COBLESKILL, N.Y. (WRGB) — Concerned parents from the Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District rallied over the weekend, fearing potential staffing reductions that they say could impact a librarian and an art teacher.

They also expressed concerns about the potential effects on the district's social-emotional learning program.

In response, the school district stated that while they have experienced financial surpluses in recent years, they do not expect this trend to continue. However, they assured that there will be no cuts to the library or art programs and announced the assignment of a new staff member to the social-emotional learning program.

The district also highlighted a challenge faced by many rural districts: declining enrollment. David Little, Executive Director of the Rural Schools Association of New York State , explained the financial constraints, saying, "That doesn't mean that they have the discretion to take money out of those funds and spend them to preserve programs and service that are in the main budget. They have to spend money only out of the money that was authorized for the main budget."

Little noted that upstate New York experienced significant outward migration over a recent ten-year period, contributing to enrollment declines . "I haven't been to any of those places, anywhere, in a rural school in New York that hasn't lost enrollment," he said. He added that outward migration appears to have stabilized and expressed hope that the state will address rural school challenges holistically.

The district's superintendent reported a decrease of 650 students over the past 18 years, underscoring the impact of demographic shifts on the school community.

Crisis in the Classroom is a weekly segment in which CBS6 investigates issues faced by educators, students, and families. Send any tips to our team by or by calling (518) 288-6034.