Budget cuts will close two Lee County schools

The Sumter Item requires a subscription to read the fine details, but the general idea is bad enough: Thanks to diminishing education funding, Lee County students and parents are going to lose two schools.

The Lee County School District will have to close two schools, eliminate the district's visual arts program, cut more than 20 jobs and raise property taxes to balance its 2011-12 budget.

Director of Finance Kristi Stokes said the significant cost-saving measures are needed to make up for a reduction in $2.8 million in federal stimulus and state funding.