Parents in one Suffolk County school district are demanding answers on how their school district plans to navigate a massive budget deficit without making more cuts to staff and programs.

Members of the Amityville Union Free School District plan to address the board of education at tonight's meeting over ongoing discussions that the district may close the Northeast Elementary School as part of budget cuts. Parents have strongly opposed this possible move.

The district, searching for financial relief, is operating with a $22.5 million deficit, according to district documents.

Superintendent of Schools Gina Talbert wrote in a letter to the district on Tuesday that "as of June 30, 2024, the district's financial statement showed a total net deficit of $22,508,935. It's important to understand that this is not a shortfall in the district's annual budget, but a long-term liability that we are required to report under government accounting rules. This amount comes from a calculation of the total cost of future health insurance premiums for retirees."

Last spring, the district laid off 47 teachers and staff to close a $3.5 million deficit. At that time, the state gave the district $2 million to help save jobs and keep the school open.

Northeast Elementary School holds the district's universal pre-K program and parents have said it holds important community and historical significance.

News 12 reached out to both spokespeople for the school district and members of the board of education for comment but hasn't heard back at this time.

Tonight's meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School.