More than 60 people showed up at the South Butler County School Board meeting Wednesday night in support of three staff members, who may have reduced hours or no jobs in the next school year.

As part of the budget-building process, the board is looking at altering three staffing positions that could save the district money as it faces a projected $1.8 million deficit in 2016-2017.

According to board President Nelda Burd, the district is looking at eliminating Doug Kamer's position as a high school art teacher and moving two full-time teachers to part-time positions, Mike Pelloni, primary school gym teacher, and Karen Schawl, middle school art teacher. While cutting Pelloni and Schawl's hours is being discussed, both would retain their benefits through the district, Burd said.

Monica Swaney, a senior at Knoch High School, began a petition online, under the hashtag #KeepKamer, and she spoke in defense of Kamer and Schawl's positions to the board. Swaney referenced more than 1,700 students, parents and graduates who signed the petition.

“We are against the board's decision to remove Mr. Kamer as our teacher, coach and mentor,” she said. “We feel it is unfair to the current students as well as future students to minimize art classes and lessen the amount of teachers. In short, Doug Kamer is inspiring, creative, smart and important to the environment of Knoch High School. He has encouraged and inspired countless students and will affect so many more.”

The board is expected to vote on the preliminary budget at May 11 at the library of Knoch Middle School, 754 Dinnerbell Road.