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ROCK HILL More than 70 teachers and dozens of other employees could lose jobs next school year in the Fort Mill and Rock Hill systems, their superintendents announced Monday night in separate board meetings.
Other budget cuts - including elimination of middle school sports, unpaid leave and fees for participating in marching band and high school sports - were outlined by superintendents as they try to cope with big budget cuts in the 2010-11 fiscal year.
School systems across South Carolina are reeling from the cuts, mandated by the state legislature to deal with the state's budget shortfall. Fort Mill Schools are trying to cut $5.4million in spending, while the Rock Hill Schools are dealing with an expected $10 million shortfall.
The cuts are similar to those experienced in the current fiscal year across North Carolina, with more budget shortfalls expected in the coming year.
"Professionally, this is my darkest hour," Rock Hill Schools Superintendent Lynn Moody said during a board meeting. "We're no longer building budgets. We're devastating budgets."
At Fort Mill High School, more than 100 people watched the Fort Mill School Board grapple with a tight budget.
"The bottom line is $5.4 million in cuts," said Supt. Keith Callicutt. "There is no way we will continue to function with the same level of personnel we currently have, when 87 percent of our operational budget is in salaries and fringe benefits."
