Rochester City School District Addresses Payroll Issues During Oracle Transition

In a recent meeting of the Rochester City School District Board, Superintendent Rosser addressed the ongoing challenges surrounding the district's transition to the Oracle payroll system, a situation that has left many employees frustrated over compensation issues. The atmosphere was tense as Rosser acknowledged the difficulties faced by staff who rely on timely and accurate pay for their services.

The transition to Oracle has been fraught with complications, including software defects that have affected pay accuracy, issues with summer pay, and errors in time entry and pay rates. Notably, some employees, including counselors and social workers, missed a pay period due to a glitch in the previous PeopleSoft platform, which has compounded the district's payroll woes.

Despite these setbacks, Rosser reported progress in resolving many of the issues. Employees with dual assignments received their payments, and the district has implemented standardized payroll submission timelines. A back pay fix is in progress, with payments expected by September 19 for 825 individuals. The district is also enhancing training for staff to navigate the new system more effectively, with recent sessions training 70 additional members.

Looking ahead, the next payroll is scheduled for September 5, and Rosser expressed confidence that all employees would receive their payments on time. To ensure transparency, the district will provide early access to payslips, allowing employees to verify their compensation before distribution.

Rosser emphasized the district's commitment to addressing these challenges, stating that they are actively exploring alternatives to Oracle while continuing to work closely with union leadership. The district is also collaborating with the Council of Great City Schools to learn from the experiences of other districts that have faced similar challenges with Oracle.

As the meeting concluded, Rosser reiterated the importance of ensuring that employees are compensated fairly, highlighting the district's dual obligation to provide quality education while supporting its staff. The board's ongoing efforts to resolve these issues will be crucial in restoring trust and stability within the Rochester City School District.