By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The math may work itself out in the end, but sometimes it can be difficult to stretch one paycheck over an entire month. USD 428 recently conducted a survey regarding the frequency of paychecks to staff members in Great Bend Schools. Assistant Superintendent John Popp presented the results during Monday's board of education meeting.
"We asked them a very simple question: would you rather be paid once a month or two times a month? I was a little shocked, actually, but 55.1 percent 'yes' we want to be paid twice a month, 28.4 percent said they were indifferent, and 16.5 percent said 'no' they want to be paid monthly."
More than 460 staff members responded to the survey. In the past, the district has lacked a large enough payroll staff to handle semi-monthly payments. Popp said a change may benefit current and future employees.
"We've actually even had some people in the community tell that, as far as hourly, if we paid more than once a month, they would come work for us," he said. "We believe it's a strong recruiting tool."
The district took no action on a change Monday night. Popp plans to bring more details regarding a possible change in April.
(While bi-monthly has two meanings, the more common terminology is semi-monthly and the story has been updated accordingly).