The Claremont School Board fired 19 teachers on Friday as it scrambles to address an estimated $5 million deficit created through mismanagement.

Meanwhile, the district official who oversaw the budget fiasco will continue receiving a paycheck, after the board placed her on paid leave.

Now, desperate city leaders are asking the state to approve an emergency loan to keep the district open.

In an open letter to the community released Friday, School Board Chair Heather Whitney announced the firings along with other severe cost-cutting measures to get ahead of the multimillion-dollar deficit revealed in recent weeks.

“[Thursday] night, the Claremont School Board did not approve the nominations of 19 new teachers, a very difficult and unfortunate decision that will relieve approximately $1.8

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