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North Dakota Teachers’ Fund for Retirement earns national recognition

BISMARCK, ND – The North Dakota Teachers’ Fund for Retirement (TFFR) has been recognized with the 2025 Public Pension Standards Award for Funding and Administration.

Overseen by the TFFR Board of Trustees and administered by the Noth Dakota Retirement and Investment Office (RIO), this is the ninth consecutive year that the program has received the award from the Public Pension Coordinating Council (PPCC).

“This consistent recognition by the Public Pension Coordinating Council underscores the strength and reliability of the Teachers’ Fund for Retirement program,” said Dr. Rob Lech, board president. “It reflects our commitment to sound plan design, professional oversight, strong investment performance, and exceptional member service.”

To receive the Funding Award, retirement systems must meet stringent criteria, including a 100% funded ratio or contribution rates that meet or exceed actuarially determined contribution levels. TFFR’s current statutory contribution rates (12.75% by employers and 11.75% by members) continue to align with its long-term funding goal, projecting full funding by 2042.

The Administration Award recognizes systems that demonstrate excellence in five key areas: comprehensive benefit offerings, regular actuarial valuations, independent audits, disciplined investment practices, and transparent member communications. TFFR has earned this distinction eleven times, highlighting its ongoing dedication to operational excellence.

“The Retirement and Investment Office is steadfast in its commitment to maintaining the stability of the Teachers’ Fund for Retirement program, ensuring North Dakota educators have a secure and reliable retirement,” said Jodi A. Smith, executive director.

The PPCC is a coalition of three national organizations (the National Association of State Retirement Administrators, the National Council on Teacher Retirement, and the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems) that represent over 500 of the largest public pension plans in the United States and serve more than 18 million public employees.

In 2025, the PPCC recognized 102 pension systems nationwide with the funding and administration award; 26 additional systems were honored for excellence in one of the two categories.

Funded by member and employer contributions and investment earnings, TFFR serves more than 26,000 participants, including over 12,000 active members employed by North Dakota public schools and state institutions.

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