King City Union School District officials are planning on cutting bus and custodial services in order to balance the district's budget. Since these services are essential to students, members of the California School Employees Association King City Union Chapter 494 are asking the district to consider cutting areas where the impact won't be felt by students.

Studies by the National Transportation Association have shown that a school bus is eight times safer than any other vehicle, including a parent's car. King City Union School District is planning on cutting four bus routes that transport nearly all students who require home to school transportation. This will leave nearly 250 students in the areas of Pine Canyon, Thompson Canyon, Jolon Road, Metz Road and Wild Horse without a way to get to school.

"The safety of everyone is our concern," said Debbie King, president of the King City classified school employees union. "We have to educate everyone and some kids won't be able to get to school if these routes are cut."

King, who has been a bus driver for the district during 36 years, said that there are other options that remain unexplored in order to reduce costs within the school district.

"The district has to come to the table and work with us," she said.

School district officials are also looking at cutting custodial services at the school. This would also be harmful to students since custodians are responsible for maintaining a campus safe for students and staff.

King City Union School Districts classified school employees feel that it's not justified to put students at risk in order to save funds. The district could save more funds by eliminating inessential expenditures in equipment and other areas that don't directly impact students, according to a statement from the union.