Funding cuts to a Christchurch school for boys with intellectual impairments mean 37 jobs are likely to go and 30 pupils will be relocated.
A third of Halswell Residential College's funding is expected to go when the Ministry of Education imposes a restructure.
The college's learning and behavioural support service and a transition service to mainstream schooing will also be cut.
Board of Trustees chairperson Simon Buckland said on Tuesday many staff who may lose their jobs have given a lifetime of service to the college and it is a difficult time for them.
However, Mr Buckland says the college supports the changes as they aim to develop better education services for the children.