Parents and school officials packed the Lugoff Middle School gym on Wednesday, voicing their concerns about the district's budget.  Tuesday night the Kershaw County Council approved a 3.5 mill property tax increase on businessess and non-primary residences.  That amounts to $18 per $100,000 of property value.  But it's still not enough to cover the district's shortfall.

A battered budget has been at the top of the agenda in Kershaw County since the school year began.  One plan to save money--cut Junior Varsity sports--which didn't sit well with parents and students.  Wednesday night, they learned whether the program will survive. 

It was a packed house as parents, students and school officials showed up to find out what would get slashed.  The school board cut nearly $440,000 at Wednesday's meeting. 

There were tense moments, but relief soon followed when the crowd learned Junior-Varsity sports will be spared for now. 

The school board has decided to leave some unfilled positions vacant.  The district will also cut a few personnel positions.  Everyone agreed the decisions on what to cut are difficult.