Paterson school officials, struggling with an ongoing teacher shortage, are eyeing East Orange teachers after last week’s announcement that nearly 75 staff positions in East Orange schools would be cut due to a budget deficit.

“We are collaborating with the East Orange School District to identify opportunities for their educators impacted by recent changes,” Laurie Newell, Paterson superintendent, said in a statement.

The Paterson school district currently has nearly 120 vacant teaching positions.

Out of the 75 layoffs, which will take effect in December, 31 were of teachers. East Orange administrators detailed an estimated $8 million shortfall, although other numbers have been reported. The news shocked community members and teachers, several of whom were hired by the district this summer.

In a contentious meeting last week, Christopher Irving, newly appointed East Orange superintendent, said mistakes were made in the budget that was presented to him when he started in July, and he filled positions that were never actually budgeted for.

In a joint statement, East Orange Mayor Ted Green, School Board President Andrea McPhatter and Irving said, “This financial shortfall has been exacerbated by significant overages in several critical areas, including food service, transportation costs, and out-of-district tuition. These challenges have compounded over time, making it imperative for us to take decisive action now to secure the long-term financial viability of the East Orange School District.”

Irving said he will help each teacher who was let go, to transition into other districts.