Reading School Board to keep art and music programs

Several programs that were on the chopping block in the Reading school district could be getting new life.

Members of the Reading School Board had another budget meeting Monday night to work on filling up a $42 million gap.

Board members decided to try and keep art, music and full day kindergarten programs intact.

A preliminary proposal by the district earlier this month included the elimination of those programs and the layoffs of more than 170 teachers.

The board must pass a final budget at its next meeting on Wednesday.