Pueblo City Schools (D60), already facing budget issues, is confronted by another vexing problem in the form of a new unfunded mandate from the state.

The problem involves expansive new Colorado Department of Education transportation regulations that potentially could cost the district nearly $250,000.

Director of Facilities Bob Lawson briefed the school board on the new regs for transporting students for sports, field trips and activities, such as all staff who transport students are having to meet many of the same requirements as regular bus route operators. These include training and testing for driving through mountains, adverse weather conditions and evacuation drills.

Pueblo schools are not alone in trying to cope with the new rules. All Colorado districts must maintain driver training and physical certification records, as well as records of required vehicle inspections and repairs.

Read more at The Pueblo Chieftain.