School districts across New York are watching fuel costs climb as diesel prices surge for buses running daily routes, according to Spectrum News. In Jamestown, diesel jumped from $2.79 per gallon last July to $4.19 this spring, adding new pressure to transportation budgets ahead of the next school year.
Jamestown Public Schools budgeted $225,000 for fuel this year and plans to raise that amount to $240,000 for 2026-27. District officials said they still feel comfortable with current projections but expect to closely track prices in the coming months.
Transportation leaders said fuel costs vary statewide because districts negotiate separate contracts through different suppliers. Despite the price spikes, officials stressed schools still must transport students every day, even as some districts nationwide pay more than $5 per gallon for diesel.
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