Board weighs electric-bus conversion, infrastructure study and waiver timing

The board spent an extended portion of the meeting on transportation planning and electric-bus conversion, focusing on infrastructure needs, costs and a possible waiver to delay the diesel-purchase ban.

Dr. Meyer said, "As it stands, the 2027–2028 school year, we are no longer permitted to purchase diesel buses," and explained the state's full-fleet conversion deadline is the 2035–2036 school year. He told members diesel buses typically cost about $180,000–$200,000, while electric buses "are in the neighborhood of $400,000 plus voter approval." The administration urged caution: community vote results elsewhere show voters may decline funding for electric buses without clear local planning and infrastructure readiness.

The superintendent proposed two steps: (1) issue an RFP for an infrastructure and a transportation study (either combined or separate) to determine how many and what type of electric buses, charger needs, route redesign and power capacity the district would require; and (2) defer applying for a two-year waiver until 2027 unless circumstances suggest applying now. That waiver, if approved, would push the 2027 diesel-purchase prohibition back two years but would not affect the 2035 full-conversion target.

Transportation lead Mr. Rice summarized recent fleet activity: two buses were replaced last year, another was removed early after a frame failure, and the district currently has no electric buses in service.

Board members asked about funding options (BOCES, NYSERDA) and the cost/benefit of solar or alternative power sources. The board did not adopt a formal motion to fund the studies during the meeting but agreed administration should pursue options and prepare an RFP and cost estimates for upcoming budget discussions.