Arizona school districts are facing significant pressure to manage transportation costs as diesel prices continue to climb. The Cave Creek Unified School District, for example, is actively adjusting its operations and budgets in response to the increased expense of fueling its bus fleet. The national average price for diesel has surged to $6.32 per gallon, a substantial increase from $3.69 per gallon recorded a year ago, according to AAA.
Ken Doss, supervisor of the fleet at Cave Creek Unified School District, oversees the challenging task of managing these rising costs. The district operates a fleet of 24 buses, requiring approximately 7,000 gallons of diesel in a typical month to maintain routes. Drivers frequently refuel their 100-gallon tanks, often two or three times weekly, with those covering extended routes, such as to Río Verde and Fountain Hills, needing daily refills. Doss noted that the district is combining routes and emphasizing efficiency, stating, “This has led us to look at every small detail of the routes.” The district utilizes GPS tracking to monitor mileage and identify opportunities for route consolidation to reduce fuel consumption. Efforts also include increasing the use of gasoline-powered buses, which achieve about 14 miles per gallon compared to the diesel buses' five miles per gallon, and focusing on truck maintenance, such as air filter changes, to improve fuel efficiency.
The impact of these price hikes extends beyond administration to the district's drivers. Janelle Brabec, a lead truck driver and trip coordinator for the district, stated that while the daily task of transporting students remains, the higher costs significantly affect the district's “bottom line.” Drivers are instructed to keep fuel tanks at least half full for emergencies, meaning consistent refills are necessary. Brabec also highlighted that elevated diesel prices can constrain the district's ability to offer competitive pay increases and attract new drivers.
Jim Migliorino, Executive Director and CFO of the Arizona Association of School Business Officials, confirmed that most school districts across Arizona are experiencing similar pressures due to the escalating fuel costs, as the majority operate some form of diesel vehicle fleet. He explained that districts typically have fixed fuel budgets for the fiscal year, and if actual costs exceed the allocated amount, they often draw from contingency funds. However, fuel expenses, as seen at the beginning of the school year, can be high enough to deplete these contingency funds.
Should contingency funds prove insufficient, districts face a legal obligation to operate within their authorized spending limits, potentially requiring them to cut other expenses to cover the increased fuel costs. Doss recalled instances in previous districts where summer school excursions were entirely canceled due to rising fuel prices. At Cave Creek Unified School District, they have raised the prices charged to schools for field trips to help offset the increased fuel expense.
Despite these challenges, Doss affirmed that Cave Creek Unified School District continues to maintain all transportation routes for athletic activities, a service some neighboring districts are currently unable to provide. He emphasized the district's commitment to ensuring students can attend events and school excursions, even as they navigate the current economic landscape. The district's proactive measures aim to sustain essential services for students while managing the significant financial strain.
