Tennessee ? From a kid’s point of view, surging gas prices have been a good thing. As good as a snow day.

School was canceled for Rhea County schools in east Tennessee for the second day in a row to ease transportation spending.

The Rhea County closings were not authorized by the state, said Department of Education spokeswoman Rachel Woods. Supt. Dallas Smith, however, said state education officials had announced previously that extra snow days could be used if fuel prices rose.

Rhea County Finance Director Brad Harris said county schools spent $14,000 on fuel in March, compared with $7,800 in March 2005.

He said fiscal year to-date-spending was up from $68,000 to $102,500.