Montgomery County Board of Education cuts over 400 jobs

001has approved a controversial budget that eliminates hundreds of positions across the school district. Thanks so much for joining us on this Thursday. I'm Annie Yu. The district was faced with a $36 million budget shortfall and ultimately approved the plan in a 7-1 vote. The budget eliminates approximately 415 full-time equivalent positions, which includes not filing some or filling rather some vacant positions. Affected roles include social workers, media assistants, family engagement specialists, and other support staff positions. Board members said the county council's funding decision left the district with few options and forced tough choices. The meeting grew tense at times with multiple outbursts from parents and staff who opposed the cuts. >> These are not statistics. These are children. These are our children. For the sake of every student who may one day need someone to answer a cry for help, I urge you, please cast your vote to protect our lifelines, to protect our children. Protect them like they're your children. >> Superintendent Thomas Taylor said the district worked to preserve as many classroom positions as possible, but he acknowledged the elimination of hundreds of positions will have a real impact on students, schools, and the broader community. Also, breaking