Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Payroll Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Shakopee district moves to 24-pay cycle after board approves alignment plan
Summary
The board approved a payroll realignment plan to fix a 26-pay 'payroll creep' by adding a one-time 27th pay in 2026–27 and shifting to a 24-pay schedule in 2027–28; the meeting also included approvals of an apprenticeship MOU and principal contracts.
The Shakopee Public School District board approved a multi-year payroll alignment plan designed to correct a growing misalignment between pay cycles and the work year.
Director of finance and operations David Draasco told trustees the district’s 26-pay structure had shifted up to 13 days ahead of work, creating a pattern the district calls 'payroll creep.' He said the district will implement a one-time, corrective 27th paycheck in FY2026–27 to close the gap, then move to a regular 24-pay schedule (payments on the 15th and last day of each month) in FY2027–28. Draasco emphasized the change is an alignment action, not a salary reduction: "This has led some salary employees being paid before the work is completed. We have called this payroll creep," he said.
Under the adopted plan employees will see the number of checks change (27 checks in 2026–27, then 24 checks in 2027–28); total annual salary and benefits remain unchanged and deductions will be recalculated across the new pay periods. The district plans individualized communications, optional budgeting guidance and updated payroll calendars for employees. Draasco said the plan was developed collaboratively with HR, payroll, finance, communications, the SEA and collective bargaining representatives.
The board also approved several related items under the same consent/action sequence: an MOU to participate in a statewide teacher apprenticeship program (BrightWorks) that includes a negotiated $1/hour premium for participants, and principal contracts for 2025–27 that align with prior MSBA settlement calculations. All motions were carried by voice vote; the payroll motion was recorded as approved.
Votes at a glance - Payroll alignment plan (26 → 27 one-time alignment → 24): approved (agenda item 11.1). - Teacher apprenticeship MOU (BrightWorks): approved (agenda item 11.2). - Principal contracts (2025–27): approved (agenda item 11.3). - Consent agenda and donations: approved.
