ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Payroll problems have been piling up for the Rochester City School District, leaving many employees unpaid in full or facing other pay issues.

“Your employees are struggling to pay rent, buy food, and survive,” said Laila McFadden, a paraprofessional.

Superintendent Dr. Eric J. Rosser acknowledged the ongoing issues and said the district is working hard to address them. He mentioned a new problem with double deductions affecting many, including himself.

“We are certainly working hard to address those issues,” Rosser said.

News10NBC’s Marsha Augustin was present as district employees voiced their concerns at a forum and board meeting. Teachers and non-teaching staff expressed frustration over lack of pay and double deductions.

“Please, we need to get rid of this broken system,” said a bus monitor.

“I just can’t believe I’m still asking to be paid. Just please fix this,” said a teacher.

The Oracle payroll system has been causing more problems, leading to outrage among RCSD staff. Angie Ferris, a fifth-grade teacher at School Nine, experienced double deductions for health insurance while being under-deducted for taxes and Social Security.

“Hearing some of the other stories of insurance getting canceled. Like tomorrow, the first thing on my agenda when Excellus opens is to call and make sure my kids still have health insurance,” Ferris said.

Rosser said he inherited the problem and is committed to fixing it.

“If this system does not work for the organization, then I have the responsibility of identifying a path forward even if it entails us switching from this system to a new system,” Rosser said.

Board President Camille Simmons supports Rosser and RCSD employees. “That grace period of understanding is over and rightfully so,” Simmons said.

Union President Adam Urbanski reported that 82 teachers have resigned, many due to payroll issues, with some facing eviction and turning to food pantries.

“And some we heard are even selling their blood,” Urbanski said.

McFadden, despite loving her job, is considering leaving due to financial strain.

“I’ve already considered leaving. I can’t afford it,” McFadden said.

Rosser said implementing a new system will take time, noting that the Oracle transition took four years.

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