The Hudson Valley Central School District is taking significant steps towards sustainability with plans to transition to electric school buses. During the recent Board of Education meeting, members discussed the implications of this shift, emphasizing the importance of acting quickly to secure funding and grants for the new vehicles.

The district is looking to purchase 17 electric buses, with a net cost of $30,000 each, a figure that board members noted is remarkably low compared to the price of a typical car. This purchase is crucial as New York State mandates that all school districts must transition to zero-emission buses by 2035, with a complete ban on purchasing gas-powered buses by 2027. The board highlighted the urgency of a public vote scheduled for November 19, which is necessary to proceed with the purchase and secure available grants from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Board members expressed the need for comprehensive data on the safety and operational costs of electric buses compared to traditional diesel models. They are actively seeking information from various vendors and NYSERDA to address community concerns about the safety of electric buses, particularly in light of social media fears regarding potential hazards.

In addition to the electric bus initiative, the meeting included a public participation segment where students and community members raised questions about the district's budget and current challenges. A student from FDR High School inquired about the biggest issues facing the school, to which board members responded that the transition to electric buses is a primary concern, given the legal requirements and the need for a sustainable future.

As the district moves forward with its plans, the board is committed to keeping the community informed and engaged, promising updates on the performance of the new electric bus once it is operational. The upcoming vote represents a pivotal moment for the district, aligning with broader environmental goals while addressing the immediate needs of the community.