Kansas City, Mo. is tightening its budget belt and shutting down nearly half of its public school system. The school board voted Wednesday to close 29 of its 61 schools.

Administrators said the move will keep the district from plowing through what is left of the $2 billion it received from a groundbreaking desegregation case.

Angry parents and politicians packed Wednesday's school board meeting hoping to stop the vote.

"Those who have aided and abetted in the economic decline of the urban core, you will be remembered and I assure you, the taxpayers will deal with you," said Sharon Sanders-Brooks, a Kansas City council member.

"I'm really sad," parent Nicole McNallan said. "It's a great school. My son has had a lot of success here. It's a great learning environment."

The district will also cut about 700 jobs and try to sell its downtown central office.