An analysis of public school transportation costs in Idaho

This study was undertaken to: (a) examine variations in pupil transportation costs among Idaho's 114 school districts which provide pupil transportation, (b) identify factors related to variations in per pupil transportation costs and, (c) compare the present pupil transportation funding method with an alternative cost effective method using widely recognized principles of pupil transportation finance.;The data necessary for this study was gathered by reviewing the pupil transportation records published annually by the Idaho State Department of Education. The statistical analysis consisted of Multiple regression analysis, Pearson Product Moment r and Chi Square.;The significant findings of this study were: (1) Both null hypotheses were rejected when statistical analysis indicated that the correlation of Area and Linear Density to the cost of pupil transportation was significant at the.05 level. These hypotheses were analyzed in an effort to determine which of the two cost effective transportation models was best suited for use in Idaho. (2) The Linear Density variable accounted for 74% of the variation in the cost of pupil transportation among districts in the State of Idaho. This Linear Density funding model was chosen to compare with the current Idaho Approved Expenditure funding model based on this data. (3) The Linear Density model for funding pupil transportation provided equitable treatment of school districts with varying socioeconomic and geographic conditions of Idaho. (4) The Linear Density pupil transportation funding model provides a direct monetary incentive for efficiency in pupil transportation management which is limited in the current Idaho Approved Budget funding Model.;Based on the results of this study, the recommendations of this study are proposed: (1) The State of Idaho should adopt a Linear Density Pupil Transportation Funding Model. (2) A study should be conducted that would explore the potential savings which could be generated by school districts cooperating in the delivery of pupil transportation. (3) The State Department of Education should purchase or develop a bus routing computer software program that could be shared at a little or no cost with local school districts.