26-Pay Cycles 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 did DCSD move to 26 paychecks this school year?

DCSD moved to a predictable biweekly schedule, meaning employees are paid every two weeks. A year has 52 weeks, so paying every two weeks results in 26 paychecks each year. Many businesses and organizations, such as the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE), also use a biweekly pay schedule. This change also helps reduce payroll errors experienced in recent years related to multiple payroll runs, varying work calendars, and overtime processing. Having everyone paid every other Wednesday creates a more consistent, predictable schedule and helps improve paycheck accuracy.

Why is DCSD making this change?

For years, employees told us the previous pay schedule was difficult to plan around, particularly when paydays fell on a weekend or holiday. Now, your paycheck comes every other Wednesday, so you know when to expect your next paycheck. Wednesday was also selected so that if a payroll issue occurs, our teams have the work week to address it rather than employees having to wait several days for assistance. We want every employee’s paycheck to be as accurate and predictable as possible.

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.

Why is my paycheck smaller?

Your annual salary, which has not changed unless you received a step increase, is now spread across 26 paychecks, so each paycheck is smaller than before. 

We know change takes time. We also hear you. We understand that having less in each paycheck can have a real impact. As you move through the first few pay periods, the predictable schedule will make it easier to plan for your next paycheck.

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.