STATEMENT OF CANDIDACY

Dear CTPF Members,

I am asking for your vote to be re-elected as your CTPF Active Teacher Trustee.  I believe my track record of results, integrity, and deep commitment to strengthening our Pension Fund makes me the right person to protect your financial future. 

About Me

I was raised by two CPS educators who were both members of CTU Local 1 with a combined total of 50+ years of service. Present time, my wife and I both work for CPS and our children attend CPS high schools.  Along with 25+ years of dedicated service in Chicago Public Schools, I have earned two masters degrees and six professional licenses. 

I understand what a secure retirement means—not just for us, but for our loved ones.  My goal is to ensure every member retires with the dignity and respect they have rightfully earned.

Why Vote for Me?

In my previous term as CTPF Investment Committee Chair, I championed financial discipline and governance that delivered concrete outcomes:

• Applied expertise across stocks, bonds, real estate, commodities and venture capital markets
• Advocated for transparency and sound governance, ensuring every investment decision is accountable and follows our codified due diligence process
• Introduced a model portfolio maximizing returns while adhering to our values

Under my leadership, we achieved returns that outperformed expectations. Recent reports show CTPF’s time-weighted return for FY 2023 was 9.1%, well above the actuarial assumption of 6.5%.

Ask yourself:

• Are our current Trustees fully protecting and growing our pension fund and your retirement savings without making unforced errors?
• Why isn’t the Fund ranked among the top performers compared to peer pension systems?
• Are we demanding superior performance — “peak efficiency” in everything from investments to customer service?

We deserve nothing less.

What I Commit to as Your Trustee

If re-elected, I will:

• Enforce codified policies to maximize returns while limiting risks
• Apply rigorous “watch-list” standards, aligned with industry and best-practice principles
• Maintain high standards of service and responsiveness from Fund employees and leadership
• Manage the Fund’s assets prudently with care, skill, and diligence

Recent Work & Vision

Since my last term:

• I have deepened my expertise in emerging market sectors — especially Artificial Intelligence and cloud infrastructure following smart institutional investment trends.
• I have increased exposure into tax advantaged opportunities i.e. ROTH IRA and 403B, buying low-cost index funds, following a dollar cost average investment strategy.
• I actively take advantage of market inefficiencies, such as high volatility movements, which results in arbitrage opportunities and significant gains.

It’s Time to Strengthen Our Fund
I know many of us worry about inflation, shrinking purchasing power, and whether what we’ve earned will still be enough.  We need to take action.

Vote for:

• A trustee with a proven record of financial discipline
• A trustee with the experience and expertise to maximize long term results
• A trustee who will use his authority, voice and advocacy for our Tier 2 Members

Vote Philip Weiss

Active Teacher Trustee — November 2025

“Your pension is a promise — a promise that must never be broken”

Let’s ensure no one ever jeopardizes that promise.

Disclaimer: CTPF is not responsible for the content of this material and has not verified any of the information.