During a recent government meeting, board members discussed critical budgetary concerns and the implementation of electric buses in the school district. A trustee emphasized the need for detailed financial information regarding the district's funding sources, particularly as they face potential budget cuts and school closures. The trustee expressed concern over past expenditures, notably a $5 million bill for unused buses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and requested clarity on how much of the general fund is allocated to transportation.

The conversation shifted to the anticipated SESP grant for seven electric buses, with assurances that maintenance costs are included in the current budget. The maintenance of electric buses is expected to be less costly than traditional diesel buses, as they have fewer components that require regular servicing. The district plans to utilize local vendors for maintenance, with most electrical components covered under warranty.

Trustees also discussed the training of new bus drivers, noting that the process can take two to five months. Currently, there are 12 drivers in training, and the district anticipates having them fully certified within the next two months.

The board expressed optimism about the electric bus grant application, highlighting that the district is now considered a priority for funding due to recent changes in grant eligibility criteria. The discussion included the challenges of electrifying the entire bus fleet, particularly the limitations of battery range and the need for high-capacity chargers.

In terms of student transportation, the board reported an increase in general education bus routes, with 17 routes now serving students. However, the exact number of students utilizing these services and the proportion receiving free or reduced fares remains to be determined. The district is working on improving data collection to better understand student ridership and eligibility for free services.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to provide further information on the financial implications of the electric bus initiative and the overall transportation budget, as the district navigates its fiscal stabilization plan.