The board of trustees of the Marshall Independent School District voted late Monday night to cut 18 positions in the school system to deal with millions of cuts in state funding. Approximately 10 teachers would lose their jobs.

More than 80 teaching and staff positions have already been eliminated in the past few months through resignations and retirements.

"I believe that the board made the best decision for the students of Marshall ISD and for the district as a whole -- for the financial stability of the district as a whole," MISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing said after the five-hour meeting. "That doesn't make this decision any easier."

Gearing had presented the board his plan for cutting more than $3 million in spending. It also included program changes.

The layoffs would be effective at the end of this school year unless other teachers or staff decide to leave voluntarily.

The plan would also reduce the superintendent's salary, cut money from the athletic department, make changes to the gifted and talented program and eliminate the student mentoring program.

The people affected can appeal the board's decision.