Marion County schools typically spend $4,000–$5,000 monthly on fuel, but the latest bill reached $14,000.
Dr Mark Griffith, Director of Schools, says bus contracts are tied to fuel prices, the school board approved a new five-year contract to help control rising costs.
The district says it can currently absorb the increase and is monitoring prices daily. Officials hope the new contract will prevent cuts affecting teachers or students. The national average gas price is $4.24 per gallon, compared with $3.62 in Chattanooga.
