Bill would help SC schools amid budget cuts

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)—South Carolina lawmakers have given key approval to a bill that would allow schools to increase class sizes and require teachers to take unpaid leave to absorb budget cuts.

The House passed the measure Wednesday. It requires another perfunctory vote before heading to the Senate, which has proposed a similar bill.

The measure gives districts temporary relief from state mandates this school year and next.

School officials say they need the flexibility to keep classrooms running. Nearly $321 million has been cut from the state’s 85 school districts since July.

But House members added a caveat. To get the relief, districts must spend at least 65 percent of state money next school year on teachers and other classroom expenses.