Atlanta school pension solution sought

Atlanta’s school system could rid itself of a $550 million pension debt by raising taxes or changing its payment schedule, according to ideas discussed Monday.

Pension Fund Task Force Chairman Jason Esteves said options include asking voters to approve a taxpayer-funded 20-year bond issue, increasing taxes to pay off the debt over 13 years or carrying the debt into the future.

The bond issue could save the school system $300 million, but it could also cost $100 million if the economy falters, according to actuarial estimates.