Baldwin-Whitehall approves purchase of two electric buses amid driver, infrastructure questions

The Baldwin-Whitehall School District board approved a consent package that includes authorizing the purchase of two Bluebird electric school buses priced at $437,990 each and related infrastructure upgrades.

District business presenter Mark Cherpek said the buses come from the electric bus grant the district received but “the grant will not cover all that.” He told the board the district will have to contribute additional funds “mainly due to additional tariffs on the steel coming into The United States.”

The buses are specified as 84-passenger vehicles. Cherpek said Bluebird does not offer a 72-passenger model, and the longer buses will not fit in the district mechanic bay: “We won't fit the mechanic's bay. They will need to be kept outside.” He also said electrical service and two charging stations already were installed at the bus garage, with room for two additional chargers if more vehicles arrive.

Board members and staff discussed timing and grant conditions. Dr. Lutz, the superintendent, said the…