Scotia-Glenville hears update on EV bus infrastructure; Buchanan Building review underway

Scotia-Glenville Central School District trustees heard a presentation April 7 from SEI Design on a proposed electric-vehicle (EV) bus infrastructure project that consultants said would cost about $2.6 million and — if voters approve the budget in May — move into design and State Education Department (SED) review this summer with construction targeted for summer 2026.

The presentation, delivered by a representative of SEI Design with Jack (construction manager) on hand, outlined recent regulatory steps and technical work. Consultants said the district filed for State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) review and that the action was classified as an “unlisted action” because of the amount of disturbed land and the planned removal of the non‑instructional Buchanan Building. The presenter said the State Historic Preservation Office has requested additional documentation on the Buchanan Building, and consultants plan to prepare an RFP so a third party can bid to acquire and relocate the building at its own expense if interested.

Why this matters: the plan is intended to support an eventual transition of the district’s bus fleet to electric vehicles, meet NYSERDA funding requirements, and minimize future disruption by installing conduit and other underground infrastructure now rather than digging up new surfaces later.

Consultants said the $2.6 million total includes escalation and that district fiscal advisers concluded the capital plan portion tied to the EV infrastructure would carry no immediate property tax impact for residents. The team described a phased approach: if the May 20 budget vote succeeds, staff would finalize design and submit SED paperwork this summer, bid in the fall and aim for construction in 2026 during summer months to avoid major disruption to school operations and student transport.

Technical and operational details provided included: installation of primary distribution equipment and step‑down transformers near the former Buchanan Building footprint; running overhead service across Route 147 and dropping into an on‑site transformer; installing a system of underground conduits and handholes so chargers can be added later; and reconstructing bus garage parking areas with heavy‑duty paving and electrical service upgrades. Consultants said the conduit layout is intended to support future chargers of varying sizes and technologies so the district can “slow trickle in” chargers as buses are replaced.

Board members and residents asked about operational impacts: consultants said the parking lot reconstruction would require moving bus parking during construction and estimated the district currently operates at least 47 buses that use the site. Board members raised concerns about athletic scheduling, traffic on Route 147 during utility work, portable chargers for away trips, fast‑charging impacts on battery life, and whether National Grid can support the loads. Consultants said National Grid reviewed the plan and that initial allowances had been made for capacity; they also said NYSERDA funding requires a fleet electrification study (mapping buses to routes, charging profiles and sequencing), which the district is commissioning.

On procurement and fleet timing, consultants said the district is meeting prospective bus manufacturers (including a planned meeting with Leonard Bus) and that the district previously authorized an order for a small number of buses. Consultants emphasized that the initial project is infrastructure focused — conduit, transformers and site work — and that chargers and vehicles would be added in phases as funding and technology permit.

Board members and staff confirmed the project remains contingent on the May budget vote and further regulatory review. The SEI Design representative said the team expects to provide the State Historic Preservation Office a detailed building inventory and photographic documentation; that review and any related negotiations could continue after the May vote. The district and consultants said they will produce public materials for the budget vote, and if the proposition passes staff will move to SED review and procurement steps.

The discussion closed with consultants noting follow‑up items: respond to the Parks and Recreation letter regarding the building (the presenter noted a January 16 letter from Parks and Rec), finish the NYSERDA‑required electrification study, continue coordination with National Grid, and prepare bid documents for the district’s 2024–26 capital timetable.