State Eliminates bus funding: implications and preparedness of Calaveras County

On December 13, 2011 Governor Brown slashed $400 million from the education budget including the complete elimination of school bus funding at $248 million.

Calaveras County covers 1020 square miles with an approximate population of 42,000. Of that number 6052 are students enrolled  in the Calaveras County School system. The effect the bus ellimination could have on a rural county like Calaveras could be staggering. Cuts to the budget in previous years have caused serious cutbacks to transportation and its routes, "I know we already have students who walk 1-2 miles to get to school due to transportation services for students who live in town being eliminated." Stated Superintendent Kathy Northington further stating, "It is a delicate balance for districts in the area of transportation, if they don’t offer transportation, then there could be a potential hit to their funding from student attendance if students don’t attend."

Parents of children within the Mark Twain School District currently pay a yearly round trip bus fee of $110 per child with a cap at $220. When asked if the cost would be offset by higher fees to the families, Mrs. Northington said,  "I have confidence in each of the districts in our county to balance their budgets.  They will look at all avenues to find the money, in our county bussing is critical due to being rural.  They may have to cut back on the transportation they currently run."

While Calaveras County had knowledge of the possible cutbacks, the State gave direction to not make cost saving reductions, "We have known of the possibility of this cut since last summer, we were waiting to see if it came to fruition.  Last summer when these triggers were put into place the state told us not to prepare for such a cut, they even directed districts to not reduce teaching staff in preparation for such a cut.  It is crazy times." Said Northington.

Current enrollment in Mountain Oaks Schools, a home school and interactive school, sits at 414 children. Online schol K-12 online, enrolls a large number of Calaveras County students. Those are but two of the many hoem school options available to parents in Calaveras County. One source within a homeschool administration felt that the impending busing difficulties may cause an influx of students to these alternative education programs.