Computer glitch hits PSS payroll

A computer glitch resulted in several employees of the Public School System getting withheld excess Chapter 7 funds last payday.

Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan confirmed the incident yesterday, describing it as a minor computer glitch that happens sometimes.

“PSS already took care of the problem. It was a minor computer glitch that occurred in the processing within the system,” she said.

Sablan said her office was immediately advised about the concern moments after employees received their paychecks last Friday.

Affected PSS employees interviewed Monday expressed their disappointment after withdrawing their salaries from the bank.

“I was surprised because the amount was unexpected…that’s why we need to find out what happened,” an employee who refused to be identified told the Saipan Tribune.

Because Monday was a holiday, other affected personnel had no option but to wait until Tuesday to report and see what caused the deductions on their paychecks.

PSS has nearly a thousand personnel, both locally and federally funded.

“The errors on the payroll have been addressed by our staff and those who were affected will soon get their paychecks and reimbursements within this week,” said Sablan, refusing to disclose the approximate amount accidentally cut from the employees’ wages.

Sablan said PSS staff started resolving the issue as soon as they reported for work Tuesday.

“We’re happy to report that processing for their payments are being prepared,” the commissioner added.

Because of concern on the plight of public school teachers, Association of Commonwealth Teachers president Betty Miller immediately notified members about the Friday incident.

“I understand several employees discovered a shortage in their paychecks on Friday. To my understanding, this was due to excess Chapter 7 funds being withheld. PSS is aware of the problem and staff worked through the weekend to rectify the matter. I am hopeful those affected by these excess withholdings will receive reimbursement this week. Please notify me if this does not occur,” Miller said in her e-mail to public school teachers on Monday.

The ACT president has informed members about the upcoming election of the group’s officers set for April 30.

Miller said the election committee is in the process of preparing for the selection of president and treasurer positions.

Anyone interested in running for either posts are advised to contact election chair Jaime Vergara at San Vicente Elementary School by March 1.

She said candidates will be given a one-month period to campaign, with elections on April 30, 2009.