Shakopee board approves two‑year payroll realignment to end "payroll creep"

The Shakopee Public Schools board approved a multi‑year realignment of the district payroll calendar to correct a growing misalignment with the work year known in the presentation as “payroll creep.” Director of Finance and Operations David Raschkowich told the board the district currently runs a 26‑pay cycle that has resulted in paychecks drifting ahead of earned work days by roughly 13 days.

Raschkowich outlined a three‑year sequencing: fiscal 2025‑26 remains 26 pays; fiscal 2026‑27 will include a one‑time 27th paycheck to close the gap and serve as an alignment year; and fiscal 2027‑28 will convert to a 24‑pay schedule with fixed monthly pay dates on the 15th and the last day of each month. He emphasized that total annual salaries, hourly rates and benefit costs will not change, and called the adjustment a “timing change only.”

Board members asked about communication to staff and unions; the presenter said human resources, payroll, communications staff, collective bargaining units and the superintendent’s office were involved during planning. The plan includes individualized examples, an updated payroll calendar, and optional budget guidance for employees who request help adapting to the new schedule.

Robin moved to approve the payroll action plan and Sue seconded. The board voted in favor and the motion carried. The administration said the first effective administrative steps would start with staff communications and distribution of the updated payroll calendar ahead of the alignment year beginning July 1, 2026.