School buses might be the next victim of the Illinois budget crisis.

Education officials are considering a proposal to let schools stop offering free bus service. They could either get rid of the buses or charge for carrying students each day.

The change would be part of a new system for distributing state money for student transportation. The State Board of Education could introduce legislation this week.

The Illinois Association of School Boards says transportation spending has been slashed 42% since 2010.

That has left school district struggling to pay for bus service. Officials warn that more cuts will increase the pressure to divert money from education and spend it on simply getting students to school.