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Board approves purchase of two driver’s-ed vehicles; debate over electric vehicles and funding continues
Summary
Board authorized up to $98,000 to buy two driver’s education vehicles. Administrators outlined a Plan A using anticipated $300,000 state funding to support EVs and chargers and a Plan B to buy gasoline vehicles; trustees raised concerns about EV supply, maintenance and vandalism risk.
Community High School District 99 approved the purchase of two driver’s education vehicles with a cost ceiling of $98,000, while board members pressed district staff about whether to prioritize electric vehicles (EVs) if anticipated state funding materializes.
The district’s operations lead, Travis, told the board the district seeks to replace older Ford Fusion driver’s-ed cars and described two options: Plan A would purchase EVs and install chargers if a proposed $300,000 state energy grant is approved; Plan B would purchase conventional gas vehicles if the grant does not come through. "That would be our first option that we want to put into place," Travis said about Plan A.
Nut graf: The board approved the purchase with the understanding staff will proceed based on available funding; trustees asked detailed questions about vehicle availability, charger compatibility (including Tesla hardware), mechanic training, vandalism risk and total costs after post-purchase rebates. The district noted federal and utility rebate programs and estimated rebates of roughly $25,000 to $27,000, but explained rebates would be post-purchase.
During a lengthy discussion trustees raised concerns about supply-chain risk for EVs, ongoing maintenance needs and whether installing brand-specific chargers could limit future flexibility. Travis said many chargers and vehicles are compatible across makes and that the district is exploring charger options and vendor conversations. Board members emphasized caution but supported the budget ceiling so staff can move quickly if funding is confirmed.
Action: The board approved the motion to purchase two driver’s education vehicles in an amount not to exceed $98,000 (mover: Ken Dawson; seconder: Katie Courtney). Trustees asked staff to keep the board informed and to return with specifics once funding and vendor decisions are finalized.
