March School Parents Want Alternative to Job Cuts

March Elementary School parents are circulating a petition to get the Easton Area School District to reconsider eliminating 56 teaching jobs to balance this year's budget.

Earlier this month, the district proposed those job cuts as a way to help plug a nearly $5 million hole in the budget.

But the March PTA, in its Change.org petition, says the district should consider other options. As of Sunday morning, 431 people had signed the petition.

"Teacher cuts have proven to be only a TEMPORARY solution to the financial problems facing the district each year," the petition reads. "It is time to consider alternatives that are effective and sustainable."

The alternatives the PTA suggests are "Resource Analysis and Consolidation," "Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships," "Monetization of District Assets," and "Analysis of Non-Academic Expenditures."

Superintendent John Reinhart has already suggested the district explore allowing advertising on school buses/buildings, along with possibly consolidating elementary schools. 

The school board meets again on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m.

What suggestions would you make to avoid job cuts? Tell us in the comments.