While lawmakers begin to debate the administrations reckless budget proposal, it's plain for all to see that a more balanced approach is required to preserve our future, our schools and local economies. This is evident in a number of reports today

CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - The Cleveland Metropolitan School Board voted to layoff 835 employees, 643 of those are teachers. The board also voted to close seven schools.

Columbus city also finds itself in trouble

The district is now looking at an estimated $16 million loss under a budget proposal that's being considered by the state legislature, and a potential $6 million loss from local property-tax collections because of falling home values, Harris said after a board meeting tonight.

She said it means that staff cuts are inevitable before the start of school this fall.

Delaware

The $2.5 million in cuts for next school year include eliminating 14 staff positions, limiting field trips and phasing out German and Latin classes.

"We understand, to really be financially able to get what we need, it's going to take a combination of the district making significant cuts and asking the community to support the schools through new money," Backus said.

Hudson

Hudson -- Almost 200 people, many of them wearing the blue union shirts of the Hudson Education Association, listened as the School Board on April 4 voted to eliminate 37 positions before the start of the 2011-12 school year.

The eliminated positions will save the district $2.9 million in salaries and benefits but leave about 34 people out of work, according to Assistant Superintendent Phil Herman.

These cuts should be a wake up call to lawmakers, to consider a more balanced, less reckless approach to the budget.