CTPF Reaffirms Sturdy Travel Oversight and Commitment to Transparency

During their January 15, 2026, assembly, the CTPF Board of Trustees reviewed a complete evaluation of the Fund’s Travel and Expense Policy following current public consideration on journey practices at Chicago Public Schools (CPS). The findings display that CTPF’s controls, oversight, and accountability measures are considerably stronger and essentially totally different from these points raised in a current report from the CPS Office of the Inspector General (OIG). 

“In today’s environment, our members expect and deserve the highest standard of financial stewardship,” mentioned Executive Director Carlton W. Lenoir, Sr. “This review confirms that CTPF’s Travel and Expense Policy (Policy) is strong, transparent, and responsible. At the same time, we remain committed to continuous improvement to ensure that every dollar spent supports our mission and strengthens our ability to serve our members.”  

CTPF has a clearly outlined course of and finances for journey, underscored by the current evaluation. Findings from the CTPF overview introduced throughout the assembly present: 

• No proof of misconduct: The evaluation confirmed that CTPF has no historical past of widespread abuse, and Trustee and employees journey stays inside finances, pre‑authorized, audited yearly, and supported by detailed documentation. This is additional supported by findings from a earlier forensic audit, which examined six years of information and had no findings of abuse or misconduct. 
• Robust journey controls: CTPF requires advance reserving by administrative employees, caps airfare and each day bills, limits the variety of conferences, prohibits alcohol and leisure reimbursements, and requires receipts for all bills.
• Built‑in safeguards: CTPF’s coverage restricts journey to in the future earlier than or after an occasion, limits worldwide journey, forbids using journey businesses with hidden charges, and enforces clear written procedures. All of those areas had been recognized as missing by CPS.
• Essential fiduciary coaching: The Board emphasised that skilled improvement is crucial for Trustees, most of whom start service with out prior pension or funding experience. Educational journey is a key a part of fulfilling their fiduciary obligations to members, and the worth of in-person coaching was said.
• Commitment to steady enchancment: Trustees mentioned alternatives to strengthen transparency by sharing convention takeaways, reviewing insurance policies below state tips, and figuring out excessive‑high quality instructional alternatives yearly. 

The Fund’s Travel and Expense coverage is obtainable right here: