Would WCPSS save money by cutting busing?
The Wake County Public School System transports 50,000 students a day, at a total annual cost of $24 million. The state of North Carolina provides $20 million to be used for transporting students. If the money is not used for this purpose the school system does not receive the funds. Supposing this school system did not have any transportation costs, savings would result in a $4 million increase, which would pay for half of a new elementary school. Almost all (90%) of WCPSS students are transported to the school closest to their home, the second closest or to a school of their choice (magnets and year-round). Very few students (10%) are transported because of involuntary busing. When this happens, it is a result of the school system trying to utilize all buildings as close to capacity as possible.
