MONSON, Mass. (WWLP) - As more school systems face budget cuts---parents and educators are speaking out about the impacts it could have on students. Monson Public Schools is facing a nearly million-dollar deficit and the school committee went before the select board earlier Monday evening to pres ent their budget needs--a plea to Monson town officials. Students, parents, and teachers sounded the alarm on the potential impacts. If the most recent round of proposed budget cuts to the school system are approved. Madelyn Moreau, a student at Monson High, states, "That means I don't get to participate in the sports that I want to participate in---loss of scholarships. We are in a small town but it's important." Monson Public Schools is facing a deficit of nearly $1 million and as of the school committee's March 19th meeting, it's putting a lot at stake. Proposed cuts by the school committee include Counselor staffing 7th/8th-grade teaching positions Math Coaching High school library staffing Programming, like sports, music, and technology "We understand that the rising costs are not sustainable for rural districts for small rural districts like ours," said concerned parent Erica Nissenbaum. "We are hoping that we can come to a compromise between the school department and the town." The rally took place before a tri-board meeting as the school committee presented their budget to the select board and finance committee who will then have to decide if they have the funds to support it. The preliminary request from the school department includes a 9.5% increase in its operating budget and a 5% increase in transportation. Interim Superintendent of Monson Public Schools Roland Joyal stated, "That's our number one priority is to give them the services that they need---whether they are special education services---gifted and talented services---athletics---the lunches that they deserve--they are fighting for their students." This is a developing story and we will have an update with the results of Monday night's meeting as soon as that becomes available. Local News Headlines Protest held following the firings of 36 probationary employees at US Fish and Wildlife Northeast Service’s Regional Headquarters in Hadley Urban Co-works opens new facility in Holyoke VP Vance denies Musk audio, criticized Bishop Swan Holyoke Police arrest man on multiple child rape charges WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less