There is growing concern in the Hempstead School District, as parents voice fears about potential budget cuts that could lead to layoffs and even the closure of a school building.

Former Hempstead school board member Randy Stith revealed that he had been informed by district employees that a significant number of staff members could be laid off, including those at David Patterson Elementary School. Stith expressed his worries about the implications for teachers and staff who might be affected by these cuts.

"The staff across the board are going to be let go, excessed," said Stith. "Staff from the David Patterson elementary school, including principals, assistant principals, teachers, and ancillary staff."

The proposed cuts are reportedly being attributed to a budget shortfall, with district officials blaming the presence of charter schools for contributing to the financial gap. However, both the Hempstead School Board president, Victor Pratt, and Interim Superintendent Susan Johnson emphasized that no final decisions had been made regarding layoffs or school closures.

"We are just beginning our budget planning stages. We have no definitive answers for anything," said Pratt when asked about the possibility of layoffs and school closures. "Anything’s possible," he added, leaving the door open for various scenarios.

Superintendent Johnson echoed Pratt's statement, explaining that seven options for addressing the budget issues were being discussed. "It’s informational we are discussing. There are seven options that will be presented to the board," Johnson explained. "We have to do something."

Hempstead is not alone in facing such difficult decisions. In West Babylon, the school board voted Tuesday night to close Forest Avenue Elementary School, further highlighting the financial struggles some school districts are facing.

"Someone has to answer for why we’re in this position right now," said one Hempstead parent. "It’s families and staff that’s going to be affected."

While it remains unclear when the Hempstead School Board will make a decision on the proposed cuts, one key deadline looms: according to the teachers' union contract, any faculty members facing layoffs must be notified by May 30.