Cutting bus costs could save jobs

Editor:

I am enclosing a letter that I wrote to the school board in January 2012. I did get a response from the school board, which regrettably, I did not save. The response was rather terse and more or less told me to mind my own business. There was also a copy sent to then representative Jeb Steward.

Now it seems to me that this would be at least a partial solution to the problems with the budget cuts. These busses are unnecessary in light of “decreasing student enrollment” and are a cost vs. benefit boondoogle. I am quite sure that the initial cost of these “tanks” plus maintenance and upkeep would amount to at least one teacher’s salary for an entire year and probably more.

Carbon County School Board

I have been trying for two years or more to find some answers to a question that has bothered me for a very long time.

I was a relief bus driver for Encampment School some years back and was always troubled by the fact that all the buses we had were of the 40 passenger or larger models. It is still the same today. The maintenance expense and fuel cost for these beasts has to be astronomical and unnecessary. There is never use for these large buses except for out of town sports or field trips. From experience I know there is not very often more than seven students being transported on regular route. These same students could be carried just as safely and much cheaper by using a large four-wheel-drive SUV. The amount of money saved could surely be used for something in the way of education instead of transportation. I spoke with representative Jeb Steward on the state appropriation committee, and he stated that it was a concern of his as well and would check into it this budget session.

I would appreciate a response from the board on this matter.

Thank you,

Jesse C. James

Encampment