Hempstead parents, community activists and former school board members rallied outside the district administration building Tuesday, demanding to know why the district's budget is slashing dozens of teachers and support staff positions for next year.

The district won't say how many termination letters went out, but a copy was sent to News 12. The sender says there are 100 positions up for elimination at the next board meeting.

Acting Superintendent Regina Armstrong says in the letter, "I will be recommending to the Board that your position with the district be declared in excess and that your services be terminated from said position effective June 30, 2019."

Former school board member Gwen Jackson claims the district had a $13 million surplus last year. She says this is a clear case of mismanagement.

Community activists and parents are calling on Armstrong to take a second look at the spending plan. Even with the presence of a state-appointed adviser, they say they still want the state Department of Education to do more to fix Hempstead schools.

The next board meeting is May 9. The public will get a chance to weigh in on the budget May 21.