Senate approves bill to include extracurricular pay in nj teacher pensions — TRENTON, NJ - APRIL 5, 2018: New Jersey state capitol building in Trenton

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Senate on Monday passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Vince Polistina to expand pension benefits for teachers by including compensation earned from extracurricular activities in their retirement calculations.

The legislation, S-3713, aims to amend the definition of “compensation” under the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF). If signed into law, stipends paid to teachers for work beyond regular school hours — such as coaching, club advising, and other non-classroom duties — would be factored into pension determinations.

“Teachers dedicate countless hours outside of the classroom helping their students grow both academically and personally,” said Sen. Polistina (R-2), referring to the time educators spend on activities that currently do not count toward pension benefits.

Key Points

Senate bill S-3713 redefines “compensation” under the TPAF to include extracurricular stipends
The legislation aims to ensure fairer pension calculations for New Jersey teachers
The bill passed with bipartisan support in the state Senate

Current pension laws exclude extra-duty pay, such as stipends for coaching or club supervision, from retirement calculations. The bill seeks to ensure that such payments are treated as part of a teacher’s overall compensation.

Senator Polistina emphasized the bipartisan nature of the measure, stating the passage reflects statewide recognition of teachers’ roles beyond classroom instruction.

A companion bill in the state Assembly is expected to follow, though no vote has been scheduled.

The New Jersey Senate moves to ensure that extracurricular work counts toward educators’ retirement.

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