CalSTRS governance under scrutiny as Rebecca Wu raises concerns during public comment session

During the recent Board Governance Committee meeting of the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) on January 9, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding the governance and legal practices within the organization. Public comment was provided by Rebecca Wu, who emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the role of general counsel. Wu argued that the general counsel should operate independently from CalSTRS to avoid conflicts of interest, particularly in light of ongoing legal cases involving the organization.

Wu highlighted a specific case, Wu versus CalSTRS, which has drawn attention due to perceived delays and lack of action from the legal team. She expressed concern that the governance structure has not allowed for timely reviews of complaints, which she believes undermines the integrity of the system. Wu pointed out that an audit conducted in 2016 revealed a lack of proper record-keeping and transparency in the Compensation Review Unit (CRU), raising questions about how complaints are processed and resolved.

The committee also discussed upcoming agenda items, including a review of the committee charter and updates on continuing education programs. These discussions are part of ongoing efforts to enhance governance practices and ensure that the board remains aligned with best practices.

As the meeting concluded without further public comments, the committee members expressed their commitment to addressing the issues raised and improving the governance framework at CalSTRS. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to have a direct impact on the organization’s operations and its accountability to the teachers and stakeholders it serves.