RCSD Payroll Errors Trigger Tax Filing Delays, Renewed Frustration Among Employees

Ongoing payroll problems within the Rochester City School District are again drawing criticism from employees and union leaders, after district officials acknowledged that recently issued W-2 tax forms contained errors, prompting workers to delay filing their taxes.

Demonstrators march at RCSD Headquarters

District administrators notified staff earlier this week that inaccuracies were discovered in some W-2 statements generated by the district’s payroll system. Employees were advised not to submit their tax returns until corrected forms are issued, raising concerns about potential financial hardship, missed refunds, and penalties for late filing.

The latest issue follows months of payroll disruptions that have affected teachers, support staff, and administrators across the district, including incorrect pay amounts, delayed checks, and benefits miscalculations. While district leaders say they are working to resolve the problems, employees say confidence in the system has eroded.

“This is unacceptable,” said union leadership, who described the situation as an added burden on workers already navigating rising living costs and job-related stress. “Our members rely on accurate and timely pay. Errors at this level should not be happening.”

The district has attributed the ongoing problems to a combination of software implementation challenges and administrative turnover within payroll operations. RCSD transitioned to a new payroll system in recent years, a move intended to modernize operations but one that has instead produced recurring errors.

In a statement, district officials said they are working with the payroll vendor and internal staff to audit records and issue corrected tax documents as quickly as possible. They emphasized that affected employees will not be penalized by the district for delays caused by the errors.

Still, some employees say the response has not gone far enough.

The payroll problems come at a time when RCSD is already under scrutiny for broader operational challenges, including staffing shortages, budget pressures, and efforts to improve academic outcomes. Critics argue that basic administrative failures undermine trust and distract from the district’s educational mission.

City and state lawmakers have also taken notice. Several have called for increased oversight and transparency, urging the district to provide a clear timeline for resolving payroll issues and preventing future disruptions.

Board President Camille Simmons issued a statement in response to litigation by union leaders, saying that “the Board takes these concerns seriously” and that no staff member should worry about being paid accurately or on time.

Union leaders are now calling for an independent review of the district’s payroll operations and clearer communication with employees. Some have suggested temporary outside payroll support until the system stabilizes.

For now, district employees are left waiting — once again — for corrections, clarity, and assurances that future pay periods and tax filings will not bring new surprises.

RCSD officials said additional updates will be provided directly to staff as corrected W-2 forms are prepared.