The Thompson School District Board of Education made significant strides in advancing its electric bus initiative during the regular meeting on December 18, 2024. The board approved an electric bus grant, a move that underscores the district's commitment to sustainable transportation despite some concerns about funding and operational costs.

The grant, totaling $854,000, is part of a collaborative effort involving multiple school districts and aims to support the purchase of electric buses and necessary charging infrastructure. Board member Nancy Rompel raised critical questions regarding the adequacy of the grant funding, expressing skepticism about whether it would fully cover the costs associated with the buses, which are projected to exceed initial estimates. She highlighted discrepancies in funding expectations, noting that while the state offers $2.75 per bus, actual costs could be significantly higher.

Kristen Battigian, the district's director of operations, clarified that the grant was awarded in January 2024 and that the district is working with Highland Electric to facilitate the funding process. She assured the board that the funding would be sufficient to cover the costs of the buses and chargers, although the district would need to conduct a new request for proposals (RFP) to finalize bus purchases.

Despite the approval, Rompel's dissenting vote reflected ongoing concerns about the practicality and financial implications of transitioning to electric buses, particularly regarding their limited range and the need to retire existing diesel buses. However, other board members pointed out the long-term savings associated with electric vehicles, citing potential reductions in fuel and maintenance costs.

The board's decision to move forward with the electric bus grant signals a proactive approach to modernizing the district's transportation fleet while navigating the complexities of funding and operational logistics. As the district prepares to implement this initiative, the focus will remain on ensuring that the transition is both economically viable and beneficial for the community.