Committee approves PERA inclusion for DSST campuses, sending bill to Appropriations

AML Bacon, speaking for education stakeholders, told the committee that Senate Bill 151 removes a statutory exclusion that has prevented some DSST (Denver School of Science and Technology) campuses from joining the Denver Public Schools division of the Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA). Bacon said the change brings parity for Denver DSST teachers and addresses portability problems that arise when staff move between DSST Denver campuses and DSST campuses in other districts such as Aurora.

Representative Litton, a co‑prime sponsor, said the bill also converts the DPS division representative on PERA’s board from an ex officio position to a full voting seat, reflecting DPS’s larger share of PERA membership. Supporters described the bill as a fairness and workforce‑stability measure that reduces administrative duplication for DSST and brings roughly 1,000 staff into PERA with an estimated $15 million in new annual contributions.

Nick Planton, DSST’s chief operating officer, described the operational burdens of maintaining two retirement plans and said inclusion in PERA would improve career mobility and reduce administrative workload. Tamara Gondor, DSST chief people officer, and other supporters cited staff surveys showing strong interest in PERA enrollment.

After public testimony and a short committee discussion the committee moved the bill to Appropriations with a favorable recommendation. The roll call recorded a 9–2 vote in favor.