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Rio Rancho schools to accept $4 million under Senate Bill 45 for electric bus pilot and chargers
Summary
The board approved acceptance of $4 million from Senate Bill 45 to purchase six electric buses (about $430,000 each) and install charging infrastructure; the district will phase the pilot and monitor performance given range and climate concerns.
The Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education voted Nov. 17 to accept a PSFA allocation of $4,000,000 awarded under Senate Bill 45 to support an electric school-bus pilot and charging infrastructure.
Nick Brook, the district’s executive director of transportation, told the board approximately $2.6 million of the allocation is designated for six electric buses (roughly $430,000 per bus) and the remaining $1.4 million for chargers and initial infrastructure upgrades. Brook said beginning with six buses is “the most responsible and strategic approach” to introduce the technology, train staff and collect real-time performance data.
Superintendent Dr. Bisuke Cleveland and board members discussed limitations that other pilot districts have experienced—reduced range in very hot or very cold weather and recharging logistics on longer routes—but said participation aligns with state goals and offers an opportunity to modernize the fleet while reducing emissions. Brook identified major OEMs that produce electric school buses—Bluebird, Thomas and International—and noted in-state dealer support is limited to larger distributors.
Board member Jessica Tyler moved to accept the funds for both vehicle purchases and chargers; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff said ordering and charger infrastructure must be completed by the end of fiscal year 2028 per program deadlines and that staff will return with implementation details and vendor selection when procurement begins.
