Rising diesel costs force school districts to rethink bus budgets

Diesel fuel prices have climbed to $5.62 a gallon, up from $3.70 a year ago, straining school transportation budgets across the United States. In Yakima, Washington, the assistant superintendent of finance and operations projects a 38% rise in diesel expenses, prompting route consolidations and staggered bell times that could save $400,000 to $500,000 but also lengthen drivers' days. Boise, Idaho, responded by adding eight electric buses funded by a federal Clean School Bus Program, yet still faces a $600,000 cost increase.

Monterey, California, has shifted most of its fleet to gasoline, where local prices exceed the national average, and is seeking additional funding to cover shortfalls. Across the country, more than half of surveyed districts say diesel costs are pushing them beyond budget, leading many to use rainy-day reserves, a move that could weaken their ability to handle future financial shocks.