KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Diesel prices in the Knoxville area have climbed to an average of $4.47 per gallon, according to AAA data — up more than $1.10 from just one month ago and up from $3.34 a year ago. The increase is putting pressure on school transportation budgets in Anderson and Knox counties.
Anderson County Schools contracts five companies to operate 46 buses, transporting about 1,500 of the district’s approximately 6,000 students each day. District leaders said the current price spike is already adding roughly $12,000 to this month’s transportation costs alone.
Ryan Sutton, communications and PR coordinator for Anderson County Schools, said the full-year impact could be significant…