Parents and students urge Prince George’s County schools to accelerate switch to electric buses
November 14, 2025 | Prince George's County Public Schools, School Boards, Maryland
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At public comment, Colby Cruz, a Bladensburg High School student, asked the board for the status of “the $2,500,000 MEA grant to expand the ESB and charger network” and for an update on electric school bus (ESB) awards under implementation. Cruz said he had been hospitalized for asthma as a child and urged the district to prioritize cleaner transportation for students.
Other speakers reinforced the point. Cassandra De Leon Cabrera (High Point High School) and Angeline Diaz (Bladensburg High School) described family members with asthma and asked whether a majority of the diesel fleet could be electrified by 2030 in line with the district’s Climate Change Action Plan. Maria Guardado and Morena Celaya, representing CHISPA Maryland, called for a full transition to a zero-emission fleet by 2040 and warned that alternatives such as propane buses still emit pollutants that can harm children.
District officials did not announce a specific new timeline at the meeting. Superintendent Dr. Joseph and transportation staff have previously highlighted a pilot of 25 electric buses; Director of Transportation Kiba Baldwin was recognized during the meeting for national recognition of his work on transportation improvements. Board members asked staff to follow up with details requested by speakers, including grant status and implementation steps.
Why it matters: Diesel bus exhaust is a common community concern cited by parents and students who link vehicle emissions to higher asthma rates and worse air quality near schools. The public commenters asked the board to move from pilot projects to a clearly resourced transition plan with charging infrastructure and funding timelines.
What’s next: Board members requested follow-up from staff on the MEA grant and the district’s electrification plan; no binding vote or new funding authorization was taken at the Nov. 13 meeting.
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