A group of Stratford teachers held a rally before a public meeting Wednesday evening saying the mayor's proposed budget for 2024 could lead to potential layoffs at schools.

The Stratford superintendent counter proposed an extra $1 million in the budget to go toward schools as he went before the town council.

Teachers say they are hoping to persuade officials to increase the money provided to the school system.

The mayor's budget for 2024 does increase funding, but the teachers union spokesperson says due to higher costs, it is not enough to prevent double digit job cuts.

"It's not as if there is fat to be cut, we need the teachers and social workers and school psychologists. All the positions we have now are necessary," said Mike Fiorello, president of Stratford Education.

Another topic of great interest is an Alliance grant from the state. That money, perhaps $2 million, is available because this is considered to be a struggling district, but there is disagreement where that money should be counted as part of the budget or not.

News 12 reached out to the mayor's office for comment and was told this is all part of the budgeting process.