HR/Payroll Transition Hub

What is changing?

DCSD is moving from 24 pay periods per year to 26 pay periods per year. Employees will now receive paychecks every other Wednesday on a consistent biweekly schedule.

Why is DCSD making this change?

Employees shared that the current payroll calendar can be difficult to follow because paydays occur on different days each month. The new biweekly schedule creates a more predictable, employee-friendly payroll process that supports easier budgeting and planning.

When does the new payroll schedule begin?

• 12-month employees’ first check on new cycle: July 15, 2026
• 10-month and 11-month employees’ first check on new cycle: August 12, 2026

Your first paycheck under the new schedule will align with your employee group’s payroll calendar.

Will my annual salary change?

No. Your annual salary will remain exactly the same.

Will my paycheck amount change?

Yes. Because your annual salary will now be divided across 26 paychecks instead of 24, each individual paycheck will be slightly smaller.

Am I getting less money?

No. You are not losing pay. Your total annual compensation remains unchanged; it is simply distributed over more pay periods.

Why will some months have three paychecks?

Because paychecks will occur every other Wednesday, two months during the year will include a third paycheck. 

Which months will have three paychecks?

In the 2026–2027 payroll calendar, employees will receive three paychecks in December 2026 and June 2027.

How will benefits deductions work?

Benefits and deductions will be taken from 24 of the 26 paychecks. In months with three paychecks, no benefits will be deducted from the third paycheck.

During the new cycle, benefits will be evenly split across 24 paychecks. However, in December and June (months with three paychecks), benefits will be split between the first two paychecks only. Taxes will continue to be deducted from every paycheck.

Will taxes change?

Federal and state taxes will still be calculated according to applicable withholding requirements. Because individual paycheck amounts will be smaller, tax withholding amounts per paycheck may vary slightly.

Will my retirement contributions change?

No. Retirement contributions will continue according to state and retirement system requirements.

Will my direct deposit change?

No. Employees currently enrolled in direct deposit will continue to receive direct deposits automatically.

What day will payday occur?

Employees will receive pay every other Wednesday. Under the new biweekly schedule, employees will receive paychecks on the following days:
2026

• August 12, 26

• September 9, 23

• October 7, 21

• November 4, 18

• December 2, 16, 30

2027

• January 13, 27

• February 10, 24

• March 10, 24

• April 7, 21

• May 5, 19

• June 2, 16, 30

• July 14, 28

What if a payday falls during a holiday or school break?

Paydays will continue according to the published payroll calendar. Employees will still receive pay on the scheduled payday, even during breaks or holidays.

Why Wednesdays?

Wednesday paydays give employees time during the workweek to address any payroll questions or corrections before the weekend.

What if my paycheck is incorrect?

If there is an issue with your paycheck, Human Resources and Payroll staff will be available on Thursday and Friday to assist with corrections and support as quickly as possible.

Who should I contact with payroll questions?

Employees may contact Human Resources or Payroll support at 678-676-0005.

Under the current payroll system, some newly hired employees may wait more than a month for their first paycheck. The new biweekly schedule allows new hires to receive pay sooner and provides more predictable pay timing.