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AASA Survey Finds Rising Fuel, Energy Costs Stressing School Budgets

Posted on: Tuesday, 29 July 2008, 09:01 CDT

Rising fuel and energy costs are taking a toll on school system budgets nationwide, according to the results of a new survey released today by the American Association of School Administrators. The eight-question AASA Fuel and Energy Snapshot Survey asked school superintendents about the effect of rising fuel and energy costs on their school districts. Ninety-nine percent of respondents reported these rising costs are having an impact on their school systems. Further, they reported that conserving energy, cutting back on student field trips and consolidating bus routes are among the top steps districts are taking to minimize the impact of rising fuel and energy costs. Meanwhile, few states are stepping forward to assist school systems struggling to meet escalating these rising costs.

"School systems are making tough and innovative budget choices to meet rising fuel and energy costs, but they need financial assistance," said AASA Executive Director Daniel A. Domenech. "Education is an investment. State governments and the federal government must step in on behalf of the nation's children to fill the gaps created by rising costs and shrinking school budgets, including reduced local property tax receipts."

"Without adequate funding, our schools cannot fully meet children's needs," said AASA President Randall Collins, superintendent of schools in Waterford, Conn. "While school systems are working hard to limit programming cuts, the sharp increase in costs will have a negative impact on children, especially disadvantaged children, unless the states and federal government act quickly to provide relief."

Only three percent of superintendents responding to the survey said their districts are moving to a four-day school week, but 15 percent said their districts are considering moving to a four-day school week.

When asked if their states are doing anything to assist their districts with rising fuel and energy prices, 77 percent of respondents said no, 14 percent said they were not aware of state actions and nine percent said yes.

View the full survey results at http://www.aasa.org/content.cfm?ItemNumber=10639

About AASA

The American Association of School Administrators, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders across the United States. AASA's mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to the highest quality public education for all children. AASA's major focus is standing up for public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.

Source: Business Wire

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