A local GM dealership may ask Mansfield ISD to begin paying for vehicles loaned to them for the drivers ed classes, possibly causing the classes to end. These vehicles are paid for through a grant from General Motors Corp. and because of the slowing economy, the dealership that gives MISD the vehicles is unsure if they can afford to continue the grant.

“It’s going to hurt [the students] economically because they have to pay a lot more at sears and places like that,” Drivers Ed student Hunter Canedy said.

Canedy believes that if the school lost the program it would be a burden on students who can’t afford to take it elsewhere, or are unable to attend other driving schools.

“[Drivers Ed] was right here, so I could walk to it right after school and when I was done, just leave like a normal day,” Canedy said.

MISD offers Drivers Ed to students for $265, compared to the $360 at Sears and $### at Austin Driving School.

Drivers Ed instructor Taggart Williams emphasizes the convenience and price of taking the class at school.

“[Loosing the class] would be very disappointing,” Mr. Williams said. “It would be a financial hardship on the instructors who depend on that income.”