The principal of a Texas school said she was brought to tears when a second-grader brought a sack of coins to help the cash-strapped school district.

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Maria Meneses, 8, a student at Diamond Hill Elementary School in Fort Worth, said she brought her sack of coins to school because reports about the district's financial problems made her worried she would soon be losing teachers, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Thursday.

"I thought I would bring some of my money from my college fund to my school so more teachers wouldn't get fired because I don't want anyone to go away," the girl said. "I had to do something to try and help them because they help me. Every single teacher I've had has helped me."

Principal Ellen Verreault said she and several officer staff members were brought to tears by the second-grader's gesture. She said she returned Maria's money and assured her the school would not be closed.

Superintendent Melody Johnson released a statement saying officials will do all they can to prevent budget problems from affecting classrooms.

"I want to assure Maria, and all our students, that the board of education and the staff will do all they can so students will still have the best teachers and principals available," Johnson said.