GASTONIA -- The Gaston County School Board formally requested about $9.5 million in additional operating funds from Gaston County commissioners.

Officials said the added money from the county would save nearly 200 current teacher and teacher assistants, who would be laid off if Gaston Schools' funding is flat next year.

In total, 234 positions are at risk of being eliminated with the district facing a $9 million budget shortfall.

In the last three years, the district has cut $27 million and eliminated more than 420 positions to make ends meet. 

"We've learned how to do more with less, but we've reached a point of no return, we have to got to help if we are going to continue to meet the needs of our students," Reeves McGlohon, Gaston Schools superintendent.

The Gaston county manager said Monday that it would be very difficult to increase schools funding without an increase in the local property tax rate.

The manager will unveil his recommended property tax rate and budget later this month.