Statement of Candidacy

My name is Quentin S. Washington and I am an incumbent CTPF Teacher Trustee seeking re-election for a second term. Since joining the board in November 2021, I have received over 75 hours of trustee educational training, which has enhanced my ability to use sound judgement as a fiduciary to the fund. I currently serve as the chairman of the Pension Laws and Administrative Rules committee, which sets the legislative agenda for the fund. Some of my top priorities include: 

• Working to ensure that CTPF is not merged with TRS; 
• Working to protect the retirement security of our Tier 2 members so that they are able to retire with dignity; 
• Working to modify the pension statute that severely reduces retirees’ pension benefits for exceeding 140 days of guest teacher work within an academic year. This results in the cancellation of one month of pension benefits; we are lobbying to reduce the penalty to one benefit day lost, per one work day exceeded. 

In addition to these legislative priorities, I am currently seeking reforms to the way that CTPF informs retirees about the amount of work days they have accrued, in an effort to help them avoid exceeding the 140 days limit and the penalties associated with doing so. 

My work as a pension trustee allows me to align my principles of being a good steward over the resources entrusted to me, with advocating for just and equitable investment and labor practices, which benefits all. These practices include: 

• Enforcing our investment policies that requires investments with minority-owned brokerages. Currently, 52% of our assets are with MWDVBE (Minority Women Disadvantaged Veteran Business Enterprises) firms, promoting diversity, which is a best practice for achieving maximum investment growth. 
• We have established and are maintaining a well- diversified portfolio that generally reflects our principles as educators as it generates enough revenue to meet our monthly pension obligations, without the need to liquidate assets to pay benefits. 
• I advocated for the Board to adhere to its COLA policy for staff, which at that time was based upon the Social Security cost of living index, to protect the wages that had been guaranteed to CTPF staff. “Promises Made, Promises Kept!” In addition, we updated the COLA policy to reflect a COLA structure that is similar to what active teachers receive. 
• I championed and achieved reforms to our Disability Pension policy to expedite the approval process for our members suffering with permanent disabilities that render them no longer able to work. The expedited process allows our members to begin receiving their pension benefits in the quickest amount of time possible, while minimizing the hurdles members once endured. 

Furthermore, I am also committed to advocating for common sense governance to ensure that our fund is well managed and funded. Such governance includes: 

• Procuring Internal and external audits to ensure that all employers (CPS and Charter operators) are accurately reporting data to ensure all CTPF members are adequately compensated at the time of their retirement. 
• Ensure that we hire and maintain staff and personnel to adequately meet the needs of our membership and organization. 
• Investing in a Pension Administrative System (PAS) that begins new retirees benefits within 30-days. 
• Committed to applying Environmental Social Governance (ESG) principles to all investment practices, including private equity; ensure that our investments protect labor, avoid union busting, and demonstrates our commitment to divesting from fossil fuels, private prisons, and weapons armament.          

Education
DePaul University, Chicago, IL Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Enrolled: 09/2022-Present
VanderCook College of Music, Chicago, IL Master of Music Education, Degree Earned: 12/2008
Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, OK Master of Education, Degree Earned: 08/2002
Langston University, Langston, OK Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, Degree Earned: 05/2001

Occupational Experiences 

Chicago Teachers Pension Fund (CTPF), Chicago, IL Trustee 11/2021-Present 

Stuart Quinn Realty, LLC Realtor/Managing Broker 05/2015-Present 

• Work with buyers, sellers and investor clients to meet their real estate needs including helping them to secure financing, procure professional services and manage the real estate transaction to closing 

Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), Chicago, IL Trustee/Teacher Delegate 03/2016-Present 

• Currently serve as chair of the Trustee Board for the union 
• Currently serve as Teacher Delegate at Sadlowski Elementary School 
• Currently serve as a member of the Chicago Teachers Union Executive Board 
• Previously served as Elementary Functional Vice President 

Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Chicago, IL Music Teacher 09/2002-Present 

-Edward Sadlowski Elementary School 08/2016 – Present 

• Provide piano and general music instruction to students 
• Coordinate assemblies and other special school programs and celebrations 
• Serve on the Fine Arts Council 
• Previously served as a member of the Instructional Leadership Team 

-Henry H. Nash Elementary School (CPS), Chicago, IL 08/2015 – 08/2016 

-Alex Haley Fine Arts Academy (CPS), Chicago, IL 08/2013 – 08/2015 

-John P. Altgeld Elementary School (CPS), Chicago, IL 02/2009 – 06/2013 

-Ashburn Elementary School (CPS), Chicago, IL 08/2008 – 06/2009 

-Martha Ruggles Elementary School (CPS), Chicago, IL 09/2004 – 06/2008 

-Grandville T. Woods Elementary School (CPS), Chicago, IL 01/2004 – 06/2005 

-Edward H. White Elementary School (CPS), Chicago, IL 09/2003 – 06/2004 

-Ronald H. Brown Academy (CPS), Chicago, IL 09/2002 – 12/2003 

Affiliations 

• Founder of Stuart Quinn Realty, LLC 
• Member of CORE: Caucus of Rank and File Educators 
• Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. 
• Member of the National Association of Realtors 

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