DIESEL FUEL COSTS SQUEEZING SCHOOL SYSTEMS

(06/02/2008)

West Virginia's county school systems need an extra $5 million to keep their 3,000 buses rolling, with the skyrocketing costs of diesel fuel. West Virginia already has one of the most expensive bus systems in the nation, following a decade of closure of schools and consolidation. The State Department of Education has closed hundreds of West Virginia schools, causing thousands of students to ride buses over the state's own guidelines. Hundreds more will be on long bus rides of well over one-and-one-hours each way in counties like Mingo, with the closure of four rural high schools, a decision made by the state after taking over the local school system. The legislature did pass a bill to slow the closure and consolidation movement this year, but consolidation already on the map will not be affected. Gov. Joe Manchin may call a special session to ask lawmakers for money to keep the bus system afloat. The state Department of Education submitted the gasoline request to Manchin this week. The school systems received a total of $63 million in transportation, operation and maintenance funding from the state this year, based on 2006 cost figures. The legislature was called upon two years ago for an additional $3.5 million for gasoline due to rising costs. The gasoline squeeze is causing problems nationwide with the elimination of sports and extra-curricular activities to holding classes four days a week. West Virginia counties are reacting to the increased costs by dipping into reserve accounts and curtailing extra bus runs.

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