EAST ORANGE, NJ (PIX 11) -- Some parents and teachers in New Jersey's East Orange School District are raising the alarm over potential layoffs they believe could drastically impact students' education.
Tensions ran high at a school board meeting for the district Wednesday as frustrated parents and teachers held signs and interrupted district officials to voice their outrage over dozens of looming staff layoffs within the next 60 days.
Danna Dennis said her five-year-old son who lives with special needs is already not receiving some of his required services in the district and she's now worried about the impact of layoffs on her son's education.
"He's not receiving a one-to-one aid that is listed in a legal document which is his Individual Education Plan (IEP), and that's just scary and dangerous right," said Dennis. "I'd like to know more about what's happening."
During a budget transparency meeting, Superintendent Dr. Christopher Irving revealed that 93 positions are at risk of being eliminated due to budget constraints. Irving explained that the district is facing a financial crisis caused by shrinking budgets, the elimination of federal and state special revenue funds, and dwindling savings. A problem he claims has been building long before he stepped into his role back in July.
"We were already short almost $5 million from last year's expenditures," Irving said. "These expenditures are essential services. We have special needs kids who need to have services at the district, we have to transport folks, we have to feed children."
While district officials plan to help impacted staff find work at other school districts, concerns remain over how these cuts could affect students and classroom support.
"It puts more pressure on the teacher because if you cut one third grade teacher, then those students have to go into the other third grade and that's one teacher with like 40 plus kids," said student James Swanson.
Mary-Ann Sterling is a teacher who was set to begin her role in the district this week but now fears her position could be cut if the layoffs proceed. She warns the district could face an even bigger crisis with remaining employees seeking jobs elsewhere due to their feelings of job uncertainty.
"There's a loss of confidence in this school district now because teachers who are not having their positions cut are now planning to leave," Sterling said.
When it comes to staff salaries, the superintendent said the district is $24 million over the annual budget. Hiring freezes were implemented to help but he explained during the meeting why layoffs are the best option to save funds. Those layoffs could go into effect as soon as December.
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