Rising Diesel Costs From Iran War Strain US School Budgets
Diesel prices have doubled some bus fill-ups since the Iran war disrupted global oil supplies, forcing districts to tap reserves and potentially reduce student trips.
- Soaring diesel prices are straining school district budgets nationwide, forcing administrators to tap emergency funds to ensure students reach class as U.S. fuel costs have jumped 67% since December.
- Fleet management provider Samsara projects schools need an additional $1.8 billion to cover rising fuel costs this year, while the American School Bus Council estimates yellow buses consume about $800 million gallons annually.
- Gerald Dutton, who contracts for three Sussex County school districts, said rapid price swings create uncertainty for upcoming bids; transportation supervisor Shawn Tidwell warned filling a bus can reach $200.
- Association of School Business Officials International Executive Director James Rowan said rapid price swings make accurate budgeting "very difficult," and districts that absorbed costs through reserves may lack flexibility going forward.
- Although per-mile state funding provides temporary relief, officials remain concerned about long-term sustainability as districts weigh service reductions and maintenance cuts for the coming year.
41 Articles
41 Articles
Rising diesel costs force local school districts to make difficult transportation decisions
SPOKANE, Wash. — Rising fuel costs are forcing local school districts to make tough choices as crude oil prices climb and experts warn high prices will continue until the war with Iran ends. Crude oil is forecast to average $130 a barrel next quarter and could balloon to $150. According to AAA, diesel now costs
The price of diesel in the United States rose by 67% since December and reached $5.52 per gallon for fleets, a direct blow to the budget of school districts that rely on this fuel to bring millions of students to class each day.A growing number of school administrators are already resorting to emergency funds to cover the difference.The situation affects both buses and generators that keep schools on fire.In rural districts of Alaska, some schoo…
Sky-high diesel costs have school districts scrambling to keep buses running
School buses are seen parked at Bloomsburg High School, in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Getting millions of children to class every day is growing a lot more expensive, thanks to soaring fuel prices, and school districts are starting to feel the pinch.Diesel prices in the U.S. have soared 67% since December and that is putting a strain on many school districts’ budgets. Not only do the…
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