Some Surprising Things Schools Might Have To Cut Because Of Fuel Cost Increases

The continuous increase in fuel prices is causing concern among school districts as it shows no signs of returning to pre-2021 levels. In a survey conducted by the EdWeek Research Center, over 90% of district leaders reported a rise in fuel prices since the beginning of the school year. A significant percentage, 14%, stated that fuel costs have more than doubled during this period. Additionally, 56% mentioned that fuel prices have increased between 1% and 50%. This surge in fuel costs is impacting bus drivers who work with school districts. Some drivers are requesting a mid-year raise to cover fuel and maintenance expenses, while others are considering closing down their companies.

When the actual cost exceeds the budgeted amount at the start of the year, school districts often have to make adjustments in other areas of their budget. This could lead to reductions in staff, academic programs, or transportation services. The Anoka-Hennepin district in Minnesota, with 37,000 students, is facing an unexpected increase of $100,000 in fuel costs this year, according to Superintendent David Law. Although the district’s $550 million annual operating budget can currently absorb this increase, it may become problematic if high costs continue into the next school year.

The district has a five-year contract with its bus providers that includes certain provisions for fuel increases. However, the current spikes in fuel prices are expected to surpass these provisions. This situation puts a strain on the district’s ability to support educators who request additional classroom resources. During a presentation on school funding, Law shared the teachers’ request for a paraeducator in each of the district’s 42 classrooms. However, due to budget constraints, the district cannot allocate the additional funds for this purpose without making other cuts.

The impact of rising fuel costs extends beyond student transportation. In Davenport, Iowa, eleven schools receive weekly deliveries of fresh produce through a grant program. Each delivery now comes with an $8 fuel surcharge, which has depleted the funds allocated for these deliveries. As a result, one district has already been forced to discontinue receiving their weekly fruit and vegetable deliveries, and other schools are likely to follow suit.

Overall, the increasing fuel prices are putting a strain on school budgets and operations, affecting transportation services, classroom resources, and food programs. If these high costs persist, school districts will face even greater challenges in the future.

"Despite having breakfast at 7:30, the children may not have their lunch until 11:30 or 12," Dobbels explained. "It is essential for their growing bodies to have a little energy boost."

Adapting for the long term

Some school districts are finding innovative solutions to deal with the rising expenses of operating school buses. For instance, in Lansing, Michigan, the district has allocated half a million dollars in gas cards for families who choose not to send their children to school on the bus. In South Carolina’s Richland County schools, staff members were offered $500 bonuses to help them cover the increased costs of commuting to and from work. Districts will have to adapt to these fuel prices for a considerable amount of time as experts predict that diesel shortages will keep fuel prices elevated in the foreseeable future. Energy costs such as heating and electricity may also experience similar hikes.