The high cost of diesel fuel is putting pressure on school budgets across the country, forcing districts to find ways to keep their buses running. Diesel powers more than 87 percent of the buses that transport about 23.5 million students, according to the Engine Technology Forum. With the national average price per gallon hovering near the record $6.53 reported by AAA—up from $3.74 a year ago in September—many administrators have consolidated routes, reduced daily trips, and forced longer rides on buses that are already crowded. Prices spiked after Donald Trump launched a war against Iran, choking off the world’s oil supply and causing both gasoline and diesel prices to soar.
In response, 40 percent of school districts surveyed earlier this year adopted consolidated routes, 27 percent cut idling, and 20 percent reduced field trips to save on fuel. Superintendent Nick Klemisch of Garrison Public Schools in North Dakota admitted, “We rob Peter to pay Paul, basically. We may have to not purchase a piece of equipment for the classroom.” The district has budgeted $100,000 for diesel this school year, up from about $80,000 in 2025‑26 and $65,000 in 2024‑25, and faces a shortage of bus drivers that has led Klemisch to drive the buses himself.
Other districts are taking similar measures. In Wyoming, the Carbon County School District’s transportation director expects diesel to cost $4.50 a gallon, but a pump price of $5.99 was observed. The district’s 32 buses logged 470,000 miles last year, transporting about 750 students, and has already consolidated routes, with the only further cost‑cutting option being a reduction in activity trips. Nevada’s Clark County School District spent $15.1 million on fuel—19 percent more than the previous year—and projects an additional $2.9 million in fuel expenses for the 2026‑27 school year, even as it faces a $100 million loss in state funding and plans to cut $51.6 million more, including potential layoffs. Florida’s Bay District Schools, which serves 28,000 students, has earmarked $800,000 for diesel, increased by $84,000 from other sources, and plans to purchase 10 new buses while maintaining current service levels.
These examples illustrate how rising diesel prices are reshaping transportation budgets, prompting route changes, driver shortages, and funding challenges. While some states, like Wyoming, can absorb higher fuel costs through full reimbursement, others face significant budget shortfalls that may lead to further cuts or layoffs. The continuing volatility in fuel prices, driven by geopolitical tensions and export restrictions, underscores the need for long‑term strategies to ensure reliable and affordable student transportation.
