SUGAR LAND -- Fort Bend Independent School District voted Monday to lay off 52 school employees.
That number is much lower than the 275 originally listed for nonrenewal of contracts.
The new total only includes certified teaching positions and certified non-teaching professional positions.
"Those employees have been placed in positions that have become available due to vacancies, resignations and retirements," FBISD chief communications officer Mary Ann Simpson said.
But it unclear what will happen to hundreds of other positions the district previously proposed cutting as it faces a $20 million budget deficit.
Dozens of teachers, parents and students attended the open meeting at the FBISD headquarters to make their voices heard Monday night as school board members decided the fate the employees.
Karrie Washenfelder, the teachers union president, said she was glad to hear fewer workers would be let go, but she wasn't happy with the district's "lack of transparency" over the past few weeks.
"Our board has worked really hard to communicate as clearly as possible every decision we have made. --Every action we are taking," said FBSID Board President Bob Broxson.
