Rochester School Staff Speak Out as Payroll Problems Persist

The Rochester Board of Education’s October 30 meeting drew a full house — and for good reason. After months of frustration over payroll chaos, Rochester City School District (RCSD) employees came forward to share exactly what it’s been like living with the fallout from the district’s new Oracle payroll system. The tone was emotional, honest, and at times, tense, as teachers, aides, and staff described missing paychecks, incorrect deductions, and mounting financial stress.

Since the system went live in July 2025, thousands of RCSD employees have faced pay issues — some missing entire checks, others receiving the wrong amount or seeing unexpected changes to their benefits. The result: a workforce struggling to make ends meet while still showing up for Rochester’s students. Many described dipping into savings, using credit cards to buy groceries, or scrambling to cover rent and medical bills. “It’s hard to teach when you don’t know how you’re going to pay your own bills,” one speaker said, echoing a sentiment heard throughout the forum.

District leaders didn’t shy away from acknowledging the problem. They called the Oracle rollout “complex” and “challenging,” emphasizing that they’ve been working around the clock to fix errors and get employees paid. That includes issuing thousands of off-cycle checks — more than $1.4 million so far — and processing a flood of help tickets. Still, the frustration was clear: employees want lasting solutions, not temporary fixes.

The board spent considerable time discussing what comes next. Several members suggested it may be time to evaluate alternative payroll systems if Oracle continues to falter. Others pushed for greater transparency and better communication with staff, noting that confusion and slow responses have only made the situation worse.

The payroll headaches are also having ripple effects across the district. Recruitment and retention are taking a hit, especially for paraprofessionals and substitute teachers. Administrators said they’re planning a major hiring event in November, but acknowledged that word of the payroll problems has made attracting new employees more difficult.

Despite the heavy focus on payroll, the meeting wasn’t all bad news. The district also introduced an ambitious new College, Career, and Military Readiness Framework — a roadmap designed to ensure every student graduates ready for whatever comes next, whether that’s higher education, a trade, or military service. Leaders say the program will emphasize equity, early exposure to opportunities, and stronger partnerships with local employers and colleges.

Commissioners also shared takeaways from recent education conferences, discussing ways to improve district governance and strengthen accountability. The tone there was forward-looking, with a clear message that RCSD’s leadership wants to learn from mistakes and rebuild trust.

As the evening wound down, the board wrapped up routine business and postponed a few agenda items for another day. But the theme of the night was unmistakable — restoring confidence, both in the district’s systems and in its people.

RCSD officials pledged continued updates and a renewed focus on communication as they work toward a solution. For the hundreds of staff members still waiting for a paycheck that’s right and on time, that promise can’t come soon enough.