RALEIGH, N.C. — School districts statewide would be responsible for more operational and legal costs related to school bus service if the General Assembly approves portions of Gov. Beverly Perdue’s proposed 2012 budget.

Perdue proposes eliminating the $57 million the state would spend on replacing school buses. She also wants local governments to pick up the costs for workers’ compensation claims for drivers, which are estimated at $35 million statewide, High Point Enterprise reports.

Moreover, the governor’s recommended budget would retain teacher and teaching assistant jobs, but reduce transportation, central office, custodian and other staff.

Guilford County Schools (GCS) is one district that would be impacted by the governor’s proposed transportation funding changes. Jeff Harris, GCS transportation director, told the district’s board of education last week, “This could cost us millions of dollars,” High Point Enterprise reports.
 
In addition to reductions in funding for several departments and district personnel, GCS would reportedly have to pay more to the employee retirement fund and more for employee health insurance.