Q and A. Pension cost shift. « Fred Klonsky

Q and A. Pension cost shift. « Fred Klonsky:

Q and A. Pension cost shift.

by Fred Klonsky

Question:
So if the pension costs are shifted to the local districts, what mechanism or law will prevent them from also not funding the system? Why can’t they do like the state and ignore their obligations?
- Edie Wade

Answer:
Dear Edie,
Disclaimer: This is from an English teacher’s perspective and not from a lawyer’s analysis:
“The State shall provide for an efficient system of high quality public educational institutions and services… The State has the primary responsibility for financing the system of public education” (Article X, Section 1 of the Illinois Constitution).
If we interpret “financing the ‘system of public education’” to also mean financing the teachers’