Easton School Board Eliminating 43 Positions, Including 19 Teachers

EASTON, Pa. (AP) -- The school board in Easton is eliminating 43 positions due to budget cuts, including 19 teachers.

The Easton Area School Board approved the cuts Tuesday. They come after the eastern Pennsylvania district voted in May to pass a $134.3 million spending plan and a 1.7 percent tax hike.

Chief Operating Officer Michael Simonetta says about half the cuts will come through attrition.

Teachers' union president Jena Brodhead says "cuts of any kind are difficult," but that officials hope to keep educational programs intact.

The cuts also include 11 assistant coaches, seven custodians and other employees.

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