The Whitman-Hanson Regional School District in Massachusetts has laid off 23 people because of a massive, unexpected budget deficit.

Five teachers, 11 paraprofessionals, five non-union staff, and two long-term substitute teachers were let go on Friday. Superintendent Jeff Szymaniak said in a statement Sunday night that  "No decisions were based on performance."

In response to the job cuts, hundreds of high school students walked out on Monday morning, calling the layoffs "unacceptable."

"I was kind of floored, I was almost like this has to be kind of a joke, like there's no way they're laying off some of the most caring teachers in this school that do the most for us," said senior Shannon Balfe. She even went so far as to make a shirt to support the teachers with the words "Superintendent Grinch" on it, "in light of them all being laid off right before the holidays."

"I want them to know that we are strong, we are not the laughing stock of the state, and that us as students we will be the first to speak when something bad is going on," senior Ella Leach said.

Leach organized the walkout after learning her favorite guidance counselor, who helped her through depression, was one of the staff members let go. 

"My message to the superintendent is that he needs to find the money elsewhere instead of disrupting our education," Leach said.

The students said they will be at the next school committee meeting to make sure their voices are heard. 

School budget deficit  

The layoffs are aimed at closing a $1.4 million budget gap discovered in the middle of the school year.

Szymaniak revealed the deficit last month. He said the school district's former business manager resigned and they weren't able to find a replacement. An independent firm was brought in to serve as business manager.

"The outside firm looked at our budget, looked at our numbers, and recommended an $800,000 cut immediately to sustain where we are and make sure we are not in a deficit in FY26 in June," Szymaniak told WBZ-TV in October. He said he did not know how long the deficit had been growing.

The school committee told WBZ that the district overspent and no money is missing.

"The district will continue to monitor its financial situation and remains hopeful that some positions may be restored in the future. Building principals will notify families directly if changes affect their child's classroom," the superintendent said Sunday night.

The towns of Whitman and Hanson are about 20 miles south of Boston in Plymouth County. The district had 3,457 students enrolled in seven schools as of last year.