Board to put electric‑vehicle infrastructure proposition before voters after administrators outline NYSERDA dependency

The Scotia‑Glenville Board of Education voted on March 16 to place a proposition on the annual district meeting ballot (05/19/2026) to approve an electric‑vehicle (EV) infrastructure upgrade for the district transportation facility.

Drew said the district’s electrification plan has been reviewed by NYSERDA and that NYSERDA indicated funding support for the infrastructure. He warned that incentives tied to electric‑bus purchases are contingent on completing the electrical upgrades needed to charge buses. "The bus company will not deliver those buses if we can't charge them," Drew said, explaining that the district’s architects and engineers estimate capacity to support charging three buses (the number authorized by a prior public bond). He added that infrastructure escalation estimates have risen (presenters discussed an increase from roughly $2.6 million in prior estimates to about $3 million) and that state approvals and construction timing could push approvals into December with work starting in 2027 if the proposition is successful in May.

Board members voiced concern that the EV proposition would appear alongside the budget and could confuse or alienate some voters. PTA and community members urged stronger communications and public education ahead of the vote. Administrators said the project is partly driven by state and mandate considerations and that the district would prepare outreach materials if the board advances the proposition.

What happens next: the motion to present the EV infrastructure question to voters was moved, seconded and approved at the meeting; administrators said they will follow up with outreach and documentation for community forums and the May vote.