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(AP) -- Legislation giving South Carolina schools some budget flexibility has received final approval.

The House on Wednesday agreed with changes made by the Senate. 

The measure heads to the governor's desk following a signing ceremony by legislative leaders.

The measure allows districts to shift money around to cover shortfalls this school year and next.

Education Department spokesman Jim Foster says school officials have been waiting on the measure's passage as a critical part of developing their budgets for the coming school year.

He said "It's terrific it's finally done."

The measure gives districts until May 15 to hand out teacher contracts.

Districts can also increase classroom sizes, except in 4-year-old kindergarten, and furlough teachers for up to five days.

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