Some Mexico Beach students could be facing a school change. The students might have to transfer to a Bay County school if negotiations between Bay County and Gulf County don't work.

Cuts in government funding could force the kids to bus an hour and a half to school.

Students from Mexico Beach could have to travel an hour every morning and afternoon to get to school.

The students live in Bay County but due to the travel time an agreement between Bay and Gulf County was reached years ago that allows 59 kids to attend Port St. Joe schools while Bay County gives Gulf schools extra money for travel.

Tim Wilder, Gulf County Superintendent, said, "Not so much that their better, but they're closer. We don't think Bay County will save this money. $114,000, and this is my opinion, if they think they are saving that money I believe they are going to spend more in transporting and educating these students."

Students and parents don't want to see the change

Savannah Bottkol, a Port St. Joe junior, said, "If it isn't broke, don't fix it. We're fine coming here. I don't honestly see the problem with us staying here."

Brianna Sigman, a Port St. Joe freshman, added, "Just doesn't make sense to have to go all the way to Panama. It would cost more in gas, especially the way prices are now. It's completely not normal; it's not good.”

Parent Angie Gillespie said, "Just to take some kids on a bus all the way to Bay County when there's a school here that they're used to, they're familiar with. Plus, we pay taxes in Mexico Beach, there's a lot of money generated in Mexico Beach, and it goes to Bay County. Why can't it go back to Gulf County?”

Bay County school board Superintendent James McAlister told Newschannel 7 that the students can continue to attend their schools, but the Bay County school board is looking into renegotiating the agreement.

If Bay County cuts the extra funding that could force Gulf County to send the students to Bay County because the cost would be too great.

"They're not going to deny the fact that students can attend schools in Gulf County. They're not going to deny that fact, but what it does is put more pressure on us to be able to make us have to pay for transporting and educating these students."

Both school boards will hold a workshop to discuss the issue and figure out a solution. The meeting will be held on May 12 at 9 at the Bay County school board.