New York State Teachers chalks up $907 million in private market commitments New York State Teachers chalks up $907 million in private market commitments Print The New York State Teachers' Retirement System, Albany, made four private equity commitments and two private debt commitments for up to $907 million, according a report prepared for the system's governing board, whose quarterly meeting is Thursday. The commitments were made during the first quarter. Each was approved by Thomas Lee, executive director and CIO, without a full board vote. The $134.8 billion pension system's rules allow the CIO to take action without a vote under certain circumstances. The commitments were: