A west Georgia school system has approved a package of cuts that includes closing an elementary school and a middle school.

The Muscogee County School Board approved the plan with a unanimous vote Monday night.

The recommendation by interim Superintendent John Phillips includes closing Edgewood Elementary School and Marshall Middle School.

The Columbus newspaper reports that the decision could mean layoffs for as many as 40 teachers.

The cuts are designed to save $9.5 million as the school system tries to fill a projected $40 million budget deficit for next fiscal year.

Tags: Columbus, budget cuts, School Closings, muscogee county schools, edgewood elementary, marshall middle school