Area School Systems Monitor Bus Fuel In Wake Of Gas Crunch

Cumberland County Public School System officials said Thursday that there is enough fuel to run buses for only a few more days.

"If we can't receive fuel and don't have enough fuel, we'll have to make a decision at that point," said Elizabeth McGowan, executive director of transportation at Cumberland County Public Schools.

The school system, which uses about 3,500 gallons of gasoline daily, said its supplier is having trouble meeting its needs. While it has found other suppliers willing to make up the difference, officials said it is not enough.

"I have 487 buses that I am responsible for and in making sure that we get kids to school every day," McGowan said. "So, we need that fuel."

In Wake County, school leaders said they are monitoring the fuel situation, but do not expect it to be a problem. Officials said the school system has about 27,000 gallons of fuel -- about a two-day supply -- and expects more gasoline Friday.

The school system said, however, that it is looking for new ways to conserve gasoline.

In Wilson County, school system leaders are also looking to conserve by suspending all field trips and reducing the number of buses sent to athletic events.

Durham, Orange, Chatham and Person county schools also told WRAL that they are taking similar measures.