Retirement Resources

SJISD offers retirement plans through the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) for eligible employees. Job postings always include if a position is retirement eligible and HR will assist you in the enrollment process upon hire.

Employee eligibility is determined by reviewing a combination of a position's classification and total hours worked within a set period of time. Retirement plans consist of employer contributions and employee contributions. Employer contribution rates are determined by which retirement system plan you're eligible for and the rates are set by the state. Employee contribution rates depend on whether you're enrolled in plan 1 or 2. There are two retirement system plans. Placement within these plans is determined by your employment classification. Within those systems there are two types of retirement plans that you can choose from. Please see more information below: 

1. School Employees Retirement Systems (SERS): This plan is for positions that meet eligibility criteria within the PSE union and for non-represented classified employees. 
2. Teachers Retirement Systems (TRS): This plan is for positions that meet eligibility criteria within the SJEA union and for non-represented administrative employees. 

While the employer contribution rates change per retirement system, but the two plan options are the same no matter which plan you are in. Review the information on the differences in plans by clicking the links below: 

• Plan 2: 
  • Vested (right to monthly benefits upon retirement) after 5 years of service
  • Pension benefits, No investment contribution.
  • One employee contribution rate option set by the state. 
• Plan 3: 
  • Vested (right to monthly benefits upon retirement) after 10 years of service (or after 5 years of service with at least 12 months earned after age 44). 
  • Pension benefits, Investment contribution chosen by the employee or selected on their behalf by DRS. 
  • 5 employee contribution rate options. Option can only be changed if the employee moves employers.

There is a lot more information you should consider when selection or reviewing your retirement benefit. Click the link below to learn more. 

• Why choose plan 2 or 3? 

Jose Domenech is SJISD's retirement plan manager. If you'd like to confirm what plan you're already in, please reach out to him at josedomenech@sjisd.org.

403(b) Contributions 

ANY employee, even if you are not eligible for DRS retirement contributions, you can sign up for a 403(b) retirement account. Please see the resources below to learn more or sign up: 

• San Juan Island School District 403(b) Plan Overview
• Forms:
  • 403(b) Salary Reduction Agreement
  • Meaningful Notice
  • Plan Participation Guide

Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)

DRS has an additional voluntary program that retirement eligible employees can participate in to save additional money towards their retirement. You can learn more and review more information about the Roth and Traditional DCP's through the links below: 

• What is DCP?
• Compare Pre-Tax and Roth Options
• DCP Calculators

If you haven't already, log into your DRS employee portal where you can review all information regarding retirement online. Click here to be taken to the DRS Employee Portal. You can also login to your investment portal (for plan 3 or DCP participants) through VOYA by clicking here. 

The first step to retirement readiness is proactive and intentionality in your plan choice and contributions during your career. Please review the resources below to understand your plan options along with other resources:

• Information for New Hires: Choosing a plan 
• Information for Mid-career employees: Maximize your benefits
• Deferred Compensation Plan: Voluntary supplemental retirement plan
• Retirement Planning Checklist 

If you haven't already, log into your DRS employee portal where you can review all information regarding retirement online. Click here to be taken to the DRS Employee Portal. You can also login to your investment portal (for plan 3 or DCP participants) through VOYA by clicking here. 

Ready to start the application process or get a benefits estimate to find out what you can expect your retirement pension to look like? Take a look at the following resources to help guide your next steps: 

• SERS Plan 2
• SERS Plan 3
• TRS Plan 2
• TRS Plan 3

We highly recommend that you contact DRS directly as you navigate this step, as they are goung to be your best resource. They can put together a benefit estimate for you and share what your pension will look like depending on your timeline. You can contact them in the following ways: 

• Phone: (360) 664-7000 or (800) 547-6657 (TTY dial 711) 
• DRS Portal Chat: DRS Online Account

If you haven't already, log into your DRS employee portal where you can review all information regarding retirement online. Click here to be taken to the DRS Employee Portal. You can also login to your investment portal (for plan 3 or DCP participants) through VOYA by clicking here. 

SEBB eligible DRS contributing employees will be eligible to enroll in PEBB Retiree Health Benefits. PEBB Retiree Health Benefits can work together with Medicare to provide supplemental coverage. Please see the resources below for more information: 

• Retiree Health Benefit Hub
• How to Prepare for Retiree Heatlh Insurance
• 2025 PEBB Retiree Enrollment Booklet
• 2026 PEBB Medicare Benefits Comparison 
• 2026 PEBB Retiree Monthly Premiums
• PEBB Virtual Benefits Fair for Medicare Retirees 
• FAQ on PEBB and Medicare Plans

If you've contributed to a VEBA account, you can use your contributions to pay for your medical premiums during retirement. There are other resources you can consider to pay for your retiree health insurance as well. Please see the resources below to learn more: 

• VEBA Overview
• Paying for your retiree health benefits

Another great resource is the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA). SHIBA provides free, objective information about healthcare coverage to retirees. You can learn more and contact them in the following ways: 

• Website: www.insurance.wa.gov/shiba
• Phone: 1-800-562-9600
• SHIBA Brochure