Read more: Local, Community, Kershaw, County, School, District, Budget, Jv, Sports, Program
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.
