MONROEVILLE (KDKA) — Nearly 100 students, parents and coaches gathered for a roadside rally in Monroeville Monday evening to protest budget cuts that could eliminate some sports.

The controversial cuts are being proposed at the Gateway School District.

“I’m concerned that the school board is cutting middle school athletics; I’m concerned that they’re cutting academic programs; I’m concerned they are cutting field trips,” said Aaron Hajduk, a parent. “I think this is a critical time in a child’s life.”

One of the more drastic proposals includes getting rid of all athletic programs at the middle school.

Other reductions include the number of teachers, field trips, buses and uniforms.

“It’s a failure no matter; it’s like when you build a house, you’ve got to have a good foundation. There’s our foundation that’s going down,” said Cliff Thompson, of the high school football coaching staff. “I’ve been coaching in high school for 35 years and I’ve never seen it like this.”

A tax hike is also in the spending plan.

The board meets Wednesday for a final budget vote.

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