HomeMy WebLinkAboutPennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System - Public Financial ReportA Message From the Executive Director
On behalf of our Board of Trustees and PSERS pension professionals,
I am pleased to present the Summary Annual Financial Report
(SAFR) for the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 (FY 2021).
This report summarizes the financial data and accomplishments
from FY 2021 that are provided in greater detail in PSERS’ Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The ACFR is online at
psers.pa.gov.
Providing $7.1 Billion in Benefits During a Pandemic
In FY 2021, PSERS distributed $7.1 billion in total pension
benefits. Of this amount, $6.7 billion, or nearly 94%, went to retired
members who reside in Pennsylvania. Those benefits bolster the
Commonwealth’s economy when retirees spend them in their local communities.
Receiving Full Funding
The ongoing budgetary commitment of Gov. Tom Wolf and the Legislature authorizing state and school employers to pay the full
amount of the actuarially required contributions continues to
help improve PSERS’ funded status. From FY 2017 to FY 2021
PSERS received full actuarial funding from school employers and
the Commonwealth after 15 previous years of underfunding. Full
actuarial funding from employers, along with member contributions
and investment income, are all necessary sources of funds that will pay
down the unfunded liability and bring PSERS back to fully funded
status.
PSERS Earns $14.8 Billion in Net Investment Income
The net investment gain between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021,
was the main factor which helped push the System’s total net assets up by $13.5 billion to an all-time high of $72.5 billion. The time-
weighted net rate of return on the System’s investments was 24.58%.
HOP Prescription Drug Program Received CMS 5-Star Rating PSERS Prescription Drug Employer Group Waiver Plan received the
Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) highest
rating, 5 Stars, for this year for use in 2022. PSERS Prescription Drug
Programs (PDP) is among only nine other plans in the U.S. to receive
this award of excellence. CMS’ Medicare Star Rating program rates
Medicare Advantage (MA) and PDP based on a number of metrics
around quality and performance. Rating criteria is based on a 1 to 5-point system. The ratings help members select the best plans for
themselves or their families.
This marks the first time PSERS earned a 5 Star Rating in the 15-year history of offering a Medicare Part D program. The HOP PDP
program has a history of earning high ratings of 4.0 to 4.5 rating
annually since 2019 for overall service and quality of the prescription
drug plan that retirees voluntarily pay for through monthly premiums.
PSERS’ latest CMS Star rating was based in part on how our members
rate the plan’s services and care, and how well our plan helps our
members use recommended and safe prescription medications.
From left: Jennifer A. Mills, PSERS Deputy Executive Director of Benefits & Director of Defined Contribution Investments; Glen R. Grell, PSERS Executive Director; Beverly Hudson, PSERS Deputy Executive Director of Administration
Respectfully,
Glen R. Grell
PSERS Executive Director
November 5, 2021
Table of Contents
About PSERS & HOP..........................2-3
Budgetary & Financial Governance......4-5
Financial Highlights............................6-7
Investment Highlights....................................8-9
PSERS Internal Management........................10
Commitment to Improving Transparency........11
Pension Benefit Amounts..................12
Economic Impact in PA...................13
Board of Trustees.............................14
Page 2
About PSERS
A Closer Look: PSERS’ Active Members
As of June 30, 2021, PSERS had approximately 248,000 active
members with an annual payroll of $14.2 billion.
• The top five largest school employers are: Philadelphia City
School District, Pittsburgh School District, Central Bucks
School District, Allentown City School District, and North
Penn School District.• The average age of a PSERS active member is approximately
45 years with 12 years of service.• The most years of service earned by a current active member is
56 years.
• The average salary of an active member increased from
$54,535 in 2020 to $56,663 in 2021.
A Closer Look: PSERS’ Retired Members
As of June 30, 2021, PSERS had approximately 243,000 retirees
and beneficiaries who receive over $531 million in pension and
healthcare benefits each month.
• The average yearly benefit paid to retirees increased from
$25,753 in 2020 to $25,992 in 2021.• Over 72% of PSERS retirees receive an annual pension benefit
of less than $40,000.• Six-figure pensions are rare, with fewer than 0.5% of PSERS
retirees receiving an annual pension benefit over $100,000
after serving an average of 37 years in public education.• The oldest PSERS retiree is 107 years old.
PSERS was established on July 18, 1917, and officially began
operations on July 1, 1919, to provide retirement benefits to
public school employees of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
PSERS’ role expanded upon the passage of Act 5 of 2017 to
include oversight of two new classes consisting of defined benefit
(DB) and defined contribution (DC) components and a stand-
alone DC class. PSERS currently serves over 500,000 active,
terminated vested, and retired public school employees.
PSERS is administered by a staff of 365 and has 769 reporting
units as of June 30, 2021. PSERS is headquartered in Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, and also has seven field offices in strategic areas of
the Commonwealth to enable direct contact with the members
and employers.
PSERS Defined
Benefit (DB) Plan
PSERS Defined
Contribution (DC) Plan
A member’s pension benefit is
determined by a formula that includes
a pension multiplier, years of service,
and final average salary and is fully
funded during their working lifetime.
A member’s retirement is based on
member and employer contributions,
the investment performance on
those contributions, and the fees
and expenses deducted from the
member’s DC account.
A DB pension is guaranteed, regardless
of market fluctuations.
Member and employer contributions
have the potential to grow based
on investment earnings, but are not
guaranteed against loss in declining
investment markets.
Members in the DB Plan contribute
between 4.50% and 10.30% of their
pay to PSERS DB Plan depending on
their class of membership. With the
Shared Risk/Shared Gain provision,
the contribution rate may change for
some membership classes based on
investment performance.
Members with a DC account
contribute between 2.75% and
7.50% of their pay to PSERS DC
Plan depending on the class of
membership.
Page 3
About PSERS (continued)
The PSERS Health Options Program (HOP) continues to see steady growth in enrollment and now has more than 121,000 PSERS retirees,
spouses, and dependents enrolled as of June 30, 2021. Within the plan, there is a Dental Program offering which has eclipsed 27,000
enrollees. A Vision Program was added in January 2021 and has over 27,000 enrollees.
PSERS Prescription Drug Employer Group Waiver Plan received the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) highest
rating, 5 Stars, for this year for use in 2022. PSERS PDP is among only nine other plans in the U.S. to receive this award of excellence.
CMS’ Medicare Star Rating program rates Medicare Advantage (MA) and Prescription Drug Programs (PDP) based on a number of metrics
around quality and performance. Rating criteria is based on a 1- to 5- point system. The ratings help members select the best plans for
themselves or their families.
This marks the first time PSERS earned a 5 Star Rating in the 15-year history of offering a Medicare Part D program. The HOP PDP
program has a history of earning high ratings of 4.0 to 4.5 annually since 2019 for overall service and quality of the prescription drug plan
that retirees voluntarily pay for through monthly premiums. PSERS’ latest CMS Star rating was based in part on how our members rate the
plan’s services and care, and how well our plan helps our members use recommended and safe prescription medications.
PSERS HOP Prescription Drug Program Received Highest Rating from
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
A Closer Look: PSERS Defined Contribution Plan Participants
School employees who became new members of PSERS on or after
July 1, 2019, can choose from three classes of membership: two
consisting of defined benefit and defined contribution components and one that is a stand-alone defined contribution plan. As of June
2021, nearly 30,000 participants were enrolled in the DC plan and
had a balance.
The Retirement Code requires the DC plan to provide no less
than 10 investment options offered by three or more investment
providers. Currently, the DC plan has eight providers offering 20
investment options. As of June 30, 2021, the total DC plan balance
was over $56 million.
Page 4
PSERS Saves $6.4 Million Annually in Administrative Costs
PSERS participates in an annual independent, international benchmarking survey evaluating
its costs and service performance in comparison to other public pension funds. Based on the
most recent survey, PSERS had a 13% lower pension administration cost per member than
the average cost for its peer group. By running a lean and efficient operation, PSERS saves the
Commonwealth and school employers approximately $6.4 million annually in administrative
expenses compared to its peers.
PSERS’ administrative budget is not funded by taxpayers through the Commonwealth’s General
Fund, but from investment earnings of the Fund itself.
PSERS continues to be a leader among large U.S. public pension funds in its effective control
of expenses while providing necessary services to its membership. In the past three years,
the System has added significantly to the number of active and retired members electing to
receive newsletters, statement of accounts, 1099-Rs and other publications and documents
electronically, which saves the agency more than $225,000 per year in postage, printing, and
paper costs.
During FY 2021 specifically, the agency achieved substantial savings in postage, reduced
contracted maintenance and repair services, decreased rental of equipment and software, and
lowered purchases of computer hardware and other equipment, all of which keep more of
PSERS assets available for the benefit of the Fund and its members. In addition to these savings,
PSERS renegotiated the terms with its database management system vendor through the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania contract to reduce costs by $125,000.
Litigation and Contingencies
In 2021, the System received subpoenas from various federal agencies regarding the certification
of the shared risk member contribution rate in December 2020, as well as the purchase and
valuation of certain directly held properties. PSERS is cooperating fully with the federal
investigations and the PSERS Board has retained outside counsel to conduct an independent
internal investigation of the shared risk calculation and the purchase and valuation of certain
directly held properties. PSERS expects to incur legal costs and other expenses in connection
with responding to the federal investigations and from conducting its own internal investigation.
It is the opinion of management that the ultimate liability arising from such threatened, pending
litigation and investigations will not have a material effect on the financial position of the
System.
FY 2021 Customer Service Highlights
Answered
185,115
Member Calls
Processed
9,614
Retirement
Applications
Counseled
6,240
Members for
Retirement
Responded to
64,944
Member Emails
& Secure
Messages
Prepared & Issued
266,584
1099-R’s
Issued
2.8 Million
Monthly Benefit
Payments to
Members
Budgetary and Financial Governance
PSERS saves the
Commonwealth and school
employers approximately
$6.4 million annually in
administrative expenses.
FY 2020 Customer Service Highlights - Comparative Data
Answered
159,758Member Calls
Processed
8,781
Retirement
Applications
Counseled
5,970
Members for
Retirement
Responded to
61,251Member Emails
Prepared & Issued
263,7161099-R’s
Issued 2.8 MillionMonthly Benefit Payments to Members
Page 5
Member Self-Service Improvements
Members continued to benefit from improvements to the PSERS
Member Self-Service (MSS) Portal, particularly during the
pandemic. Even as offices were temporarily closed, the MSS Portal
remained available and has proved to be a valuable resource.
Since being implemented in April 2018, more than 200,000
members have created their online account and conducted more
than 280,000 transactions for themselves. The most common
actions taken are to create their own retirement estimates, update
their beneficiaries, update their address and generate their own
income verification. MSS also allows members to “Go Green”
and as a result, nearly 95% of all MSS accounts have opted to go
paperless and receive information from PSERS electronically.
In December of 2020, secure messaging functionality was added
which enables members to communicate with PSERS securely
within the online portal with messages retained in their online
account. More than 7,000 messages have been received since this
was implemented with an average response time of less than two
business days.
In an ongoing effort to improve MSS, PSERS will be adding
multiple enhancements in late 2021 and 2022 including:• A redesigned platform which will provide easier navigation
on PCs and mobile devices.• Additional information available in members’ accounts.
• More reports for employers.• Ability to track status of applications submitted for a
retirement estimate, retirement benefit, or refund.
Budgetary and Financial Governance (continued)
PSERS Saves Over $225,000 annually
in Printing & Mailing Costs with Paperless
Delivery
101,985 Retirement Estimates
84,388 Nominations of Beneficiaries
44,891 Income Verifications
36,840 Address Changes
(as of June 30, 2021)
Since its inception in April 2018, members
have completed nearly 280,000
transactions online through their MSS
Portal instead of using paper forms.
Commonly completed transactions
include:
Since March 16, 2020, most PSERS employees have been working remotely from their homes, with limited visits to physical
office locations. PSERS operations and processes quickly adjusted with staff working remotely with only brief interruptions
to call center and walk-in, in-person assistance availability. Since then, overall, productivity has been maintained or even
improved. Based on surveys conducted of persons attending online webinars, the majority of respondents preferred to have an
in-person option for counseling. As a result, in-person counseling sessions began again in September 2021, while participating
in these via a webinar will also continue to be an available option.
While all new retirees are required to set up direct deposit, PSERS had more than 11,000 annuitants receiving a monthly
benefit via a paper check. PSERS faced a significant challenge due to issues with the U.S. Postal Service in the month of March
2021, resulting in these members experiencing significant delays in receiving their benefit. Normal email and phone call
volumes more than doubled due to repeated and ongoing outreach by these impacted members. PSERS conducted a campaign
urging these members to switch to direct deposit, netting over a 25% reduction in the number of members receiving a paper
check moving forward.
PSERS is in the process of progressing from an emergency work from home experience to a permanent model of telework on a
part-time or full-time basis. Not only will this help to alleviate issues of having enough space to accommodate a growing staff,
but opportunities are being explored where this could equate to potential cost savings as well.
PSERS Adapted Quickly to Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic
Page 6
Financial Highlights
PSERS’ total net position increased by $13.5 billion from $59.0
billion at June 30, 2020, to $72.5 billion at June 30, 2021. The
increase at June 30, 2021, was due mostly to record net investment
income plus member and employer contributions far exceeding
deductions for benefit and administrative expenses.
PSERS’ Funded Ratio
PSERS’ Net Position
Condensed Statements of Fiduciary Net Position June 30, 2021 and 2020 ($ in millions)
2021 2020
Member & Employer Receivables $ 1,734 $ 1,742
Investments 72,161 57,774
Other Assets 8,728 5,386
Total Assets $ 82,623 $ 64,902
Benefits Payable & Premium Advances $ 642 $ 662
Other Liabilities 9,448 5,210
Total Liabilities $ 10,090 $ 5,872
Net Position restricted for pension, DC, and
postemployment healthcare benefits $ 72,533 $ 59,030
Condensed Statements of Changes in Fiduciary Net Position Years ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 ($ in millions)
2021 2020
Member & Employer Contributions $ 5,991 $ 5,877
HOP Participant Premiums & Other 471 472
Net Investment Income 14,764 1,007
Total Additions $ 21,226 $ 7,356
Benefit Payments $ 7,631 $ 7,365
Administrative Expenses 92 96
Total Deductions $ 7,723 $ 7,461
Net Increase (Decrease)$ 13,503 $ (105)
Net Position restricted for pension, DC, & postemployment healthcare benefits:
Balance, beginning of year $ 59,030 $ 59,135
Balance, end of year $ 72,533 $ 59,030
Funded ratio or funded status is a percentile measurement between the
amount of assets/money the system has on hand at a given time compared to the amount of money the system needs to cover all promised benefits
for the System’s members.
An independent review of PSERS’ assets and liabilities is performed
annually. As part of this review, the progress toward funding PSERS’ pension obligations (or funded ratio) is measured. PSERS’ funded
ratio increased from 58.1% at June 30, 2019 to 59.2% as of June 30, 2020, the most recent actuarial valuation, due to fully funded employer
contributions, favorable demographic experience, and positive investment ons, favorable demographic experience, and positive investment returns. The unfunded accrued liability on an actuarial basis declined from returns. The unfunded accrued liability on an actuarial basis declined from
$44.1 billion at June 30, 2019 to $44.0 billion at June 30, 2020.$44.1 billion at June 30, 2019 to $44.0 billion at June 30, 2020.
The results of operations for FY 2021 will be reflected in the actuarial valuation for the year ended June 30, 2021. Due to the normal lag time for completion of the actuarial valuation, the resulting funded status will be available at the end of the 2021 calendar year and will be reported in the financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022 (FY 22). Based on the investment performance for the 10-year period ended June 30, 2021, remaining above the investment rate of return assumption during that time period, receiving full actuarially required contributions, and adopting new actuarial assumptions for the June 30, 2021 actuarial valuation, the funded ratio at June 30, 2021 is expected to remain flat.
66.5%
86.6%
123.8%
114.4%
85.8%
63.8%
56.3%
58.1%
59.2%
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
125%
150%
1984 1990 1996 2002 2008 2014 2020
Fiscal Year Ended June 30
Figure 1 -PSERS' Funded RatioFunded Ratio = Actuarial Value of Assets / Actuarial Accrued Liability
$51.9 $50.2
$53.5
$56.7
$59.1 $59.0
$72.5
$40.0
$45.0
$50.0
$55.0
$60.0
$65.0
$70.0
$75.0
FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021
Am
o
u
n
t
s
i
n
B
i
l
l
i
o
n
s
Page 7
PSERS is funded through three sources:• Contributions from employees (members)• Employer contributions, which includes contributions from school employers and the Commonwealth• Investment earnings from the System
Total member contributions slightly increased from $1.08 billion in FY 2020 to $1.1 billion in FY
2021 and increased from $1.06 billion in FY 2019 to $1.08 billion in FY 2020. The increase in both
years was mainly due to an increase in member contributions from active member payroll.
Employer contributions increased from $4.8 billion in FY 2020 to $4.9 billion in FY 2021 due to
a slight increase in the total employer contribution rate from 34.29% in FY 2020 to 34.51% in FY
2021. Net investment income increased from $1.0 billion in FY 2020 to $14.8 billion in FY 2021,
which is consistent with the increase in the time-weighted investment rate of return from 1.12% for
FY 2020 to 24.58% for FY 2021.
PSERS Funding Sources
PSERS’ management is responsible for and has implemented internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurances for the safeguarding of
assets and the reliability of financial records. This report has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The System maintains a full accrual accounting system. More specific accounting information is detailed in the Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies (Note 2) in the notes to the financial statements found in the Financial Section of this report.
A system of internal controls provides reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that assets are properly safeguarded and that financial statements are reliable. The concept of reasonable assurance recognizes that first, the cost of a control should not exceed the benefits likely to be derived,
and second, the valuation of the cost and benefits requires estimates and judgments by management. PSERS’ management believes the internal accounting controls currently in place are adequate to meet the purpose for which they were intended and also believes the financial statements,
supporting schedules, and statistical tables are fairly presented.
In addition, PSERS annually undergoes a very thorough internal controls assessment. This past year the in-depth assessment reviewed five areas of PSERS operations: Benefit Processing, Communications, Healthcare, Investments, and Financial Reporting. Each internal control assessment
was based on five major components. The five components included: Control Environment, Risk Assessment, Control Activities, Information and Communication, and Monitoring.
As required by the Commonwealth, PSERS submitted the assessment and monitoring plan in a timely manner to the Commonwealth’s Office of
Budget. No significant deficiencies were identified in this past year’s internal control assessment. In August 2021, the Board approved a SOC1 Type 2 Audit Study and directed staff to issue the Notice of Forthcoming Procurement for the SOC1 Type 2 Audit to provide an internal control audit
of the System in compliance with Act 128 of 2020.
PSERS Internal Controls and Reporting
Financial Highlights (continued)
Historically, investment returns have been the largest source of funding, accounting for 60% of total revenues over the 25-year period.
Condensed Statements of Changes in Fiduciary Net Position Years ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 ($ in millions)
20212020
Member & Employer Contributions$ 5,991$ 5,877
HOP Participant Premiums & Other471472
Net Investment Income14,7641,007
Total Additions$ 21,226$ 7,356
Benefit Payments$ 7,631$ 7,365
Administrative Expenses9296
Total Deductions$ 7,723$ 7,461
Net Increase (Decrease)$ 13,503 $ (105)
Net Position restricted for pension, DC, & postemployment healthcare benefits:
Balance, beginning of year$ 59,030$ 59,135
Balance, end of year$ 72,533$ 59,030
25-Year Funding Source History
Pension Funding Progress
Prior to Act 120, PSERS’ Annual Required Contribution (ARC) percentage
of contributions received under Governmental Accounting Standards Board
(GASB) standards was only 27%. As a result of the Act 120 funding increases,
on July 1, 2016, PSERS began receiving 100% of actuarially required
contributions based on sound actuarial practices and principles for the first
time in 15 years. This marked a significant milestone in PSERS’ contribution
history and established a path to full funding. PSERS received the actuarially
required contributions from FY 2017 to FY 2021, and the large annual
employer contribution rate increases that occurred from FY 2012 to FY 2018
are now complete. Employer contribution rate increases in the future are
expected to be in line with inflation, barring major market fluctuations and
major changes to the state law.
97%88%96%100%
39%
27%
58%
69%
80%
100%*
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
110%
FY2002 FY2005 FY2008 FY2011 FY2014 FY2017 FY2022
Average % of ARC/ADC Received PSERS % of ARC/ADC Received
*FY2017 to FY2023 are based on the actuariallyrequired rate calculated by PSERS Actuary.
Significant improvement sincepassage of Act 120
The Commonwealth paid below the ARC/ADC for many years, well below most other states.
99%FY20carriedthru FY22
Average % of Annual Required Contribution (ARC)/
Actuarially Determined Contribution (ADC) Received
-Other Public Plans vs. PSERS
Fiscal Year Ending June 30th
FY 2022 is the6th year in a row with 100% of actuarially required contributions
Investment
Earnings60%
Member Contributions14%
Employer Contributions
26%
Page 8
Investment Highlights
In the years following the Great Recession of 2008-2009, PSERS’ Board and investment
professionals made significant changes to the Fund’s investment asset allocation, including
further refining its investment strategy and increasing the diversification of assets. In particular,
PSERS actively reduced its risk profile by significantly decreasing its equity exposure and by
moving portions of the Fund’s assets into asset classes that are less correlated to the equity
markets. In fact, the returns generated over the past 10 years were done so with one of the
lowest risk profiles, as measured by standard deviation of investment returns, among public
pension funds in the country as well as one of the highest investment return to risk ratios.
return on investment return on investment
in FY 2021in FY 2021
PSERS EarnedPSERS Earned
24.58%24.58%
PSERS Posts 24.58% Net Investment Return in FY 2021
Long-Term Investment Performance Exceeds PSERS’ Return Assumption
Income from the investment portfolio represents the major source of revenue to the System, accounting for 60% of total revenues over the
twenty five-year period from FY 1997 to FY 2021. During FY 2021, net investment income was a record $14.8 billion. The investment
portfolio, which is one part of the System’s net position, totaled $72.2 billion, at fair value, as of June 30, 2021. For FY 2021, the time-
weighted net rate of return on the System’s investments was 24.58%. For the past 10 years, the Fund’s annualized net of fee return was
8.04%, comfortably above the actuarial assumed rate of return of 7.00%. The System has built a diversified allocation to allow it to collect
risk premiums over the long-term. In the short-term, no one can predict what will happen, and the System expects to go through years
where returns are below 7.00%, perhaps significantly below.
PSERS posted annualized net of fee returns of:
ʶOne-year: 24.58%, added $14.8 billion in cumulative net investment income
ʶFive-year: 10.10%, added $29.1 billion in cumulative net investment income
ʶ10-year: 8.04%, added $43.2 billion in cumulative net investment income
Long-term returns continue to remain above PSERS’ return assumption. PSERS posted a positive return of 7.70% for the 25-year period
ended June 30, 2021. PSERS maintains a well-diversified asset allocation that can withstand the volatility in the markets, provide enough
liquidity to meet cash flow obligations (primarily monthly benefit payments), and meet PSERS’ earnings assumption over the long-term.
2%
3%
4%
5%
6%
7%
8%
9%
10%
11%
20212020201920182017201620152014201320122011
PSERS 25 Year Investment Return vs. PSERS Investment Return AssumptionJune 2011 -June 2021
PSERS 25-Year Investment Return PSERS Investment Return Assumption
Investment Out-Performance
PSERS Investment Return Assumption is currently 7.00%
This chart displays PSERS' annualized 25-year return calculated for each of the past 10 fiscal year-end periods. Historically, PSERS has consistently outperformed and exceeded its long-term return assumption.
Page 9
The Board reviews the long-term asset allocation targets of the
System annually. The Board consults with its actuary, consultants, Investment Office professionals, and other sources of information
it deems appropriate in formulating the asset allocation plan. The
level of risk assumed by the System is largely determined by the
Board’s strategic asset allocation plan. The Board, in determining
its long-term asset allocation, takes the following factors into
consideration:
• The System’s investment time horizon;
• The demographics of the plan participants and beneficiaries;
• The cash flow requirements of the System;
• The actuarial assumptions approved by the Board;
• The funded status of the System;• The Board’s willingness and ability to take risk; and,
• The employers’ (Commonwealth and school districts)
financial strength.
In approving the asset allocation for the System that is
recommended by Investment Office professionals and PSERS’
general investment consultant, the Board considers capital
market expectations for expected return, volatility, and asset class
correlations as prepared by its general investment consultant.
Given the historically significant net cash outflows, the Board has
prudently reduced the risk profile of the System since the financial
crisis in 2008. It has done so by decreasing its return dependence
on the equity markets and increasing its risk exposures to asset
classes that are less correlated to equity markets such as inflation-
linked bonds, commodities, and absolute return. The goal of such
an allocation is to generate the desired return profile with less
volatility. While such an allocation will not provide for a large
upside in returns, it is expected to minimize downside risks to the
System’s assets in the event of a large equity market drawdown as experienced during the financial crisis in 2008.
Risk-Balanced Asset Allocation
Investment Highlights (continued)
Over the past 20 fiscal years, the System has paid out $50.7
billion more in benefits than it has received in member and
employer contributions (i.e., the System has experienced negative
external cash flow). The average negative external cash flow was
approximately $2.5 billion per year during this period. This annual funding deficiency has amounted to 1.9% or more of
beginning net assets each year and represents the amount of
investment return needed each year to make up the shortfall (i.e.,
if the System earned 3.0% in a given year with a 3.0% external
cash flow shortfall, then the net assets of the System will be
unchanged). The negative annual external cash flow has improved
significantly since fiscal year 2012 due to the implementation
of Act 120 in 2010 (see chart to the right). Act 120 provided
for increased employer contributions to the actuarially required
contribution levels. Due to receiving 100% of actuarially required
contributions for the fifth consecutive year, the System’s cash flow shortfall is now more favorable than the public fund average and
will continue to improve over the next several years.
External Cash Flow History
Asset Allocation
(as of June 30, 2021)
Target
Allocation
*Leverage is utilized at the asset allocation level to provide additional exposure
to diversifying asset classes. Total Leverage is allocated at -13%; Total Leverage
is netted against the System’s Cash allocation of 3% for a Net Leverage
allocation of -10%.
*
History of External Cash Flows(2001-2021)
Page 10
For a closer look at PSERS
Investments, visit the “Investment
Program” section at psers.pa.gov.
PSERS uses both internal investment professionals and external investment managers to invest its assets. As of June 30, 2021, PSERS
employed 57 internal investment professionals with a variety of professional credentials including: Chartered Financial Analysts, Certified
Public Accountants, Masters of Business Administration, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst, and a Professional Risk Manager.
During FY 2021, PSERS increased the amount of asset exposures managed internally from $26.8 billion to $40.3 billion of the System’s
exposures. Asset classes such as U.S. equities and publicly-traded infrastructure are entirely managed in-house by PSERS investment
professionals. Other asset classes such as non-U.S. equities, fixed income, private markets, commodities, and real estate are partly managed
in-house by PSERS investment professionals.
PSERS Manages $40.3 Billion Internally
PSERS In-House Management Saves Over $40 Million Annually
PSERS Investment Office continued the process of filling vacant positions
with very capable investment professionals which will allow PSERS to
continue its efforts to bring additional assets in-house, provide additional
depth to the investment team, and/or enhance risk management, compliance,
and operational practices. The expansion of professional staff allows the
Investment Office to support the large amount of assets managed in-house
at a significantly lower cost than if those assets were managed externally. The
Investment Office currently manages approximately 51%, or $40.3 billion of
the gross assets (inclusive of leverage), in-house. The estimated savings from
managing those assets in-house is over $40 million per year.
PSERS’ Investment Professionals Certifications and Education
Investment management is a dynamic profession that continuously adapts to new technologies and evolving professional standards. PSERS
investment professionals demonstrate their commitment to continuing education through completion of recognized investment industry
designation programs and degree programs.
23
8
13
5
4
2
1
1
45
22
2
Bachelor’s Degrees
Master’s Degrees (MBA)
Juris Doctor
Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA)
Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
Chartered Alternative Investment Analysts (CAIA)
Certified Treasury Professionals (CTP)
Financial Risk Managers (FRM)
Professional Risk Managers (PRM)
Certified Property Manager (CPM)
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
PSERS Investment Office Professional’ Certifications & Education
Numbers as of June 30, 2021
In-House Management Saves In-House Management Saves
More ThanMore Than
$40 Million$40 Million
AnnuallyAnnually
Page 11
For a closer look at PSERS
Investments, visit the “Investment
Program” section at psers.pa.gov.
PSERS By the Numbers: Statistics by Legislative
Districts
PSERS benefit payments and membership data by U.S. Congressional
districts, PA State Senate districts, and PA State House districts. Data
is updated on a fiscal year (July 1-June 30) basis.
PSERS partnered with the Governor’s Office of Administration,
Office of Information Technology, Geospatial Services to create
interactive, web-based maps that visualize PSERS benefit payments
and membership by location. The interactive maps utilize the latest
geospatial technology to present several statewide views of PSERS
positive economic impact to the Commonwealth.
PSERS Commitment to Improving Transparency
Investment Book of Record Project Phase One
Completed
The Operations team in the Investment Office successfully
completed phase one of the migration, PSERS’ Investment
Book of Record (IBOR). The IBOR project started in December
2017 and is slated to be completed in 2022. The IBOR is a
technological solution designed to deliver the current best
available view of investment data suitable for investment decision-
making, incorporating the current status and forward projections
of portfolio investment holdings and cash position, as well as
reference data and derived analytics supporting the investment
decision-making process. Benefits sought from the IBOR include,
among other things, modernization of processes, increased
transparency, and increased functionality.
On December 6, 2019, PSERS Board of Trustees approved
an investment transparency policy that codified many
of the agency’s long-standing methods of providing
investment records to the public, press and policymakers
in accordance with existing state laws, Commonwealth
directives and best practices in government finance. The
policy stresses that PSERS will abide by its legal and
fiduciary obligations when using the agency’s website and
other means to release investment returns, fee data, and
budgetary and actuarial data. PSERS provides extensive
investment information on its website www.psers.pa.gov.
For example, detailed reports providing investment
performance by manager and detailed fee information have
been added to PSERS website.
Reports & Resources on PSERS website include:
Investment Program:
• Carried Interest Report
• Quarterly Investment Performance
• Detailed Manager Fee Information
Board of Trustees:
• Board Resolutions
• Transparency Policy
• Adjudications
Financial Reports:
• Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) &
Summary Annual Financial Report (SAFR)
• Quarterly Financial Statements
• Budget Hearing Reports & Budget Report Highlights
• Actuarial Valuation
• Financial Asset Listing
• Employer Contribution Rates
• PA Pension Benefit Payments Map
Page 12
Awards for Financial Reporting
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting - The Certificate of Achievement awarded by the GFOA is a prestigious national award recognizing conformance with
the highest standards for preparation of state and local government financial reports. PSERS has received a Certificate of Achievement for 38
consecutive years from FY 1983 to FY 2020.
GFOA Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award - GFOA has given an Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual
Financial Reporting to PSERS for its Popular Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, which PSERS refers to as
its Summary Annual Financial Report. The Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting is a prestigious
national award recognizing conformance with the highest standards for preparation of state and local government popular reports. PSERS
has received a Certificate of Achievement for five consecutive years from FY 2016 to FY 2020.
Public Pension Coordinating Council Public Pension Standards Award - The Public Pension Coordinating Council has awarded its
Public Pension Standards Award to PSERS for 2020. This award is in recognition of meeting professional standards for plan design and
administration.
The average PSERS retiree receives a modest annual pension of $25,992 after 23 years in public education. During their career, members
make mandatory contributions between 7.50% and 10.30% of their pay depending on their class of membership to help fund their own
retirement benefit. In accordance with Act 120, new members as of July 1, 2011, and thereafter are funding the majority of the cost of
their benefit. This is in contrast to many non-public (private) pension plans. In over 90% of such plans, members do not contribute and
the employers bear 100% of the cost of the benefit, according to IRS data.
Six-figure pensions are rare. At June 30, 2021, there were 1,025 retired members receiving an annual benefit over $100,000 out of a
total 243,000 PSERS retirees. These six-figure pension retirees spent an average of 37 years working in their public education careers
and contributing to their benefit.
Pension Benefit Amounts
Page 13
Pension Benefit Amounts Economic Impact in Pennsylvania
PSERS provides a stable source of revenue for local economies throughout Pennsylvania. Each year PSERS pays out billions in pension
benefits to retired members who reside in Pennsylvania. In fiscal year 2021, PSERS pension benefits to retirees totaled approximately
$7.1 billion. Of this amount nearly 94%, or $6.7 billion, went directly into state and local economies. These pension benefits are a
significant economic driver that benefits the economy of the Commonwealth.
This Summary Annual Financial Report (SAFR) is produced from information
contained in PSERS’ Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2021. All financial information contained in the SAFR conforms
with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Both PSERS’ SAFR and ACFR, which contains more detailed information, are available
on PSERS’ website at psers.pa.gov under “Financial Publications.”
For More Information
5 North 5th Street | Harrisburg, PA 17101-1905
Toll-Free: 1.888.773.7748
Local Phone: 717.787.8540
Email Address: ContactPSERS@pa.gov
Website: psers.pa.gov
Secretary of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (ex
officio)
Secretary Noe Ortega
Secretary of Banking and Securities of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania (ex officio)
Secretary Richard Vague
Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (ex officio)
Honorable Stacy Garrity
Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association,
Inc. (ex officio)
Mr. Nathan G. Mains
One member appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania for a term of three years
Mr. Joseph M. Torsella (term expires 01/01/24)
Three members elected from among the Active Certified Contributors
of the System for a term of three years
Mr. Jason M. Davis (term expires 12/31/22)
Ms. Susan C. Lemmo (term expires 12/31/21)
Mr. Christopher Santa Maria (term expires 12/31/23)
One member elected from among the Active Non-Certified Members
for a term of three years
Ms. Deborah J. Beck (term expires 12/31/21)
@PA_PSERS
PSERS Board of Trustees as of June 30, 2021
@PennPSERS
PSERS Board Education and Training Program
Act 5 of 2017 required PSERS Board of Trustees to receive 8 hours of investment-related education each year. We are pleased to report that
in 2020, PSERS 15 Board members and their 15 designees completed nearly 585 hours of investment- related education and ethics training.
On average, each board member and designee received nearly 20 hours of education, far exceeding the education requirement.
One member elected from among the annuitants of the System for a
term of three years
Ms. Melva S. Vogler (term expires 12/31/22)
One member elected by the members of Pennsylvania Public School
Boards from among their number for a term of three years
Mr. Eric DiTullio (term expires 12/31/23)
Two members appointed by the Speaker of the House from the
Pennsylvania House of Representatives, one representing the Majority
Party and one Representing the Minority Party
Honorable Francis X. Ryan (term expires 12/31/22)
Honorable Matthew D. Bradford (term expires
12/31/22)
Two members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the
Pennsylvania Senate, one representing the Majority Party and one
Representing the Minority Party
Honorable Katie J. Muth (term expires 12/31/22)
Honorable Patrick M. Browne (term expires 12/31/22)