Story Photos
 Sally Sanders, a Longview School District bus driver, fuels up at the district garage Wednesday afternoon. Greg Ebersole / The Daily News
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Fuel prices draining school budgets
Thursday, May 15, 2008 11:43 PM PDT
By Carrie Pederson
Printable version
E-mail this articleSoaring fuel prices are driving school district transportation budgets into the red.
Although both the Longview and Kelso school districts buy fuel a contracted discount rate, costs still are subject to market fluctuations, officials in both districts said this week.
Districts don’t know what the cost will be week to week, said Jim Biwer, Kelso’s finance director.
Kelso budgeted $200,000 for fuel this year, but it will overspend that by $15,000 to $20,000 because diesel and gas are costing about 50 cents a gallon more than the district projected, Biwer said.
Longview budgeted $220,000 for fuel and already has spent $250,000 this year, said the district’s financial director, Dennis Hilberg.
“We are doing the best we can to shift resources to meet the demand today,” Hilberg said.
The districts are paying about $4.07 a gallon for diesel, considerably below the average price statewide.
Hilberg projects that Longview’s fuel expense will increase 53 percent next year, and he’s tentatively budgeding $350,000 for 2008-09.
Hilberg hopes the district can meet rising fuel prices without depleting its reserves, which it likes to keep at 5 percent of expenditures.
“We hope we don’t have to tap into that reserve, but its possible with urgent needs of diesel costs this school year and next year,” he said.
Biwer expects Kelso’s costs to shoot up next year, though he’s not ready to project a number. He said the district will study whether it can save money by changing bus routes.
Over the summer we’re going to really take a close look at really making sure our bus routes are as efficient as possible,” Biwer said. “Hopefully that will save us some fuel for next year.”
Hilberg said the district also will be looking for ways to save fuel.
“It’s being considered,” he said.
Preacher wrote on May 16, 2008 5:20 AM:
" Another good reason for home schooling, close down all schools, no one learns anything good and they are bottomless pits for taxpayer money. "
Bus Driver Michelle wrote on May 16, 2008 6:57 AM:
" Whats really sad about this is that now the schools are very tight and not willing to talk raises with their drivers. While I understand the school's situation, we drivers are also dealing with inflation. What to do? Find a better job. "
Common man wrote on May 16, 2008 7:18 AM:
" Maybe it is time for the district to look at Natural Gas powered buses for routes in the city, this would reduce fuel cost and emissions. Go Green Kelso. "
Walk or ride a bus wrote on May 16, 2008 8:04 AM:
" That's money that can be spent on other programs. Have the kids walk!!! "
Its time wrote on May 16, 2008 8:07 AM:
" Its time to take drastic measures such as stopping extra afterschool activities such as driving the kids to football, baseball, and other games that are honestly not needed. Although I think we should continue to take our kids out to educational activities. Now I know people are gonna be up in arms about cutting transportation to things such as ball games but unless our community can help with the fuel expenses our schools wont have the money to transport our kids to just school due to the continued risein fuel costs. "
re preacher wrote on May 16, 2008 8:20 AM:
" that's great for those parents that would follow through, but I know that there are kids in school that get some very positive reinforcement and learn in school what they don't learn at home. yes, this opens up the "schools aren't the parent's" argument, but I for one am happy to be a part of being a positive influence on kids that really need it. they are our future and I won't give up on them. ever.
I do agree schools are going to have to look at ways to conserve, but I also think they could look at their budgets from the top down. not saying the top doesn't deserve a reasonable salary but I believe there are more cuts at the top level that could be made rather than making so many cuts where it directly relates to the students (staffing AT the schools, etc). "
I do agree schools are going to have to look at ways to conserve, but I also think they could look at their budgets from the top down. not saying the top doesn't deserve a reasonable salary but I believe there are more cuts at the top level that could be made rather than making so many cuts where it directly relates to the students (staffing AT the schools, etc). "
Up hill both ways wrote on May 16, 2008 8:20 AM:
" When I was in School ('70's)in So Cal, we were not offered the opportunity to take a bus to afterschool sports or activities, unless, as a team, we had raised the money to do so. If our teams did well, we had to put major fundraising in to place, as it could mean we got to play teams many miles away, each victory carrying us further afield. It drove home to all of us the importance of it all. You sure as heck played harder knowing you worked for the money to get there! The rest of the time, we walked or biked to school from a whole lot farther away than local kids do. And yes, it does rain in So Cal. Other times, it can be terribly hot, and smoggy too. But we did it! "
checkmate wrote on May 16, 2008 8:25 AM:
" Compressed school week, 4 days a week and cut those worthless half day crap. Buses dont even cool down and its time to take the kids home again. HALF DAYS ARE A TOTAL WASTE OF TIME AND FUEL! "
Longview taxpayer wrote on May 16, 2008 8:27 AM:
" Maybe if the school districts would quit wasting money on expensive options on school buses, like dark tinted windows on Kelso buses the last several years, and traction sanders and automatic tire chains on Longview's buses (which never get used because the schools close at the first snowflake in winter) there would be some money left for fuel. "
Re checkmate wrote on May 16, 2008 8:49 AM:
" I agree totally!!!! This half day crap must stop. And yeah do a compressed week of 4 days and eliminate all of the teacher in-service days. They can still work 5 days a week and will not need to have half days or in service days to keep up. "
Gs Louise wrote on May 16, 2008 8:54 AM:
" My,my, I can see why the crime rate in the area is so high. Its apparent from most of the posts that education is a very low priority in Kelso/Longview. I realize it would be absolutely wonderful if all education was free and all teachers, administration and janitorial help worked for free and if the power company would donate the power, and all book companies would donate all materials, but this is America, with our foundation in making a buck, so everything at school costs money. You always want to blame the schools for the poor education the kids receive, but you have told on yourselves with your attitudes. Its simply not a priority. You rather smoke in bars, hate the arts and anything nice going on in the area so you can sit at home and talk about the "lowlifes" you so hate. Go shoot a sea lion. "
W-A-L-K wrote on May 16, 2008 9:21 AM:
" The district should explore the option of having kids within a mile of the school WALK instead of hopping on a bus. Do the math, get the kids out walking, keep them healthy, and the district can save some money. Other communities do it and so can we. "
gaspricesrhigh wrote on May 16, 2008 9:24 AM:
" Horse and Buggy may be making a come back!!! Just think it will save tax payers money and bring new jobs! Somone will have to clean up all the poop! But on a serious note do you really think they care that this is too costly for us, that it has raised the price of everything? No they love it! They love sucking us dry! "
Scooby wrote on May 16, 2008 9:32 AM:
" Get rid of the WASL and go back to standard US government testing. Use the WASL money as a gas subsidy.
How much taxpayers money goes to the WASL?
We also need to take a serious look at the boundaries. I have friends that live on Lone Oak which is just around the corner from Robert Grey, yet the kids have to go to Columbia Valley Gardens. Trust me, CVG is not within a walking route. Yet it would be nothing to walk to Robert Grey. The kids that live out at Oaks Park are bussed in to Northlake and Cascade Why aren't they in Broadway, Kessler and Monticello? It would still be a bus ride but not as far. I see one family that meets a bus at Bud Clary West to take their special needs child to school. One child, one bus.
Hey I'm not judging here but why aren't they taking their child all the way to school if they are already in their car? "
How much taxpayers money goes to the WASL?
We also need to take a serious look at the boundaries. I have friends that live on Lone Oak which is just around the corner from Robert Grey, yet the kids have to go to Columbia Valley Gardens. Trust me, CVG is not within a walking route. Yet it would be nothing to walk to Robert Grey. The kids that live out at Oaks Park are bussed in to Northlake and Cascade Why aren't they in Broadway, Kessler and Monticello? It would still be a bus ride but not as far. I see one family that meets a bus at Bud Clary West to take their special needs child to school. One child, one bus.
Hey I'm not judging here but why aren't they taking their child all the way to school if they are already in their car? "
MOM wrote on May 16, 2008 9:47 AM:
" If more parents actually got up and took their children to school then there would be more money for the school. I get up and take my children to school every day. It does cost me a little more, but my kids' education is more important! PEOPLE NEED TO QUIT BEING LAZY!!!! "
Re Preacher wrote on May 16, 2008 10:02 AM:
" That's all we need close down the schools. What a conclusion, fuel is expensive, close down the schools. Brilliant conclusion! You sound stupid enough to have been home schooled. If the people teaching home school are at the same level as this blog we are in big trouble. Home school isn't about learning for you bible thumpers, it's about keeping kids from learning things like science. Isn't that right? "
Preacher wrote on May 16, 2008 10:35 AM:
" Those students that study and learn will do so regardless, those that don't won't, no matter what. The waste of tax dollars in the school districts is so bad you could not imagine unless you were directly involved. Just the cost of lighting and maintenance would buy each student a really good computer and the cost of after school activities would finance an internet teaching system. Seems this would resolve a whole lot controversary. "
The Answer Is wrote on May 16, 2008 10:40 AM:
" The students and staff suffer while we pay administrators top dollar. Something is wrong when we have buildings full of administrators at the district level siphoning the funds out of programs for students. "
To Scooby wrote on May 16, 2008 10:44 AM:
" The school district is required by federal law to bus all students with an IEP (AKA as special needs children) if it is needed. As for why this one child is being bused...maybe he or she is the first one being picked up? "
Another RE to preacher wrote on May 16, 2008 11:04 AM:
" Go preach to the mindless masses. Home schooling is proven to turn out less "educated" kids. Those of us WITH an education will pay the extra taxes to keep the buses moving and the kids learning, to help keep society productive (somewhat). "
kelso wrote on May 16, 2008 11:09 AM:
" you cannot get rid of after school sports or activaties! The kids and the communities need them to sololize . that is how kids lear to be in the real world. "
Amazed wrote on May 16, 2008 11:29 AM:
" The answer is simple . . . I live near a school and wait throught the long line of parents driving their kids to school. Then I watch school buses drive by that are only 1/3 full. It irritates me that my tax dollars are being wasted. (1) Either eliminate school buses and let all parents drive their kids, (2) have fewer buses with bigger routes to fill the buses or (3) parents stop driving the kids. Why do the parents drive their kids instead of having them riding the bus? Is it because kids don't think riding the bus is cool??? Gas is getting to expensive for that luxury. "
What controversy wrote on May 16, 2008 11:31 AM:
" A public education is the foundation of our republic, an educated electorate. A public is one of the few things that binds together a nation as diverse as ours. Some states are requiring certification for teaching home school. In other words being some bible thumpers wife is no qualification at all. I think that's a good idea. In my opinion online classes are a joke, at the college level online classes are just a way to qualify for student loans, nothing more. If you want to go to school you have to go to a school. "
LocalYokel wrote on May 16, 2008 11:37 AM:
" My experience at LCC with the home schooled was that they are usually very adept academically but are very narrow minded and socially inept. I think this is due to the majority of home schooled children being from either right wing religious zealots or left wing hippy kooks. I think public schools are the foundation of a functioning republic. If the first real contact with the outside world for either of these groups happens when they are 18 it is far to late in most cases for them to be tolerant of others. I would not hire either of them since both have very lopsided world views. "
concerned citizen wrote on May 16, 2008 12:09 PM:
" I agree that there are changes that can and should be seriously considered,I am sure each district will find a way to make it work. Yes there are students that can walk that are currently bussed, there are also children who would not make it to school if they didn't have a bus to get them there, whether it be due to distance or lack of parental supervision. I do agree that in most cases the 1 mile radius from a school would work to have students walk, but there are cases that instituting that requirement could put a child in harms way and I am not okay with that. Yes I also agree that maybe some of the money from other places such as reducing staff at at the administration offices, but to go to online schools,oh please. What about all the employees who would then be out of a job, that would really help our community. As for sports and other afterschool activities, those items are sometimes the only thing that keep a child in school. I'm for anything that can hopefully help somoeone become a productive member of our society. Let's be supportive of our youth and all of the teachers and support staff that also make up our school system. The cost of fuel has effected everyone, so why would a school district be immune. "
parent wrote on May 16, 2008 12:14 PM:
" some of us parents HAVE to put our kids on the bus because we leave for work before they need to be in school! If I could get my kids to school at 5:30am that would work for me. Otherwise, the bus is MY only choice, as well as others. "
re Kelso wrote on May 16, 2008 12:31 PM:
" I can see that you spent more time in sports than in English learning how to spell. Sports and after school activites are an option not a requirement. If they didn't travel half the state to play games then it wouldn't be a problem would it? "
schoolmom wrote on May 16, 2008 12:33 PM:
" Way to go localyokel. I think your response is right on the money, I couldn't agree more. Not to mention, how many parents can afford to stay home and home school?? Especially right now. "
RE What controversy wrote on May 16, 2008 12:50 PM:
" What qualifies your opinion as valid: "In my opinion online classes are a joke, at the college level online classes are just a way to qualify for student loans, nothing more." I currently take online college courses so that I can get a job that might better provide for my family. Online classes are the only option for 300-400 level college courses in this area. Yes, I could spend a couple hundred dollars a week in fuel to commute to WSU Vancouver, but by taking classes online through WSU DDP, I'm able to work 40+ hours a week and not have to commute to campus. No Joke. "
To kelso wrote on May 16, 2008 12:51 PM:
" I see what you're doing and think it's hilarious--that said--get a life. Not even people from Kelso spell that poorly. But I like the insinuation that people from Kelso only care about sports. "
re Amazed wrote on May 16, 2008 1:05 PM:
" How do you know that the bus didn't already stop at another school with the other 2/3 of its students? Another route requirement is time, get a map and try to guess which kids will ride today, and then make sure you have a bus make each stop within two minutes of the "designated" time each and every day and you can see the problem with a full bus, or a bus that might take an hour from first student to last student riding. You can't make all the people happy all the time, I think someone famous said that awhile ago...:} "
whyknot wrote on May 16, 2008 1:12 PM:
" What would be wrong with charging a monthly fee for riding the bus, you know like when i went to school i had to buy a bus pass. "
Activity Surcharge wrote on May 16, 2008 1:17 PM:
" Why not consider a surcharge of oh.. say $20 per kid per activity to help compensate the cost of sports and extra cirricular activities? That way the added fuel expense is charged to those who cause the extra expense and those who choose not to participate aren't forking out the cash. A sort of "Pay to Play" plan maybe??? Also-the bus stops do need to be revisited. There is no need to stop every three homes to pick up children. Go with more centralized stops-will cause all of us to use less gas by eliminating all the starting and stopping. "
To Amazed wrote on May 16, 2008 1:27 PM:
" Do you personally know the reason the parents are driving the kids? Maybe the child had a Dr appointment before school? Maybe the bus picks up the kids after the parent needs to leave for work and the child can't be left alone? Maybe the child is staying with a family memeber while the parent is out of town and the relative isn't in that school dist? The child could be in daycare before/after school and there is no bus service to and from? Maybe the child has been assaulted on the bus and no longer feels safe? Possibly the child is on crutches and cannot comfortably ride a bus? Divorced parents with shared custody in different districts? There are endless possiblities and since the parents are tax payers too if they choose to have the added cost of driving the child to school what business is it of yours? The bus picks up at my stop at 8-I have to be at work at 8:30 and drive right past the school on my way to work-so I drop my son off. Gives us some one on one time and there is no added cost to me. "
huh wrote on May 16, 2008 1:36 PM:
" I am surprised at how many people who are suppose to be working...are responding to this article, unless you all work nights?? "
Walking School Bus wrote on May 16, 2008 1:37 PM:
" I have to drive my child to school everyday to Headstart while I go to the college next door. Its convenient right now, but when she starts kindergarten at R.G. in the fall, were walking to school. Its within walking distance. Walking school buses should be another option for every school. "
Homie wrote on May 16, 2008 1:38 PM:
" My kids do not ride the bus because the bullying that goes on. The school superintendents turn a blind back to this. Too busy justifying their next raise. "
EX-LONGVIEW-ITE wrote on May 16, 2008 1:42 PM:
" Re:Checkmate--
I agree totally!!! the 1/2 day is not needed!!!
A 4-day work week is the way to go.. anyway-- teachers get the ENTIRE summer off!! Gee-- wish I could do that! And in-service days.. WHAT are they needed for anyway??
And within a mile of school-- WALK!! that is what your legs are for!! "
I agree totally!!! the 1/2 day is not needed!!!
A 4-day work week is the way to go.. anyway-- teachers get the ENTIRE summer off!! Gee-- wish I could do that! And in-service days.. WHAT are they needed for anyway??
And within a mile of school-- WALK!! that is what your legs are for!! "
Disgusted to be in the same community wrote on May 16, 2008 1:45 PM:
" The amount of ignorance and anger in this town continues to amaze me. I am going to assume that it is not the general public, but a small minority, who continue to write their opinions. I implore you all to think carefully before you speak and read through what you write and try, just try, to hear how bigoted, ignorant, cruel and uniformed you sound. "
To Amazed wrote on May 16, 2008 1:48 PM:
" I always drive my child to school because it is too much to ask one adult bus driver to watch the road and the kids. When I was a child the bus was a torture session for some kids everyday. My child will never set foot on one!!!! "
Checkmate wrote on May 16, 2008 1:50 PM:
" I was under the impression that the school bus racket was a private identity and contracted with the school districts, if so why is the cost of fuel a question now, why not in the next negotiations. Or is this just more smoke from an already over their heads enterprise. "
FlyingSquirrelsRule wrote on May 16, 2008 2:33 PM:
" Wow, all of you mention about how schools need to ration their fuel, how teachers need to get rid of all of their in-service days, or lets homeschool all of our children. But yet, many of you waste fuel, drive to your starbucks, let your car idle while you wait at the drive thru at McDonalds, etc. Homeschool your children??? Many parents cant even help their children out with their homework, now there is a smart idea. There was an even better suggestion that students should walk to school. Longview and Kelso are premier cities where all children feel safe walking from point A to point B. FALSE! You are so blind about these situations and are quick to blame anything you can. Some of your comments make me sick! "
To Checkmate wrote on May 16, 2008 2:36 PM:
" Your right! I wasn't even thinking about that. That opens up an entire new line of questions. "
Thinker wrote on May 16, 2008 2:43 PM:
" Not sure many teachers who really get the whole Summer off. Also, homeschooling isn't the way to go, as someone mentioned. It's like learning about the real world from a box. "
Big Dummy wrote on May 16, 2008 2:49 PM:
" Few people in this community actually work and fewer still buy food with money they earn. Look at the drop out rate, I am surprise the school needs bus's at all. Most times in the store I am the only one in line using money I earned to buy my food. At this point I have pretty much give up on this Democrat enclave. Sure glad all my kids and grand kids have moved out of the area. "
Idea wrote on May 16, 2008 2:51 PM:
" I agree with whynot. When I lived in Northern Cal I had to buy a school bus pass for my children once a month. Due to my work schedule, the bus was the only option for them. I agreed with the schools idea that if they didn't run buses because of gas prices I would still have to spend money on gas to get them there. They had a low-income program similiar to free/reduced lunches for those that actually have a low income need. "
Amazed wrote on May 16, 2008 2:54 PM:
" First of all, I rode the bus when I was young. There was nothing bad about the experience. What has changed is the ability of the driver to take control of the children. We knew we had to obey the driver or there were consequences (just as there is in everday adult life). This was taught to us at home by our parents.
Secondly, if the schools are genuinely concerned about saving on fuel costs, they need to do research on how much the buses are being used and re-route the buses accordingly. "
Secondly, if the schools are genuinely concerned about saving on fuel costs, they need to do research on how much the buses are being used and re-route the buses accordingly. "
huh huh wrote on May 16, 2008 3:02 PM:
" I'll bet there employers are thrilled to watch their communication skills. "
Ole timer wrote on May 16, 2008 3:04 PM:
" With all the fast food grease pits around here, should be able to make enough to run a few buses, call Willie he runs his rig on deep fat fryer fuel. "
Bubba Jones wrote on May 16, 2008 3:12 PM:
" Talk about eliminating buses for football, basketball, and baseball and we will see the school districts come up with money fast. The priority is education and that is were transportation money should be used. Get the children to school and educational events! "
Were in trouble wrote on May 16, 2008 3:15 PM:
" Amazing how many posts are not really about how to solve the problem, but are rants about society, authority,or a specific group of people they don't like. Then there are the responses that pick out one misspelling or mistake that someone made and slam that person. Too bad- there are several good ideas but they get lost in the bitterness and anger. Sorry I chose to read on. "
What about District Employees wrote on May 16, 2008 3:32 PM:
" I see alot of private vehicles with the School District Logos on them. Does the district cover the gas in those vehicles ON and OFF of official school business? Get rid of the busses that only take a few students and drive them in the vans or sedans that the district has. DUH! Make your employees with the district cars carpool or take their POV. "
You doofs.. wrote on May 16, 2008 3:47 PM:
" All this article is for is the proposed levy they will have on the next election..Ya really think school, I.E govt officials really care ??This does not affect their paychecks..They bought you all hook line and sinker... "
Were not all lazy wrote on May 16, 2008 4:41 PM:
" To Mom: Just because you don't see parents bringing their children to school it doesn't mean they are lazy slobs who sleep in. Many of us are at work. "
To Checkmate wrote on May 16, 2008 6:03 PM:
" Here is a sure-fire easy answer to your question: if you drive by a school bus and it says "Longview School District" on the side, it just MIGHT belong to the Longview School District. The same could be said for Kelso and thousands of other districts around the country. Now if you drive by a school bus that has "KWRL Co-Op" or some other name unlike the name of any school district you have ever seen, then that would be a contracted vehicle. Clever concept, eh? "
SAHM wrote on May 16, 2008 6:54 PM:
" Kids deserve a reliable ride to school. Gas prices are going up. As the cost of living goes up, people are not going to embrace a big school operations levy. This is a difficult problem. A shorter school week would be terrific for my family, but it would be a hardship on a lot of families who work 5 days a week. Everyone being responsible for getting their own kids to and from school would be problematic, not everyone has an adult available to shuttle kids home in the middle of the afternoon, and the congestion this would cause at the schools boggles my mind (pick-up and drop-off at most of our schools is frustrating and dangerous as it is.) Homeschooling takes special circumstances to be effective, it is simply not for most people. "
Shadowgrrl wrote on May 16, 2008 9:05 PM:
" Years ago, Rainier Schools had a 4 day school week. The teachers sent home a packet of homework, schoolwork for the day that the kids weren't in school. I know families that struggled with their kids to get their work done. Who wants to sit for hours on end, arguing with their kids over homework on their day off from school? That's the last thing (homework) on a kid's mind, folks. "
Two Cents wrote on May 16, 2008 9:38 PM:
" I just have to put my two cents in as well. I have stated for several years now that the half days that students are required to attend are a complete waste! Fuel, education and time. What are the kids learning during those half days. You will never convince me that it is even remotely productive, unless it is from the kids standpoint of either sleeping in, or making plans with their friends to do something the rest of the day. With fuel being a key factor of the budget, I have to fully agree with those who have stated that the idea of going 4 days. They are exactly right about the buses not having a chance to cool down. They take the elementary kids first in the morning, take the secondary kids, then turn right around and do visa versa. Do the drivers even get a break on those half days? "
Suck it up and PAY wrote on May 17, 2008 9:26 AM:
" Those of you with rugrats in tow need to stop asking for handouts. Kids go to school - pay. Economy goes in tank and fuel prices skyrocket? Pay MORE. Keep dreaming about your four day weeks. They aren't likely to make such a radical change involving so many thousands of people (many of who probably don't want it), just so you don't have to pay current fuel costs. Maybe you should all just withdraw the kids from public schools and teach them at home. Then the rest of us won't have to listen to you. "
I got it wrote on May 17, 2008 11:54 AM:
" I got it! We pick the kids up with horse drawn buggys. The FFA chapter members can take care of the horses and the auto shop kids can take care of the buggys. The drivers can keep a snow shovel on board so they can get off their a#@ and pick up the horse S*%t. "
Reshadowgrrl wrote on May 17, 2008 2:14 PM:
" You need to instill in your children how important it is to do well in school wether they are doing work in the classroom or at home. Because if you don't, they'll grow up to be just as stupid as you sound and never get out of the trailer park. "
listen to your selves wrote on May 17, 2008 5:18 PM:
" All of you possess the same mentality as our government leaders.
You quable over spelling.
You quable over he said she said.
No wonderway this country is on the way out.
Anyone ever read a book,,try by reading the rise and fall of the Roman Empire..oh yea you were all educated by the public school system, you all cant read. "
You quable over spelling.
You quable over he said she said.
No wonderway this country is on the way out.
Anyone ever read a book,,try by reading the rise and fall of the Roman Empire..oh yea you were all educated by the public school system, you all cant read. "
s wrote on May 17, 2008 7:21 PM:
" To "Reshadowgrrl": You didn't consider that perhaps some of these families that have kids who struggle to do their homework, or, don't want to do their homework despite their parents' pleading and trying to instill good work habits, pride, responsibility, etc. may have underlying issues such as ADD/ ADHD, ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder) or learning problems. Therefore, these kids NEED to be in school 5 days a week. No, I'm NOT stupid, and, take offense to your mean-spirited, condescending, and shallow comment. And, for the record, I DO NOT LIVE IN A TRAILER PARK. "
To listen to your selves wrote on May 17, 2008 7:38 PM:
" Now don't you sound like a wonderful person. You got your shot in about the public school system and the government, feel better? What is your solution to the problem, do you have one? Or do you just blame the government for it all. "
RayRatt wrote on May 25, 2008 10:14 PM:
" Kids should be walking to school. It is crazy to spend so much money for on fuel. The cost of a bus and a driver (plus the fuel it consumes) would go a long ways to proving enough classroom teachers to make a difference.
I realize some kids are bussed because there are inadequate sidewalks. Spend a little money to construct sidewalks where there are none.
For those who do not want their kids walking to school, maybe we could pay the school bus costs by charging them the actual operating costs.
"
I realize some kids are bussed because there are inadequate sidewalks. Spend a little money to construct sidewalks where there are none.
For those who do not want their kids walking to school, maybe we could pay the school bus costs by charging them the actual operating costs.
"
mmarie wrote on May 27, 2008 9:54 AM:
" In an article from TDN Tuesday, May 27- it states that Kelso schools are considering early release for middle school students at 1pm on Wednesdays. With the Kelso elementary schools already on early release each Wednesday at 1:45, it doesn't make sense to use the busses EVEN MORE SO (getting the students home first at 1pm (middle schools), then elementary school students at 1;45) How is this even feasible when already the fuel budget for Kelso will be 15-20,000 dollars over? Think, people!!! No early release for middle school students each Wednesday at 1pm!! "
RayRatt wrote on May 27, 2008 11:36 AM:
" A better idea might be to EXTEND the class day by an hour and only have school four days a week. The students would get the same amount of instruction and the school district would save 20% on the gas/diesel used in their fleet of busses. "
kelso mom1 wrote on May 28, 2008 12:59 AM:
" I have an idea....instead of everyone crying about high gas prices....why don't we ask for some money back from the fire fighters. Gosh knows we gave them enough with our property taxes. "
Mom of four wrote on May 30, 2008 6:26 AM:
" My 2 older kids (8 and 6) walk to school every single day rain or shine. That is why I buy them the apprpriate clothes to wear to school so they can. I also agree with the stupid boundry in Longview. My friends daughter is going to Northlake when she should be going to Robert Gray. It is all a bunch of horse manure. "
Reality wrote on Jun 1, 2008 11:00 AM:
" I like kelso mom1's idea. Everyone who receives money back would receive a framed certificate that in case of fire their home will be allowed to burn to the ground for failure to pay fire taxes. Now that's a win-win proposition! "
mama talks wrote on Jun 3, 2008 1:44 AM:
" yea, lets cut out more school programs like sports and other activities that might be fun. Lets let our kids gather around the Hemlock store and smoke, drink, skip school and have unwanted babies. Lets contribute to the problem thats already here, meth and teen pregnancy. kids will be bored without fun stuff? what happened to being apart of the school. i would pay for my kids gas to be involved in a positive way then see them skipping school, smoking. just look at the % of kids who drop out of high school. We should be focusing on our kids and doing whatever it takes to make 55% drop out rate lower!!!!!! Gas is going up.......it sucks but its life!!! protest against it and do something about it. Lets not destroy the kids in longview/kelso. just drive by thr hemlock store around 1:00ish!!!!!! but pretty much any time... "
Savantage wrote on Jun 4, 2008 11:22 AM:
" what happened here are we adults or did we de-evolve back to kindergarten? instead of sitting here at our computers crying over the high prices of fuel; get up and go to a few budget meetings, appoint a member of a group of angry....yet concerned parents and demand to kow where the fuel money is going. I remember many years ago that the school district in Oregon cut the funding to the bussing for games and events and that spurred the student body to take action by holding fundraisers, paperdrives,and donations from their own pockets (many had part time jobs. Too often I see the districts promote the sports too much and then the other areas suffer, too often the talk is about who is getting raises, the 'new' buildings and not enough attention on the pupils. One reason for the more busses is the fact that there are MORE sex offenders living with in that proposed one mile of schools anymore (check out the sex offender registration, it will scare you)alot of parents regester their kids in other districts and alot of parental abductions occur within the walking zone of schools too. Homeschooling or online schooling isn't always the answer. But if our kids don't feel safe walking then we should pay for the busing or carpooling. My opinion is that a small fee be proposed for those that are active in sports and after school programs and maybe fewer bus stops might work "
imlovinit wrote on Jun 5, 2008 12:03 PM:
" 4 day weeks make a lot of sense and might have a bigger impact than some of you think. What about cutting athletic trips & playing closer to home, that's a huge transportation expense. And what about the possibility of combining elementary & secondary runs into one bus run, wonder if that would be possible? "
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