The board of the Public School Employees' Retirement System today voted to recertify the employer contribution rate, reducing it to 5.64 percent for the current year.

The board had certified the rate for 2010-11 at 8.22 percent in December, but in July, the Legislature approved a bill that lowered the figure to 5.64 percent and directed the system board to certify it. School districts pay nearly half of the amount; the state pays the rest.

The pension contribution rate is expected to grow dramatically in coming years. The change gives some immediate relief but does not solve the long-term problem.

The Legislature also reduced the employer contribution rate for the State Employees' Retirement System, reducing it from 5.64 percent to 5 percent. This system covers state workers as well as those at some other organizations, including Penn State University and the State System of Higher Education. The SERS board did not have to meet to certify the new rate because the measure it approved in April provided for the chance the Legislature would change the rate.

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