Board approves resolution to seek zero‑emission school bus incentives; superintendent outlines new family services site

The Murrieta Valley Unified Board unanimously adopted Resolution No. 24‑25‑13 to participate in the zero‑emission school bus and infrastructure incentive program. Trustees voted in favor after staff explained the program's components and a $75,000 infrastructure allocation.

Deputy Superintendent Darren Daniels told trustees the infrastructure funds would cover charging stations, switchgear and transformers. When asked whether grant partners charge for bus disposal, Daniels said the state or its partners typically handle disposal as part of the grant process; "they crush the buses," he said, describing the usual disposition of retired diesel buses.

In his superintendent's report, Dr. Andrus said the district closed escrow during winter break on a former Promise Church on Madison Avenue to relocate and expand its family services program. The building will provide a larger professional development room and roughly 10 preschool‑sized classrooms, with renovations targeted for completion in spring (timeline approximate). Dr. Andrus also noted the site offers room for a future transportation yard to store additional buses should the district secure an 11‑bus grant under the incentive program.

Why it matters: replacing aging diesel buses with electric models reduces operating emissions and can lower long‑term fuel/maintenance costs, while the new family services site expands early‑childhood capacity for Murrieta families. Trustees asked for clarity on disposal timelines and infrastructure reimbursement, and staff committed to supplying additional grant details and timelines.

What happened: the resolution was adopted with a voice vote recorded as unanimous. Staff will proceed with grant application steps and return with implementation details and any related procurement or facility plans.