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."