A financial belt-tightening by the Jefferson County Schools will result in the layoff of dozens of teachers, assistant principals and support staff, or reductions from 12-month to 10-month contracts.

The plan, introduced by Supt. Craig Pouncey in a resolution at the JefCoEd board meeting Thursday morning, involves a reduction in force that will result in the loss of 70 locally-funded teaching units, mainly achieved through attrition.

the plan was approved by a 3-2 vote. Vice President Jennifer Parsons, members Oscar Mann and Martha Bouyer voted in favor, while President Dean Taylor and member Jacqueline Smith voted against.

The total job loss involves a net of 162 positions, with 65 new positions to consolidate some of the lost positions. The total job loss will be 227 positions.

Overall, the plan is supposed to result in a cost savings of $12.6 million per year, Pouncey said.

Board member Jacqueline Smith objected to many cuts, generating applause from many of those in attendance. Smith said she would support cuts of $5-6 million.

Taylor, Parsons and Pouncey have engaged in some exchanges that were sometimes contentious.