CTPF proposed budget. A budget which included 1)$350,000.00 for staff executives and trustee conference travel expenses. 2) Additional build-out office space on the 30th floor with an added rental agreement. 3) Annual Salary increases for staff and an additional 5% COLA increase. She does not attend conferences. She receives her CTPF Trustee training hours online and during Board meetings.
Maria diligently monitors fund investments by reviewing their benchmarks, their performance and their fees to ensure growth in our portfolio continues for current and future retirees. Maria is the minority voice on the Board of Trustees, highlighting discrepancies and challenging the “status quo” by asking questions and requesting explanations over party related transactions.
Fighting for the retirees’ health insurance subsidy is also one of her top priorities. She fought to maintain the 60% subsidy for retirees earlier this year. The 60% subsidy will remain the same for 2026. Maria is scheduled to give testimony in Springfield this month in support of SB1893 to increase the Health Insurance subsidy from the state.
Practical Knowledge
Trustee 1999-2011 & 2017-Current
Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund President, Vice President, Recording Secretary and Financial Secretary during my tenure.
Chairperson and Committee Member of every CTPF committee, Health Insurance,
Investments, Ethics Policy, Legislation, Pension Law & Rules, Personnel just to name a few.
2004-2011
Chicago Teacher’s Union Field Representative. Worked with Labor Law Attorneys,
Arbitrators, CPS Law Department Hearing Officers, representing members during
Grievance Hearings, Arbitrations, Investigatory Hearings and Inspector General Hearings.
Instructional Educator for the Chicago Public Schools for 34 years with a break in service from 1985-1987, Educator in San Antonio, Texas.
Memberships
Auxiliary 16 Retiree Chapter
Chicago Teacher’s Union Retiree Chapter
Retired Teachers Association of Chicago
Retirees In Motion
Education
Governor’s State University, University Park, Illinois
Master of Arts, Administration
Master of Arts, Elementary Education/Bilingual Education
*45 Post Graduate Hours
University of Illinois, Chicago IL.
Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education
Jones Commercial High School Graduate
Robert M. Healy Elementary Graduate.
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