January 2026

Louisiana voters to decide on proposed constitutional amendment this spring

Here's how it would affect TRSL

On the ballot for the May 16 statewide election, you’ll see a constitutional amendment that would impact TRSL, if passed by voters. This amendment is a more streamlined version of another amendment that failed in the March 29, 2025 statewide election. That amendment included many proposals related to taxes and government spending in addition to the TRSL-specific proposal.

The amendment on the ballot this spring focuses on just one issue: Voters are again being asked whether the balances of three constitutionally protected education trust funds should be used to pay retirement debt as a way to permanently fund pay increases for teachers and school support staff.

Here’s what you need to know:

Retirement debt, commonly referred to as the unfunded accrued liability (UAL), is debt owed to TRSL by the state.

The state has chosen to pay the UAL by making it a part of the annual contribution rate employers pay to TRSL.
The amendment proposes to use the money in the three education trust funds to erase a portion of the UAL, which would lower the contribution rate and create savings for employers.
Employers would be required to use the savings from the reduced contribution rate to make permanent salary increases of $2,250 for teachers and $1,125 for school personnel if the amendment passes.

Visit www.trsl.org as the election date approaches for more information.

New and Returning Board Members

2025 Election Results: TRSL Board of Trustees welcomes new trustees – and a few returning ones

District 2: In a special election, Stephanie Meyer Underwood was elected to serve the remainder of a four-year term that expires in December 2027. She represents actively working TRSL members in the parishes of Orleans, St. Tammany, and Washington. Underwood previously taught in St. Tammany Parish schools and is now a member of leadership for the St. Tammany Federation of Teachers and School Employees.

Colleges & Universities: In a special election, Mike Morgan, CPA (Louisiana State University), was elected to serve the remainder of a four-year term that expires in December. He represents actively working TRSL members employed at a college or university. Morgan is an accounting instructor at LSU’s E. J. Ourso College of Business. He previously worked as chief financial officer for a private equity-owned software company.

School Food Service: Sommer D. Purvis was elected without opposition to represent actively working TRSL members who are paid with school food service funds. Purvis is the child nutrition director for Livingston Parish Public Schools and has served on the TRSL Board since 2021.

Superintendents: Iberville Parish School Superintendent Louis Voiron, Jr., Ed.D., was elected without opposition in a special election to serve the remainder of a four-year term that expires at the end of this year. He will represent active members employed as a city or parish superintendent. Voiron is a 31-year educator who has also served as a teacher, assistant principal, supervisor of elementary education, director of human resources, and chief academic officer.

Retirees: Clyde F. Hamner was re-elected without opposition to represent retired TRSL members. Hamner retired after 33 years of teaching and administrative services in Terrebonne Parish.

TRSL Board of Trustees Elections

If you’ve ever thought about running for the TRSL Board of Trustees, 2026 might be the perfect year to turn that thought into action. Five seats will be up for election.

Here are the openings and eligibility qualifications:

District 1*: You must be a TRSL member who is actively employed in Ascension, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, or St. John the Baptist parishes.
District 7*: You must be a TRSL member who is actively employed in Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Mary, or Vermilion parishes.
Superintendents*: You must be a TRSL member who is actively employed as a city or parish school superintendent.
Colleges/Universities*: You must be a TRSL member who is actively employed by a state college or university in Louisiana.
Retiree: You must be a TRSL member who retires no later than April 30, 2026. TRSL retirees who have returned to work are also eligible.

*Includes members who are participating in DROP or working after DROP.

Qualifying will open February 23 and close April 30. Visit www.trsl.org/elections for more details, including FAQs on what’s involved in serving on the TRSL Board of Trustees.

Save the date!

TRSL will be at the Louisiana Department of Education Teacher Leader Summit in New Orleans May 26-28. Whether you just started teaching or you’re nearing retirement, we can’t wait to meet you.

Here’s what to expect:

Visit our booth at the Education Exhibitors’ Expo. We’ll have lots of resources to help you on your retirement journey.

Sign up for a TRSL presentation at the event. Our TRSL education team – Jerri and Cliff – will be on the ground with information for all the important points on your path toward retirement.

Take a deep dive into your retirement plan

2025 brought great news for members of TRSL’s defined benefit plan.

TRSL reached a milestone that speaks to the soundness of the retirement system. TRSL’s funded status now stands at 80.3%. That means we’ve not only reached, but eclipsed the commonly cited 80% funded benchmark that indicates the health of a retirement system.

Want to learn more? Dive in with our annual must reads. Whether you’re a fan of longform reading or prefer just the highlights, we have something for you...

Dive in with these online resources

Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: A detailed look at TRSL’s investment performance, financial position, statistics, and more for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. With 148 pages, you’ll find lots of information.

Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR): An eight-page summary of the 148-page comprehensive financial report. This condensed version still contains a wealth of information.

Annual Valuation Report: This actuarial report captures TRSL’s assets, liabilities, and funding requirements as of June 30, 2025. It also provides the recommended contribution rates for employers in the upcoming school year.

Zoom into Retirement or DROP

If you’re nearing retirement or DROP, zip into a 30-minute virtual counseling appointment with TRSL’s seasoned retirement educators, Cliff and Jerri. Let us answer all your questions so you can cruise into the next chapter of your life.

These one-on-one counseling appointments are just for members who are within two years of retirement or DROP eligibility and include an estimate of your projected retirement benefits. Space is limited, and the appointments fill up quickly.

Request your spot here.

Member Access is becoming myTRSL

A new year seems like the perfect time for an exciting change – and we have an update worthy of a drumroll.

Member Access is becoming myTRSL with a new design, new features, enhanced security, and more! With this new portal, you’ll easily navigate the road to retirement.

Liftoff starts in April so be on the lookout for registration details via email and social media. Your Member Access login and password will not work for the new portal.