EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Tensions are high here at Liberty Middle school in Edwardsville, Illinois.

Several hundred teachers, students and concerned citizens have packed the building, all waiting to voice their concerns about plans to cut 27 teaching positions in District 7.

The board will be voting tonight, but frustration has already boiled over. Many attendees refused to move to the overflow area, saying the space is too small, and they’ve been waiting for hours to hear answers. 

The meeting began at 7 p.m., with all board members present and emotions running high.

The district announced that 16 teachers were already dismissed this past Friday, and more cuts may be coming. 

District superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton told attendees the cuts are necessary due to financial stability concerns. He also noted that at least seven retiring teachers won’t be replaced.

However, teachers, parents and members of the Edwardsville Education Association are pushing back. 

They say the district’s $32 million fund balance should prevent layoffs and that they weren’t given the required 15-day notice for these cuts.

Parents told FOX 2 that this is disrespectful, considering the district is voting to approve the purchase of a $1.5 million dollar warehouse project while voting to cut teachers due to financial stability. 

Parents say that teachers are more important than buildings.

After two hours of deliberation, the board came to a decision, voting 4-3 in favor of cutting 16 teaching positions in District 7.