Parents in one Suffolk County school district are demanding answers on how their school district plans to navigate financial issues without making more cuts to staff and programs.

“It means a lot because it’s another school that provides an education and everyone needs an education, especially in the community," Amityville resident Koron Spencer said. "You know, one less school is a hardship.”

Members of the Amityville Union Free School District plan to address the board of education at tonight's meeting over ongoing discussions that the district may close the Northeast Elementary School as part of budget cuts. Parents have strongly opposed this possible move.

"People come here because it's closer to their house and closer to their jobs, so I think it's good that it's here," Miriam Castillo said as she dropped her grandkid off at the school today.

The district, searching for financial relief, is operating with a total net position of a deficit of $22.5 million, according to an audit released in June.

Superintendent of Schools Gina Talbert wrote in a letter to the district on Tuesday that "It's important to understand that this is not a shortfall in the district's annual budget, but a long-term liability that we are required to report under government accounting rules. This amount comes from a calculation of the total cost of future health insurance premiums for retirees."

Last spring, the district laid off 47 teachers and staff to close a $3.5 million deficit. At that time, the state gave the district $2 million to help save jobs and keep the school open.

Northeast Elementary School is the center for the district's universal pre-K program and parents have said it holds important community and historical significance.

A spokesperson for the district referred News 12 to the Tuesday letter. Members of the board of education have not yet responded to our request for comment.

Tonight's meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School.