Olean teachers rally for funding

OLEAN, N.Y. (WIVB) - Teachers in Olean are rising up against what they call "devastation to education."

Teachers and parents marched from Olean High School to Westgate Plaza on Monday. They are calling on lawmakers in Albany to help reverse years of deep cuts to education.

The Olean Teachers Association says state funding to Olean schools has dropped by about $6.9 million since 2008. The cuts have forced many Olean schools to slash art, music, reading programs, and some extra-curricular activities.

Association President David Lasky said, "We are in crisis. We are at the point where going to have to start cutting programs that we feel are extremely important to the educational process."

Budget cuts have also forced the layoffs of 54 employees with the Olean School District.