Kershaw County (WLTX) - The Kershaw County council chambers couldn't hold the number of people fired up over school funding.
Tuesday night the council voted on how much money it would give the Kershaw County school district, and some parents aren't happy.
Because of all the budget cuts made at the state level and lower local revenue coming in, a lot of districts are having to make serious cuts of their own. That's why Kershaw County schools asked council for additional funding this year.
From outside the county council building to inside council chambers, and in the halls where people had to stand because of the overflow crowd, parents are teachers like Sharon White are fighting for more school funding. "We need the money. I've had a pay cut. I've had five furlough days, friends in the district are losing their jobs. We have program cuts and I'm concerned," said White. The Kershaw County school district has already made $9 million in budget cuts since last year. Without the county's help, they'd have to make $1.6 million more. That would mean about 40 positions, possible programs, and even junior varsity and middle school sports could be the next to go. "I think we need to look at an increase in taxes," said White. With a razor thin budget of its own and hoping not to increase taxes too much, council came to an agreement. They'll give the district a third of what it asked, or about $500,000. "I appreciate the some help we did get," said Kershaw County school district superintendent Frank Morgan. Superintendent Morgan says the school board has some tough decisions ahead. "The school board is going to have to make a million dollars (in cuts) in very difficult and very bad choices." When the council's decision was voted on, many parents in the room gasped in disgust. Wednesday night the school board will vote on how they'll make the additional $1 million dollars in cuts. As for Kershaw County business and rental property owners, they'll see a slight property tax increase.
10/27/2009 11:51:12 PM
