New Bedford School Committee Passes Layoff-Ridden Budget

The City Council is next in line to take a close look at the Fiscal Year 2014 New Bedford School Budget.

The School Committee passed the $109-million budget Thursday night, including the layoffs of 250 positions. Fine Arts positions, librarians, nurses, and others will be laid off in addition to more than 100 teachers if the budget is finalized by the City Council.

Parent Armanda Dias-Arruda says budget cuts should be made from the top down.

School Committee member Dr. Larry Finnerty tells WBSM News there is a rough plan to bring back positions if extra funds turn up.

Finnerty says underutilized unemployment funds or unannounced retirements could free up some cash within the minimally funded budget.