BOCES electrification study flags feasibility limits, Brighton board hears infrastructure concerns

Board members at the Brighton Central School District meeting on Oct. 14 relayed findings from a Monroe 1 BOCES bus fleet electrification study by LaBelle Associates that identified significant implementation challenges.

Members said the report found that, given the current routes and operations, only four of the district's 24 runs would be feasible for electric buses without major changes. The board also reported that Fairport's electrical service to the Monroe 1 main campus cannot provide the capacity needed without "very significant upgrades" to local electrical infrastructure.

Chair Davis described the directive as "right-minded" but warned it will be "super difficult to execute in the time frame expected." Board members said the combination of route characteristics and campus electrical limits means districts across the region must plan for substantial infrastructure investments if they move toward electrification under the state's timeline.

The board noted they expect further discussion at upcoming Monroe 1 BOCES meetings and that Mark Kocanovich and the new Monroe 1 superintendent will be present at an Oct. 28 meeting to continue the conversation. No decisions were taken by the Brighton board during the Oct. 14 meeting; the discussion functioned as an information update.