LIVERPOOL -- Parents and teachers in the Liverpool School District were out in force Monday night, many telling the school board the proposed budget cuts are too deep.
Jennifer Matott is a parent and an art teacher in the district. She fears her department will soon be slashed again. "We want them (the students) to be prepared for the world which is becoming increasingly visual," she said. "We've already had numerous reductions."
The district's budget closes an $11.5 million dollar budget gap with cuts to programs, layoffs, and asks taxpayers to accept a 4.4% tax hike.
On the line are 30 positions, six from the middle school alone.
"The loss of 6 positions there would interrupt scheduling and we think it's not in the best interest of our students," said Parent Patrick Lynch who has children in middle school.
This proposed budget also launches a new program. The Superintendent wants to start a special focus academy for high risk students.
Sharen Yager brought a petition with 434 signatures against that plan. She says there are just too many unanswered questions. "We don't know how successful it will be, how much it will cost? There are just too many unknowns," she said.
The school board still needs to vote on this proposed budget. The district is also waiting to see if it will get anymore state aid from Albany.
Earlier Coverage:
Parents in the Liverpool Central School District are expected to fight for the jobs of several teachers at tonight's school board meeting.
Superintendent Richard Johns is proposing 30 layoffs and a 4.4% tax hike to close a budget gap of $11.5 million dollars.
Tonight's meeting starts at 7 at the district office on Blackberry Road.
Click here for previous coverage.
