Rising diesel costs are reshaping school days in Colorado. In the Denver suburbs, Cherry Creek School District is short of drivers, and students are ending up hungry, late to class, or walking farther just to reach a stop.
Here's what to know
Independent reporter Aaron Parnas (@aaronparnas1) shared a TikTok in which he said high diesel prices and staffing gaps are pushing school systems to change or eliminate bus service, as Axios reported.
@aaronparnas1 10/5
♬ original sound - Aaron Parnas
"Schools have started to cut bus routes," Parnas declared. "Children are being asked to walk longer distances to get to bus stops. Low-income children are being hit the hardest right now as prices of diesel continue to soar. School districts can't keep up with it."
High fuel prices increase the pressure on districts. As Parnas noted, the problem can be exponentially worse for certain communities. If schools are already cash-strapped, a district might be forced to change routes, which could strain local families.
More background
In a pointed example, Parnas focused on Axios' coverage of the Cherry Creek School District. Transportation director Mark Ingram told the outlet that it is around 40 drivers short.
The resulting altered schedules and route cuts are causing students to miss breakfast or arrive late to first period.
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Axios reported that rural districts are also in a tricky position with even fewer options than urban or suburban ones because of distances and pay rates.
What can be done?
"It's an all hands on deck thing," Ingram told Axios. "Every morning and afternoon, we're looking at running some routes 10 to 15 minutes late. … We just don't have the people to cover the routes."
TikTok commenters described issues in their areas.
"My child's school is ensuring that kids all get breakfast even if they need to take it to class with them and no one is considered late until ALL buses have arrived and unloaded," one shared.
Another wrote: "Teacher here. Had to stay an hour after school with a group of kids because we were down a bus and had to wait for a bus to do its route, to come back and get the other kids."
Where can I learn more?
• Across the U.S., most school buses are still powered by diesel as districts struggle to replace aging fleets.
• Researchers found health and economic benefits when communities replace diesel buses with electric fleets.
• On World Asthma Day, advocates pressed U.S. officials as diesel school buses worsen asthma for children.
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