Hundreds of middle and high school students dressed in black marched Monday to protest layoffs in the local school district.

District officials announced last week the elimination of 31 teaching and counseling positions. As a result, 27 people will be laid off and the rest will go into early retirement. The district will also cut 24 teacher's aides.

Parents are concerned that students will ultimately suffer.

"If it's a choice between losing teachers and paying higher taxes, I'd pay higher taxes," says Nancy Tomesheski.

The Minisink School District is facing a $2.7 million reduction in state aid. The cuts are expected to save more than $3 million.