TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Members of the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System School will vote for a new board member.

The Kansas Public Employee Retirement System says it will hold an election for school members to choose a director to represent them on the KPERS board for the next four years. He said the election will end on April 30 and members must have retired from a school employer or are currently working in order for one to be eligible to vote. He said that includes teachers and other district staff.

According to KPERS, board members play a crucial role as a trustee in overseeing its operations and investment programs. He said the positions elected by members allow members to have their voices heard in the boardroom. He said the school election will feature two candidates:

• Ernie (Paul E.) Claudel, retired educator and building administrator, $ 233 Olathe
• Ben Jacobs, Superintendent, USD 355 Ellinwood

KPERS said school members are encouraged to vote online. He said telephone voting and paper voting options are also available by calling 1-888-275-5737.

According to KPERS, current Ryan Trader administrator Olathe was unopposed as a “non-school” board member and will retain his seat, with a new term starting July 1.

KPERS said its board has nine directors. He said the governor appoints four, legislative leaders appoint two, members of the pension system elect two, and the elected state treasurer is one.

KPERS said it provides retirement, disability and death benefits to school, state and local civil service employees. He said the pension system has over 325,000 members and manages over $ 23 billion in assets. He said the system also oversees KPERS 457, Kansas’ 457 (b) voluntary deferred compensation plan.

Candidates’ biographies and more information regarding the election can be found, HERE.

To vote online, click on HERE.

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