The Durham school district expects to spend $700,000 more on diesel fuel for buses in the 08-09 year than the district will receive from the state in its reimbursement. Officials are trying to find ways to be more efficient, such as combining stops. But what Durham isn’t willing to consider is telling parents their kids must walk to school, according to the person in charge of transportation. In fact, state law would support the district on that issue. From the News & Observer:

One change Denton says he won’t consider is adhering to the state law that says school districts can require students who live within 1.5 miles of the school to walk. The idea would likely be opposed by most parents, he said.

Why would parents oppose this? If they don’t want to use their own gas to get their kids to/from school, well, sorry folks, but sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do. That’s just life. And if it’s a safety issue, then parents should attend the next city council meeting and speak loudly about fear of crime to the mayor and council.

Walking to school would conserve funds spent on diesel fuel and get kids some much-needed exercise.