CSD Retirement Trust | Created for Educators by Educators

Questions about this website or joining the CSD Retirement Trust:
Richard Counts, AIF, C(k)P | Managing Director, CSD Retirement Trust | Richard@csdretirementtrust.com | 314.703.0408

Why have more than 70 school districts/charters joined the CSD Retirement Trust?

FIND OUT TODAY

How does the CSD Retirement Trust benefit my organization?

our member organizations

Affton School District

Bayless School District

Brentwood School District

Citizens of the World Academy

Clayton School District

Confluence Academy

Dallas County Schools

Education Plus Resources Inc

Elsberry School District

Ferguson-Florissant School District

Frontier Schools

Gasconade County R2 School District

Grain Valley School District

Grandview School District

Harrisonville School District

Hazelwood School District

Hogan Preparatory Academy

Independence School District

Jennings School District

Kansas City Girls Prep Academy

Kansas City PSRS

KC Public Schools

Kearney School District

KIPP KC

KIPP St Louis

Lawson School District

Lees Summit School District

Liberty School District

Lift for Life Academy

Lindbergh Schools

Mehlville School District

Menasha Joint School District

Meramec Valley School District

MRH School District

MUSIC

Normandy Schools Collaborative

Oak Grove School District

Orchard Farm School District

Parkway School District

Pattonville School District

Platte County School District

Ritenour School District

Rockwood School District

Smithville School District

Special School District

Spring Bluff School District

St. Clair School District

St. Louis Language Immersion School

University City School District

Valley Park School District

Warren County School District

Washington School District

Webster Groves School District

Wentzville School District

Weyauwega-Fremont School District

Wright City School District

what people are saying

“The CSD Retirement Trust provides so much more for our employees than merely the low-cost opportunity to supplement their Missouri retirement pension with sound investments. The individual care and attention available to educate and equip them without sales pressure is one-of-a-kind. I’ve heard the same from my employees and I’ve also personally experienced it myself.”

Dr. Robert Vogelaar
Assistant Superintendent
Liberty Public Schools

“Unfortunately, many educators, including me, do not consider the speed at which retirement considerations come into focus. This is not a matter of a lack of information and outreach, but rather avoidance in my case. From the point that I realized I needed to be serious about planning, I discovered the resources and tools available through the Retirement Trust invaluable for my family.”

Christopher Kilbride
Superintendent
Ritenour School District

“In my 25-year school district career, the CSD Retirement Trust provides the best solution for both districts and employees that I have found. It eliminates the compliance concerns and effort involved for districts, while providing low-cost, best in class investments for participants with full transparency. There’s no pressure education available to all employees whether they participate or not.”

Dwight L. Lindhorst, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Ritenour School District

“The CSD Retirement Trust helps our employees by offering lower fees to participants due to group purchasing power. The Trust makes it easier for districts to maintain compliance with IRS rules and significantly reduces recordkeeping. Bringing providers under one umbrella allows us to have a single contact for staff to discuss their investments and long-term retirement goals.”

MaryJo Gruber
Chief Financial Officer
Clayton School District

“As one of the largest educational employers in the St. Louis area, the financial security of our employees at the Special School District of St. Louis County is incredibly important to us. Our partnership with the CSD Retirement Trust and VALIC-AIG, not only allows our employees an incredible retirement investment option, but a robust financial resource as well. It’s peace of mind.”

Jeff Haug
Chief Financial Officer
Special School District of St. Louis County

“The CSD Retirement Trust provides our employees of Rockwood School District the benefit of a low fee cost structure while also offering our staff a wide array of investment opportunities. Their financial advisors are extremely knowledgeable and make themselves available to educate employees throughout the year. We also have a voice and see first-hand the transparency of the organization.”

Paul Northington
Chief Financial Officer
Rockwood School District

“What I like about the Trust is that its saves district resources, time and money, by being the designated expert for secure investments. Employees get best in class investment options that are reviewed by district finance professionals. Security of employee savings is of the utmost importance to the investment board. Fees are upfront and transparent, which as a CPA, is important.”

Joel Cracchiolo
Chief Financial Officer
Lindbergh Schools

“We are extremely pleased with the low administrative fees and competitive investment options and that the Trust is a consortium developed by educators for all school employees. We are also happy with the dedicated and knowledgeable advisory personnel assigned to our District, and with the ancillary training services offered by the Trust. Finally, I am pleased with the organization’s growth.”

Sincerely,
Carlton Brooks
Ferguson-Florissant School District

How does this work?

About the CSD Retirement Trust

download our presentation

the Top 10

1: Provides all plan documents and ensures compliance with all IRS regulations, significantly reducing if not eliminating administrative work and expense for the employer. Each member organization has representation on the Board.

2: Reduces interruptions during the day & improves school security.

3: Educates all employees on retirement planning and financial literacy, including student loans.

4: Financial advisors focus on educating participants, not selling products, thus reducing confusion and indecision.

5: Investment options are diversified: Actively managed; Passively (index) managed and age-appropriate target date funds.

6: Lower fees, striving for the lowest fee share class while increasing transparency.

7: Flexible with both pre- and post-tax (Roth) contribution plans.

8: Monitors and reports on fund performance quarterly, replacing underperforming funds as needed.

9: Participants can buy service credits in PSRS/PEERS with no rollover fees.

10: Improves the bottom line for participants by increasing retirement balances, thus providing higher income replacement.

Performance
Since launching in January 2010 through December 31, 2022:

• 100% of the investment options have outperformed their Performance Rank in Category
• Investment management fees have decreased in 94% of the Trust’s investment options
• Participant fees have decreased 56%…annual fees for a participant with a $10,000 account balance have decreased to $48 from $118