Districts Cut Back Busing, Seek Ways to Save Energy

A struggling economy and skyrocketing fuel costs are making their grim presence felt as school districts across the country open their doors. With fewer dollars to spend, everything from teaching positions to bus transportation is on the chopping block.

As students go back to school, many will find themselves in more crowded classrooms with texts and technology quickly becoming obsolete, while school officials redirect dollars in hopes of plugging deficits and avoiding massive layoffs.

A recent survey of superintendents by the American Association of School Administrators shows school districts are zeroing in on transportation and the use of heating and air conditioning as they attempt to cope...