School budget battle continues in Broward County

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Hundreds of parents and teachers sounded off at a public hearing Thursday night about programs they think should be saved.

The school board is trying to reduce a $130 million deficit, which means more job losses and program cuts. The budget leaves little room for extracurricular classes, like art and music, which upsets many teachers. "What you have done is not good enough, what you have not done is not good enough," said one teacher.

"Did you try to find expenditures that if they had been eliminated would not have jeopardized people's jobs or incomes?" said another teacher.

Broward Schools Superintendent Jim Notter said core curriculum classes are his top priority. "It affects me personally and professionally, and it affects my board personally and professionally. However, we have constitutional obligations to meet class size which drives core courses," said Notter.

The board will hold a second public hearing on Sept. 16.

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