Annual Delegates Meeting

NYSTRS welcomed more than 400 delegates from across the state to the Annual Delegates Meeting, held Nov. 1 and 2 at the Saratoga Springs City Center. 

There, delegates traveled with NYSTRS on the Road to Retirement, participating in educational seminars that guided them through the retirement journey. The meeting included a Delegate-Board/Staff Discussion and culminated in the election of a teacher Board member.

Delegates Reelect Little to NYSTRS Board

Delegates attending the Retirement System’s Annual Delegates Meeting unanimously elected Donald A. Little III to a new three-year term on NYSTRS’ Board of Trustees.

Little was first elected to the Board in 2024. A teacher in the Syracuse City School District, he serves on the Board’s Audit, Disability Review, Ethics, and Risk committees. 

“I am grateful to be able to continue to serve as a trustee. It is a real joy to go around the state and to support the education of our members in this important work,” Little said in his acceptance remarks following the election. 

Little is one of three active teacher members on the 10-member Retirement Board. The other active teacher Board members are Eric J. Iberger from the Bayport-Blue Point Union Free School District and Natalie McKay from the Schoharie Central School District. Board President David P. Keefe is the retired teacher member on the Board. 

Travel on the Road to Retirement

This year’s Annual Delegates Meeting featured the Road to Retirement, a tool to help NYSTRS members track their progress and prepare for retirement at any stage of their career. Visit the Road to Retirement page to travel along the Road, explore resources, and get ready to retire.

Educational Seminars

The meeting provided attendees the opportunity to participate in pension-related educational seminars and discussions. Materials from these sessions are below. Check back soon for video recordings.

Sunday, Nov. 1

From Enrollment to Retirement – Supporting and Serving Our Members
Explore what NYSTRS has to offer beyond a secure pension. Learn how our exceptional customer service, from enrollment through retirement, ensures our members receive dependable, trustworthy support.

View the From Enrollment to Retirement – Supporting and Serving Our Members slides.

Prior Service – How to Get the Credit You Deserve! 
Travel back in time to examine prior service. Let NYSTRS be your guide as we walk through the process of verifying and purchasing prior service, where even a small amount of additional service credit can make a big impact on your benefit.

View the Prior Service – How to Get the Credit You Deserve! slides.

Estate Planning 101
Back by popular demand! Steven Kramer demystifies wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care proxies and living wills. Kramer is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and was named a Power Lawyer by Schneps Media.

Presentation slides are not available. A recording will be made available after the meeting.

Social Security – What to Consider as You Approach Late Career 
Embark on your next chapter knowing you’ve chosen the right time to file for Social Security. Claiming early may provide income sooner; delaying may increase your monthly benefit. Discover how to make an informed decision that supports your long-term financial security.

View the Social Security – What to Consider as You Approach Late Career slides.

Delegate-Board/Staff Discussion

Monday, Nov. 2

Consultations – What Can You Expect from NYSTRS? 
Map your future with a retirement consultation. See why 97% of NYSTRS members surveyed recommend this valuable pre-retirement check-in as a reliable compass on your journey to retirement.

View the Consultations – What Can You Expect from NYSTRS? slides.

Earnings – What You Need to Know Before and After Retirement
Adventure into retirement with all your earnings-related questions answered. What earnings are included in your pension calculation? What is bona fide termination? What if you return to work after retirement? Get these answers and more.

View the Earnings – What You Need to Know Before and After Retirement slides.

From Insight to Foresight
Enjoy the view as you gain a deeper understanding of NYSTRS’ financial health and the principles that guide its long-term success. Examine how responsible funding practices and a disciplined investment philosophy ensure retirement security for our members.

View the From Insight to Foresight slides.

Election of Teacher Board Member
The election includes the adoption of Rules of Procedure, the election of a chairperson and secretary, and the election of a teacher Board member. Only delegates properly reported by their employer could vote.

About Delegates 

Elected by peers at their district, NYSTRS delegates serve two important functions: to elect a teacher member to the Retirement Board at the Annual Delegates Meeting, and to serve as a liaison between NYSTRS and the members in their district.

Look for Our Emails

We routinely email delegates with information to assist them in their role, along with educational materials to share with colleagues to keep them informed about NYSTRS.

Our primary means of communication is school email addresses. If you’re a delegate or alternate, look for emails from us with the sender name "Convention Delegate" and [email protected] address. 

If you do not receive our emails, check your spam folder or contact your IT department and ask them to whitelist emails from [email protected].