"As the new school year kicks off, school districts are facing a challenging math problem: the high cost of diesel.
The price of a gallon of diesel is up nearly $2 compared with this time last year. That is meaningful for schools, considering that around 90% of the United States' 480,000 school buses run on diesel.
Nationally, the average price was $5.62 for a gallon as of Wednesday, according to AAA. This time last year, it cost $3.70.
School districts nationwide have been wrestling with the issue since spring, when the war with Iran started and fuel prices rose. A May survey produced by organizations that represent school superintendents and bus companies found that more than half the districts surveyed said diesel prices were already pushing them over budget."
