✉️ Request Low-Cost Vendors

Subject: Request to Add a Low-Cost 403(b) Vendor Dear [HR Director / Benefits Coordinator Name], I'm writing to respectfully request that our district consider adding a low-cost 403(b) vendor to our approved provider list — specifically, [Fidelity Investments / Vanguard / both]. As I've been reviewing my retirement planning options, I've become aware of significant differences in fees between our current approved vendors and industry-leading low-cost providers. The nonprofit organization 403bwise.org, which independently rates 403(b) vendors nationwide, consistently gives [Fidelity / Vanguard] their highest rating ("green light") for low fees, transparent pricing, and employee-friendly investment options. To put the fee difference in perspective: a teacher contributing $400 per month over a 30-year career could accumulate over $100,000 more in retirement savings simply by using a vendor with lower expense ratios. This is not a difference in investment skill — it's a difference in how much of the teacher's money goes to fees versus their own retirement. Adding a low-cost vendor would: • Give teachers access to index funds with expense ratios as low as 0.015–0.05% (compared to 1.0–1.5% or higher with some current vendors) • Eliminate surrender charges and sales loads that penalize teachers for moving their own money • Provide a fiduciary-level standard of care that prioritizes teacher outcomes • Align our district with a growing national movement toward fee transparency in educator retirement plans I understand that adding a new vendor involves administrative steps, and I'm happy to support that process in any way I can. I'm also aware that other teachers in our district share this interest and would welcome the opportunity. I'd appreciate the chance to discuss this further. Thank you for your time and for everything you do to support our staff. Respectfully, [Your Name] [Your School / Department] [Your Email]

Subject: Request from Staff to Add Low-Cost 403(b) Options Dear [HR Director / Benefits Coordinator Name], We are a group of [number] teachers at [school name / district name] writing to request that the district add a low-cost 403(b) vendor — specifically [Fidelity Investments / Vanguard / both] — to our approved provider list. Many of us have recently reviewed our retirement account fees and discovered that the difference between our current vendors and low-cost alternatives could cost each of us tens of thousands of dollars over our careers. According to 403bwise.org, a nonprofit that independently rates 403(b) vendors, several of our district's approved vendors carry fee structures that significantly reduce long-term retirement savings for teachers. We believe our district should provide access to at least one vendor rated "green light" by 403bwise.org. Providers like Fidelity and Vanguard offer: • Index funds with expense ratios under 0.05% • No surrender charges or sales loads • Simple, transparent fee structures • Online account management with no hidden costs We are not asking the district to remove any existing vendors. We're simply asking that a low-cost option be made available alongside them so that teachers can make an informed choice. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this at an upcoming staff meeting or with the appropriate benefits committee. Thank you for considering our request. Respectfully, [Name, School] [Name, School] [Name, School] [Name, School] [Name, School]

Subject: Proposal for Bargaining — Low-Cost 403(b) Vendor Access Dear [Union President / Rep Name], I'd like to propose that our union include the addition of a low-cost 403(b) vendor in upcoming bargaining or member advocacy efforts. Currently, our district's approved 403(b) vendor list does not include any providers rated "green light" by 403bwise.org, the leading independent rating organization for educator retirement plans. As a result, teachers in our district are limited to vendors with higher-than-necessary fees — costing each teacher potentially $100,000+ in lost retirement savings over a career. Adding a low-cost provider like Fidelity or Vanguard would be a significant, concrete benefit for every member of our bargaining unit — and it costs the district nothing. These vendors do not charge the district for participation. The only requirement is administrative approval to add them to the approved list. This is one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost improvements our union could advocate for. I'm happy to provide additional research and data to support this effort. I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss this at an upcoming union meeting or with the bargaining team. Thank you, [Your Name] [Your School / Department] [Your Email]