Superintendent flags electric-bus mandate and announces high-school principal's resignation

Suffern, N.Y. — In closing remarks at the Jan. 6 board meeting, the superintendent told the Suffern Central School District board that a New York State electric-bus purchase mandate is “looming,” and urged board members to follow proposed legislative changes that could delay some deadlines to ease financial pressure on districts.

The superintendent said recent conversations with state legislators underscore the mandate’s potential financial consequences and asked board members to monitor developments and participate in informational events.

At the same time, the superintendent announced a personnel change: "Doctor Paul Adler, our principal at Suffern High School, is resigning." The superintendent said Adler has accepted a new professional opportunity starting July 1 and “is 100% fully committed to the work at Suffern High School” through his last contractual day on June 30.

Why it matters: The electric-bus purchase mandate could require significant capital and operating investments by districts to replace diesel buses with electric vehicles or to fund charging infrastructure. The superintendent described ongoing legislative conversations seeking more reasonable deadlines for districts.

What’s next: The superintendent asked the board to track legislative developments and noted district leaders will continue planning for transportation needs while awaiting clearer timelines. The district will also begin administrative steps needed to transition after the announced principal resignation, and will follow typical personnel processes to fill the position or arrange interim leadership as appropriate.

The superintendent closed by reiterating that architects and district staff will return with more detail on facilities priorities and budgets in the coming months.