Two different plans to deal with the Middletown Township School District’s $10 million budget deficit were discussed at a fiery board of education meeting Tuesday night.

“Over the last decade, Middletown has shouldered the burden of maintaining high standards of educational excellence amidst a climate of decreasing state aid, a lack of full funding, and increased operating expenses,” Jessica Alfone, superintendent of the district, said in a letter.

“After an extensive evaluation of the district’s financial profile and infrastructure needs, I am proposing a plan spanning over the next 3-5 years that optimizes our operational efficiency, modernizes our infrastructure, lowers class sizes across the district, and provides all of the students in Middletown an enhanced 21st century educational experience,” the letter read.

“While this has been frustrating, the district has chosen to proactively meet these challenges, viewing them as an opportunity to ignite progress toward a future of continued prominence in education,” Alfone said in a statement.

One option would lead to the closure of one middle school and two elementary schools, and redistrict elementary and middle school students across the 42-square-mile town.

Under the other option, 120 staff members would be fired, programs like sports busing would be cut along with all freshman sports and elementary school band.

The nearly four-hour-long board meeting became heated at times. Hundreds of parents were present, many of whom voiced their frustration with both plans and accused the district of mismanaging funds.

Alfone has said the district is trying to strategically address fiscal realities in the best interests of all students. The board has until April 30 to decide on a plan.