The Montclair School District is facing a budget deficit of $20 million, with nearly $6 million in proposed cuts, including elimination of freshman sports and a $1.5 million reduction to transportation costs. The district's Department of Pupil Services provided an overview of how the district plans to support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) amid the financial crisis. Staffing decisions will be driven by student needs, not building location, according to Superintendent Ruth Turner. The financial issues, which predate the current superintendent and business administrator, have been blamed on the district "spending beyond its means" with the hiring of unbudgeted staff, unpaid bills, and other expenses contributing to the deficit. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for April 29.