Arizona school districts are grappling with significantly higher diesel prices, leading to a reevaluation of transportation budgets and operational strategies. The national average price of diesel has surged to $6.32 per gallon, a substantial increase from $3.69 per gallon recorded one year ago, according to AAA data. This spike is attributed to factors like the ongoing Iran war, which has disrupted supply chains in West Asia and slowed traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passageway for global oil and liquefied natural gas, as reported by the Associated Press.
Cave Creek Unified School District, for instance, faces these challenges directly. Ken Doss, the district's fleet supervisor, manages a 24-bus fleet that typically consumes 7,000 gallons of diesel monthly. Bus drivers generally refuel twice or thrice a week, with those on routes to areas like Rio Verde or Fountain Hills requiring daily fill-ups.
To manage escalating costs, Doss and his team have initiated several efficiency measures. The district is combining routes where feasible and utilizing GPS tracking to meticulously monitor bus mileages. This allows them to identify and implement route consolidations to reduce overall mileage. Furthermore, the district is prioritizing the use of gasoline-powered buses, which offer approximately 14 miles per gallon compared to the five miles per gallon typically achieved by diesel buses. Aggressive maintenance, including frequent air filter changes, is also being employed to enhance fuel efficiency.
The impact of these rising costs extends beyond administrative budgets. Janelle Brabec, a lead bus driver and trip coordinator for the district, acknowledges the significant financial strain. While her daily responsibility of transporting students remains unchanged, she noted that higher diesel costs "more affects our bottom line more than it does our daily job." Brabec highlighted that increased fuel expenses could hinder the district's ability to offer pay raises to drivers and attract new staff.
Jim Migliorino, executive director and chief financial officer for the Arizona Association of School Business Officials, affirmed that most Arizona districts are under similar pressure. While some districts have explored alternative fuel options, the vast majority operate diesel fleets. Migliorino explained that districts typically first draw from contingency funds to cover unexpected fuel costs. However, if these costs exceed the contingency, districts are legally obligated to operate within their budget capacity, potentially requiring them to forgo other budgeted expenses.
Doss recalled instances in a previous district where high fuel prices led to the complete cancellation of summer field trips. Currently, Cave Creek Unified has adjusted by raising the prices billed to schools for field trips to mitigate the increased fuel expenses. Despite the financial strain, the district continues to run all its sport routes and field trips, a service some neighboring districts have reportedly been unable to maintain. Doss emphasized the district's commitment to ensuring students can attend events and field trips, stating, "We do whatever we can to facilitate the kids and make sure they’re going to events, they’re going to field trips."
These adjustments underscore a statewide effort by Arizona school districts to adapt to an evolving economic landscape, ensuring essential student transportation services continue amidst challenging fuel market conditions.