A reduction in state aid amid the COVID-19 pandemic could have a devastating effect on Albany city schools.

Forty-five percent of the district's budget is reliant on those state dollars. Superintendent Kaweeda Adams estimates that the loss in foundation aid alone would be $16.5 million.

The school board met virtually Thursday to go over potential budget cuts needed to offset that loss in funding.

The board is looking to restructure the Albany International Center and the Tony Clement Center. Also on the chopping block are 222 full-time positions.

It's a harsh reality for the district as it looks toward reopening, something else parents say is causing frustration.

"I feel like the reopening plan is really not taking into consideration working class families. A lot of parents have to go to work everyday. A lot of parents can't juggle virtual learning. And a lot of parents have more than one kid. How do you juggle that?" said Mark Edmonds, a parent of a second grader in the district. 

The board will still need to vote on any program or staffing cuts. Classes are scheduled to begin Tuesday.