Northampton school system facing cuts

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Parents in Northampton are trying to find ways to save two dozen jobs in the city school system.

Northampton is currently looking to fill a $2.4 million budget gap . Some city officials believe a solution would be to cut the jobs of 24 teachers--that's because the city spends about 60% of its general budget on its schools.

But there are some parents who are upset over this proposal. An estimated 150 people gathered at JFK Middle School in Florence Tuesday night, to show their support for the teachers, at a public job forum.

Pamela Schwartz of " YES! Northampton" told 22News last week's Northampton School Committee budget fails to fund 24 positions.

"The most fundamental: music, art in the high school. language teachers in JFK.  Elementary School teachers on that level.  They are cuts we cannot accept," Schwartz said.

Schwartz told 22News the group supports creative tax legislation, and that they favor the governor's tax proposal to fund education and transportation. She also added that they support the "Act to Invest in Our Communities", which is a bill co-sponsored by Northampton State Representative Peter Kocot. Kocot was part of the panel for Tuesday night's meeting.

The next public budget meeting will be held 7PM, Wednesday night inside the Little Theatre at Northampton High School.