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All East Orange schools were on a half-day scheduled on Friday – the second day in a row that this abruptly happened. School officials did not specify why there was a half-day on Friday. But sources told News 12 New Jersey on Thursday and again on Friday that the schedule change has to do with layoffs that were announced on Wednesday. School officials announced that more than 70 teachers and other positions
due to a lack of funding. The superintendent says the district only received $200 million in additional state aid. Some of those being laid off include 22 building-based substitute teachers, 15 elementary teachers, five Spanish teachers and seven social workers. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Irving and East Orange Mayor Ted Green
held a town hall meeting Thursday
evening to address parents’ concerns. Irving warned that a state takeover – the option if these cuts were not made – would take the next steps out of the community’s hands. He says further cost-cutting plans include exploring ratables and solar energy. The mayor says he is discussing potential state aid with Governor Murphy. The district will host transition career fairs with local districts for affected staff in November. ”