Northgate staff, supporters hold rally in protest of staff cuts

BELLEVUE, Pa. — Furloughed Northgate School District staff members and their supporters held a rally Saturday to protest staff cuts in their school district.

"As a community, Bellevue and Avalon, we need to come together to show our support because without our schools, without our community, you know, tomorrow is not a very bright future," said rally organizer Jan Galbreath.

Leaders in the Northgate School District said they will lay off over 30 teachers and teachers’ aides in an effort to cut costs.

School Board members said enrollment has dropped in the last 10 years, as did the population in Avalon and Bellevue.

Those against the cuts believe there are other ways to save money.

"We don't have to cut our teachers. We don't have to cut our education. We don't have to increase our class sizes to 25 or 30 students. We can do what's right and maintain our level of education and still help build the school districts," said Galbreath.

Parents in the area said they fear a merger with another school district because of tax differences, more layoffs and curriculum changes.

WPXI