ARLINGTON, Va. – In an update to a survey that measured the effects of the recession on education, the American Association of School Administrators has released “One Year Later: How the Economic Downturn Continues to Impact School Districts.” The report shows that districts are still seeing cuts in their budgets, even after the release of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. And, like many services offered to students across the country, transportation is feeling the pinch as well.

According to the results, 58 percent of the respondents reported being unable to save any maintenance, cafeteria or transportation positions that were slated for elimination. Also, since last year’s survey, 20 percent of the districts had decided to cut bus transportation routes and availability for the 2010-2011 school year, doubling from last year’s numbers, while 15 percent stated they were considering similar cuts.

But, in an effort to continue to offer school bus service, the percentage of districts finding new transportation efficiencies rose from 11 percent in 2008‐2009 to 18 percent in 2009‐2010, with 14 percent considering the option for 2010‐11.

The final report is based on a survey of 875 school administrators conducted throughout September and October 2009 and is the sixth in a series of studies conducted by AASA over the past year on the impact of the economic downturn on schools.