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Marcellus administrators raise concerns about state zero-emission bus mandate; report UPK lottery wait list
Summary
District administrators reported 72 applicants for 54 UPK seats (18 on a wait list) and expressed concern about New York's zero-emission bus mandate, saying recent regional legislation to ease the timetable failed and that the district is completing waiver paperwork and a grid feasibility study.
Administrators told the board on April 6 that the UPK lottery had 72 applicants for 54 available UPK seats; 18 applicants are on the wait list and may receive seats if others decline. The district said it runs three UPK classrooms and will notify families if openings arise.
Administrators and Don also discussed the state'wide zero-emission bus mandate that, as explained at the meeting, would restrict purchases of diesel or gas buses after 2027 and require electric fleets by 2035. The transcript records that a regional senator (identified in the discussion as "Burello") had introduced legislation to ease the mandate but that the measure was voted down. District leaders said the mandate presents funding and infrastructure challenges, noting the need for garage upgrades, grid capacity, mechanic training and other investments. The administration said it is preparing waiver documentation for the state and running an electrical-grid feasibility study to assess readiness; they indicated they do not plan to place a bond or similar proposition on the ballot at this time because they believe it would not pass under current conditions.
Administrators asked the board for patience as they continue due diligence on buses and infrastructure and said they would keep the board updated as legislative and funding conditions evolve.
