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WEDDINGTON, N.C. – Union County Public Schools officials and parents said the school system has reached a tipping point.

The school system is expected to make drastic cuts to its budget which could mean many layoffs. Which is why officials and parents are using unique methods to inform the public of the situation.

Many of these parents like Amelie Shoal wear green because it's the color of money – or in this case, the lack thereof.

“We feel this $10 million has come up with the forth year in a row and we are stepping up,” Shoal said.

Shoal and others consider this a grassroots effort, meeting as a collective, educating other parents about next years potential $10-million dollar school budget shortfall, and educating local leaders face-to-face about the impact that budget could cause.
“It's time you heard it from the horse's mouth, directly from the parents who are advocating for their children,” said Shoal.

Up until now, most Union County parents have left the advocating to school leaders and PTA officials.
This approach is entirely different – more direct.

School leaders are also taking a different approach. Union County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Davis has taken to the internet, broadcasting the budget online, informing parents that layoffs loom, class sizes could swell and more cuts could come.

“We have reached a tipping point this year with the magnitude of the cuts,” said Davis. “It is going to impact the classroom directly.”

Shoal said they're not only informing parents and pleading with politicians, but they're also offering alternatives.
“We are here to say help our kids,” she said.