The Amityville Union Free School District announced at Wednesday's board meeting that it has hired a forensic auditor to look over its books.

The announcement came at a heated school board meeting as parents and community members said they are fed up with what they call a lack of transparency.

They pleaded with board members about more details about why the school board approved letting go of 47 people, including 25 teachers.

The district said the positions were eliminated because of a $3.6 million budget deficit.

But some in the community are skeptical.

"This is straight just poor budgeting, not overseeing the lack of controls over spending and just overspending," said Megan Messmann, an Amityville parent.

It wasn't just parents who spoke out at Wednesday's meeting.

Students, who were honored at the meeting for their academic excellence, spoke directly to the board and their message was stark.

"II have a younger brother in the school, I feel like his education will be severely disadvantaged," said Amin Shah, the 12th grade salutatorian.

Students told News 12 they are already feeling the impact of the cuts in the classroom.

"It was really, really, really low in morale after the teachers had been cut. On the Monday and the Friday, no one was happy," said Elidi Laquidara, a 10th grader.