Lawmakers confronted on school budgets

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Local school superintendents told North Carolina lawmakers they've been creative with less money during years of budget reductions but say the cuts will ultimately catch up and damage the state unless spending decreases ease from Raleigh.

The district leaders spoke to the Legislature's education oversight committee Thursday four weeks before the General Assembly's budget-adjusting session begins.

This year's budget required the districts to return a combined $124 million in state dollars on top of the $304 million required in the previous two years. The districts will have to find another $74 million starting July 1 unless lawmakers change their minds.

Lee County Superintendent Jeffrey Moss called these discretionary cuts a "huge cancer" upon the system's budget. He said the district is using more digital books with children to save money.