Averill Park board approves diesel bus proposition for voters, declines to approve electric-bus resolution pending study

The Averill Park Central School District Board of Education on April 7 approved a proposition to present diesel bus purchases to district voters but did not approve the separate resolution to place an electric-bus-and-charger purchase before voters at this time.

Board members moved and approved a diesel bus proposition to be presented to voters in May. The motion carried by voice vote and was recorded as unanimous during the meeting.

The board then opened discussion on a separate resolution to authorize electric school bus purchases and chargers. Members and outside speakers raised questions about fleet range, cold-weather battery performance, vehicle sizes, charging infrastructure and long-term costs. A district-aligned staff member and an outside expert briefed the board on current industry capacity, projected range improvements and available funding programs, including voucher-style incentives that could substantially reduce upfront costs.

Several board members said they preferred to wait for the district's fleet electrification study, expected by May, before asking voters to approve a multi-bus electrification plan. One public commenter urged the board to accept a no-cost bus if available; the commenter noted state voucher programs are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

A motion to approve the electric bus-and-charger proposition as written was made and seconded; the board did not approve the resolution during the meeting. Board members said they will revisit the issue after the fleet electrification study is delivered and will consider community forums and outreach before presenting any electric-bus referendum to voters.