HARRISBURG, PA — In a decisive move to ensure the financial stability and strategic growth of the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS), the Board of Trustees has approved several critical measures during their recent meeting. These actions include the endorsement of the 2023-24 fiscal year audited financial statements, revisions to the asset allocation strategy, and a significant new investment commitment.
The independent auditor’s report, which received an unmodified opinion, confirmed that PSERS’ financial statements fairly represent the fiduciary net position. The data revealed a 6.2% increase in the system’s net position, reaching $77.4 billion. Furthermore, the market value funded ratio experienced a 4.5% rise, bringing it to 64.6%, while the long-term market value of the net pension liability saw a notable reduction of nearly 6%, settling at approximately $42 billion.
Chief Financial Officer Brian Lyman attributed these positive financial outcomes to the combination of $5.8 billion in net investment income and the comprehensive support from the General Assembly, Governor, and employers. “This support is imperative to pay down the unfunded liability,” Lyman emphasized, highlighting the importance of these collaborative efforts in maintaining fiscal health.
The Board also approved strategic changes to the asset allocation, reflecting an increased target for public equity by two percentage points to 32%. Concurrently, public commodities and private real estate allocations were each reduced by one percentage point, now standing at 4% and 6%, respectively. These adjustments, which include minor changes within fixed income holdings and the elimination of the fund’s tail risk mitigation strategy, are slated for completion by December 1, 2024, and will guide investment strategies for up to three years.
Investment Committee Chairman Jason Davis commented on the asset allocation modifications, stating, “These changes are a step toward aligning the fund’s investment posture with our most recent market assumptions, liquidity profile, and risk appetite.” This strategic alignment is crucial as the Board navigates evolving market conditions.
In addition to these adjustments, the Board sanctioned a new investment commitment of up to $250 million to Brookfield Infrastructure Structured Solutions, L.P., further bolstering PSERS’ investment portfolio. Moreover, an update was provided on the sale of 13 private equity funds on the secondary market, culminating in a transaction with an aggregate net asset value of $822 million, a move Chief Investment Officer Ben Cotton described as “well priced” to optimize exposure within private market holdings.
In other developments, the Board approved a revised Classification and Compensation Plan Policy and released the 2025 monthly premium rates for the PSERS Health Options Program (HOP), adhering to federal regulations for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefits. HOP participants will be informed of these changes, effective January 1, 2025, as mandated by CMS notification requirements.
These actions taken by the PSERS Board of Trustees reflect a proactive approach to managing the retirement system’s assets and ensuring the long-term financial security of its members.
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