2 Pa. school districts mull heavy layoffs

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania school district says it may have to lay off more than 150 employees, including at least 40 teachers, to deal with cuts it could face under the proposed state budget.

The Bethlehem Area School District says it could have to lay off 8 percent of its workforce after learning its budget deficit would grow $5 million under Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget.

Superintendent Joseph Roy says the district may also allow high school students in good standing to take fewer classes and leave school early.

Another Northampton County district says it may need to eliminate about 200 teachers if their union does not make concessions. Easton Area School District faces a $12.9 million budget deficit after learning it would lose $3.6 million under the proposed state budget.