School officials worried about gas prices

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ School officials across the state are nervously watching the rising gas prices and are worried what the cost will do to their budgets. <br/><br/>Lawton schools' transportation

Thursday, August 18th 2005, 10:11 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ School officials across the state are nervously watching the rising gas prices and are worried what the cost will do to their budgets.

Lawton schools' transportation director calls gas a ``500-pound gorilla'' on the budget as the price approaches $2.50 a gallon.

Tulsa schools have increased the transportation budget by $200,000 and say another $100,000 may be needed. In Oklahoma City five bus routes are being eliminated and bus drivers in Ada are being told to not let the engine idle.

State schools Superintendent Sandy Garrett says a transportation survey of all schools will be conducted next month and she may ask the Legislature for supplemental funding if school budgets are being drained.