DETROIT -- The Detroit school board has rejected a plan to balance the budget that included laying off 818 teachers and making other cuts.

The board voted against the plan Thursday night. The board voted instead to meet next week to consider a deficit-elimination plan to submit to the state.

Among the options is to carry the deficit over two or more years. Superintendent Connie Calloway said the proposed cuts were too "gigantic" for one year.

Some outraged parents and teachers told board members Thursday they should make administrator cuts instead of teacher cuts.

“I have never seen the Detroit Public Schools in such disarray,” said Patricia Champion, a district teacher. “Do not take away what the children need. Place a high priority on these people (teachers).”

Detroit Public Schools officials submitted the plan to avoid a shortfall of $408 million heading into the 2009 fiscal year.

By law, school districts must adopt balanced budgets or get state approval for a plan to eliminate a deficit to avoid state oversight.