California Teachers' Ass'n v. Governing Board

The issue in this case is whether a public teacher whose claim for earned but unpaid salary is barred by the statute of limitations is likewise barred from receiving retirement service credits under the State Teachers’ Retirement System. We will conclude that she is not.

The Case

The California Teachers’ Association (CTA) and Elizabeth Tye and Erma George (teachers) appeal from a judgment denying their petition for writ of mandate and complaint for declaratory relief seeking retirement benefits and service credits from their employer, Yosemite Community College District (District) and the State Teachers’ Retirement System (STRS).

The Procedural Background

Initial Court Proceedings

In January 1983, CTA and teachers filed a petition for writ of mandate and complaint for declaratory relief in Stanislaus County Superior Court, alleging that the District and STRS had failed to comply with Education Code sections 45025 and 22703, thereby denying teachers salary, fringe benefits and service credit.

Following the filing of responses by District and STRS, a hearing was held on March 30, 1983. The court found that CTA and teachers had failed to exhaust available…