WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Emotions ran high inside a packed Whitehall-Coplay school board meeting Monday night.
To help the district get its finances in order, the superintendent proposed a reorganization plan that would cut jobs, including those of several math and science teachers.
Dozens of people turned out to the education center for the meeting, where the motion failed — meaning those jobs are currently safe.
“As a former alumna of Whitehall-Coplay School District, a former board member, and most importantly, a parent of two children in the district, I am deeply disappointed in your recent proposals,” one resident said.
The board heard from nearly a dozen people about concerns over cuts to teaching positions, substitutes and support staff.
“You’re going to put that on the teachers again, ‘cause that’s where everything gets dumped — on the teachers,” another speaker said.
The plan that would have eliminated nearly 30 jobs within the district failed to be passed by the board.
The district is also seeking a 4.7% tax increase.
People who spoke at the meeting say they hope the district can find a way to fix its finances that doesn’t involve cutting its staff at schools.
The resolution will go back to the committee where the district will take another look at the plan.