Educators and parents in East Orange are demanding answers from the school district after more than 75 staff members, including teachers, were laid off in December.

More than 100 people showed up at Monday night's school board meeting, where Superintendent Dr. Christopher C. Irving explained that the district didn't have the money to keep those staff members employed. But parent advocate groups and even teachers say that it is hard to believe and the layoffs have had a negative impact on students and current staff.

During public comment, attendees heard from current staff members, including teachers, principals, and vice principals. Many pointed out that last year, district officials said there was a deficit within the budget, but this year, they said there was no deficit.

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Irving explained that the district is trying to ensure that they'll have enough to pay off all their debt and bills that will accumulate in 2025, after spending more than expected in 2024.

What upset parents the most is that the layoffs happened four months into the school year.

Danna Dennis is a parent of two students within the East Orange School District.

"Us as parents, we were shocked. Many of our kids were losing their teacher that they had already bonded with,” Dennis told News 12. “It was changing classroom sizes. It was a big shift…And we’re two months away from the new budget being decided in March. Can we trust these folks to do the right thing?"

Irving shared that he's planning a budget task force that will include community members who want to give their input. He plans to announce it by the end of the week.