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Chebeague Island School Committee hears about electric-bus options but finds federal rebate inapplicable; infrastructure concerns noted
Summary
Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick reported that Chebeague Island Public Schools was not eligible for the current federal electric-bus rebate; the committee noted that the district’s electrical panel was not upgraded during the 2018–19 renovation and that further research and grant tracking are needed.
Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick told the Chebeague Island School Committee on July 12 that the district had pursued information about electric buses but was ruled ineligible for the current federal rebate program and will instead watch for future grant rounds.
Kirkpatrick summarized attributes of electric buses, saying they are quiet, perform adequately on hills and often have blue bumpers and wheel caps to distinguish them from diesel vehicles. She said the district completed an online rebate application but was deemed not eligible; she said she confirmed that finding by phone with Maine Department of Education Director of Transportation Pat Hinckley and signed up for mailing lists on future funding opportunities.
Committee members noted that Lion was the company awarded contracts for electric buses. The committee also discussed a practical constraint: the school’s electrical panel was not upgraded during the 2018–19 renovation, so installing vehicle-charging capability or a recharging station would require further research and likely electrical upgrades. Kirkpatrick said she has asked the regional CTC director to meet over the summer to discuss infrastructure options.
The committee did not take formal action on procurement or infrastructure at the meeting. Members agreed to continue researching possible grant programs and technical requirements before pursuing purchase or installation steps.
