CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. -- More than 50 concerned parents gathered in the Rockwood High School auditorium Monday night. The school board meeting had a larger audience than normal because of recent budget issues that put the school's sports and arts programs on the chopping block.

"I think it's vitally important that these kids get the quality of education and extracurricular activities that other school districts have," said parent Dan Weaver.

The district tried to pass a referendum to raise taxes. When it failed, so did the hope that programs like baseball, football and band could be funded.

"It should have never been left to get this far," said parent Regina Benford. "I'm not really angry, I'm just concerned."

"I think we need to put our kids first and worry about our needs last," said Weaver.

If it passes, the district's budget would not include extracurricular activities. Students and their families would end up footing the bill.

Acting Superintendent Mark Bower said it was poor financial planning that got the district into this mess and it's up to the current board to get the district out of it.

"It's been difficult," said Bower. "There have been no easy decisions because every choice we make affects children. It's not been an easy process."

Once the budget is approved, it will be available to the public for 30 days. The final adoption will be on June 19.