MARATHON, NY (607NewsNow) – The Marathon Central School District is dealing with a $3 million deficit.

According to the Cortland Standard, the shortfall was discovered late last year after an audit revealed the district overspent in the 2024 – 2025 academic year.

Superintendent Jamie Coppola says they’ll likely have to cut some sports, student programs, and at least 24 staff positions. Depending on state aid, more positions could end up on the chopping block.

Since the announcement was made, MCSD has held several meetings to detail the district’s finances and next steps, as well as the budget for the 2026-2027 academic year. In the most recent meeting, students and community members voiced their opposition to the cuts and highlighted the benefits of sports and programs.

The Cross-Country Team, slated to be cut, will continue this fall after a group of community members raised the money to keep it going. It’s a one-time payment designed to give the district time to figure out its finances, though Coppola says it could take several years.

The district is also planning to propose a maximum tax levy increase.

The Board of Education is hosting a public finance committee meeting tonight. It starts at 6 p.m. in the high school library.