SPOKANE, Wash. — Rising fuel costs are forcing local school districts to make tough choices as crude oil prices climb and experts warn high prices will continue until the war with Iran ends.
Crude oil is forecast to average $130 a barrel next quarter and could balloon to $150. According to AAA, diesel now costs $6.77 per gallon in Washington and $5.57 in Idaho.
The rising costs hit school districts especially hard since school buses run on diesel. Freeman School District Superintendent Randy Russell said the increases limit how much fuel districts can buy at once…