Stratford Superintendent Janet Robinson says roughly 40 teachers could lose their jobs because of budget cuts.

The superintendent says the district has to cut $700,000 after the state slashed almost $3 million in aid. 

"I hate sending out layoff notices before Christmas. It's difficult, but people need to know," says Stratford Schools Superintendent Dr. Janet Robinson. 

To avoid layoffs, Robinson suggested closing schools for two days with employees not getting paid. Other districts across the state have taken that option in cash-saving efforts.

"The two furlough days, plus not having bus transportation those two days, got us to exactly $700,000," says Robinson. 

Secretaries and custodians accepted the plan, but teachers said no.

According to the teachers union, "Teachers overwhelmingly voted against the furloughs because of the harm they would cause their students."

The union says school leaders only offered them one option. They are hoping the newly elected Town Council will give schools more money to avoid the cuts.

Robinson said in a video sent to parents that 16 of the laid-off teachers would be coming from the high schools. She said that some classes would be combined in other schools.

Art, music and gym teachers are most likely to be cut. 

The superintendent says teachers should know their fate on Friday. Parents will find out about the children's classes on Monday.