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Yakima School Board authorizes purchase of three diesel school buses
Summary
The board approved buying three 78-passenger Thomas HDX diesel buses for $760,352.94 to maintain the Transportation Vehicle Fund depreciation schedule; staff said deliveries will be approximately one year out and noted many districts have paused electric-bus expansion amid performance concerns.
The Yakima School Board on June 15 approved the purchase of three 78-passenger Thomas HDX diesel school buses for $760,352.94.
A director moved to approve the purchase, stating on the record, “I move that the Board of Directors approve the purchase of 3 78 passenger diesel school buses from Shed Key Northwest in the amount of $760,000 $760,352.94.” The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
District staff said the buses will be charged to the Transportation Vehicle Fund so vehicles remain on the district’s depreciation schedule and continue generating replacement revenue. Staff advised the buses will not arrive until next spring; orders typically ship about eight to ten months after placement.
The presenter explained the district has paused expansion of its electric-bus fleet after acquiring six electric buses with state funding and noted that “many districts around the state have kinda paused their expansion of electric buses … based on their performance,” adding diesel buses currently offer longer useful life and mileage.
Next steps: staff will place the order and return to the board with delivery updates; funds were authorized at the June 15 meeting.
