The Yakima School District board approved the purchase of three 28‑passenger special‑needs electric school buses on May 20.

Lede: The board voted to authorize the purchase of three 28‑passenger special‑needs electric buses from RDBC Group for $1,484,939.22. The purchase will be funded from the district's transportation vehicle depreciation fund, with $837,650.79 awarded through a Washington Department of Ecology Air Quality Clean Diesel/Electric School Bus Grant.

Nut graf: The purchase was presented by the district’s transportation lead; the board made the motion, seconded and approved the item during the approvals section. Board members clarified that school bus procurement is funded from the transportation fund and not the general fund.

Details
- Vendor and amount: RDBC Group; $1,484,939.22 for three electric special‑needs buses (28‑passenger configuration).
- Grant support: $837,650.79 awarded by the Washington Department of Ecology Air Quality Clean Diesel/Electric School Bus Grant will offset part of the cost; the district will fund the remainder from the transportation vehicle depreciation fund.
- Board action: Motion, second and verbal approval on the floor; the board voted "aye" and the motion passed. No roll‑call tally was recorded in the public transcript.

Why it matters: The buses expand the district’s electric vehicle fleet and replace or supplement transportation for students with special needs; grant funding reduces the district’s net cost.

Ending: The board approved the purchase and proceeded with other agenda items; no further public comment or amendments were recorded on the item.