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District to pass $728,000 PGE grant to First Student for three electric school buses and charger
Summary
The district will pass through a $728,000 grant from PGE to its contracted transportation provider, First Student, to support purchase of three electric buses and a charging station; board discussed timelines and potential cost questions but took no separate funding action.
Newberg School District told its board it will act as a passthrough for a $728,000 grant from Portland General Electric that supports replacing three buses with electric vehicles and installing a charging station at First Student’s facility, staff said.
A staff presenter said the funds come from proceeds of an electric‑vehicle tax administered by PGE and that First Student will own and operate the vehicles; the district will pass funds to the contractor after PGE receives proof of purchase. “We’re pretty much passing through the money once we get proof of their purchase,” a staff member said on the record.
Board members asked whether the district would see long‑term fuel savings. The staff response was that fuel‑cost reductions were not expected from this grant alone but that separate negotiations with First Student might reduce transportation costs over time. Board members also pressed staff on lead times; staff said PGE requested possession of the buses by Sept. 30 and that extensions are available if needed.
No separate board action was required beyond the informational report. Staff said they will continue reviewing district transportation costs and will follow up with further budget or contract recommendations as those analyses proceed.
