BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas -- The high cost of fuel is now affecting students' education. Some field trips have been cut by a Brazoria County school district, KPRC Local 2, Your Education Station, reported Tuesday.
Brazosport Independent School District trustees voted to drop all field trips that are not required by a course's curriculum or the University Interscholastic League.
District officials said it is too expensive for school buses to go on field trips outside of Brazoria County because of the high price of diesel.
Last year, the district paid $2.42 a gallon for diesel. It's up to $3.85 this summer.
Some road trips that will not be cut include athletic events and trips required for class. Aquatic science students, for example, would still get to visit a beach to collect samples.
But trips to Houston's museums and area amusement parts are considered too pricey. It's a 100-mile round-trip for buses visiting the Houston Zoo and typically five or six buses are taken for each trip.
"It's no different than what our own families are doing. We're trying to decide how to enjoy ourselves the most for the least amount of dollars spent on fuel," said Joe Ripple, Brazosport ISD's superintendent.
But, Yazmin Muniz said her family often does not have the time or money to take her second-grade son to faraway museums.
"I don't think it's good news for us and for the kids. It's bad news," she said.
Others can relate to the school district cutbacks.
"If it's, you know, more for like having fun, then I really wouldn't care if they cut it out. If it's more for education, I wish they'd keep it going," said Andre Brown, a Brazosport ISD parent.
Brazosport ISD is trying to balance its budget after a $3 million shortfall this fiscal year.
School officials estimate $80,000 will be saved by eliminating some field trips. They said they are also working to improve fuel efficiency on 14 of the older buses.
If you have a story idea that impacts students or schools, KPRC Local 2 wants to hear from you. E-mail us at
youreducationstation@click2houston.com
Copyright 2009 by Click2Houston.com.
All rights reserved. This material may
not be published, broadcast, rewritten
or redistributed.