Message from the Office of the Superintendent Regarding Electric School Buses

Dear Red Jacket Community,

I would like to update you on a major initiative coming from New York State that will impact school transportation. In 2022, legislation was passed requiring that all new school bus purchases be zero-emission by 2027, and that entire school bus fleets transition to electric by 2035. The goal is to reduce emissions statewide, but the law also brings significant considerations for districts like ours.

Recent legislation (e.g., S8547, A9308) has proposed repealing or modifying the mandate to allow more flexibility for school districts. However, until any changes are finalized, districts must prepare to comply with the mandate or risk losing state funding.

Currently, our district does not have any zero-emission school buses. We do have one hybrid district vehicle that is used by staff for travel to and from professional development. At this time, the upcoming budget does not include any proposals for the purchase of zero-emission school buses.

Some school districts have already begun testing this transition. For example, the Naples Central School District has piloted electric buses over multiple school years. Their experience highlights the challenges many rural districts face, including costs, winter range limitations, and infrastructure needs. You can read more about their experience here: WHEC: Electric vs. Diesel – Naples Superintendent Discusses Financial Impact.

Red Jacket is actively working with state lawmakers to address these challenges. Most recently, as a member of the Wayne-Finger Lakes Superintendent Legislative Committee, I joined other superintendents on February 23rd in Albany for discussions with state and local lawmakers to raise our concerns and advocate for practical solutions regarding this mandate. Additionally, district leaders participated in a legislative brunch with lawmakers from the Finger Lakes region to discuss ways to ease potential obstacles and help rural districts meet the mandate responsibly.

We also want to provide the community an opportunity to ask questions and learn more. I will be hosting my Tuesday Town Hall on March 24th at 6:00 PM in the Auditorium Lobby. I encourage any community members with questions or concerns about this mandate to attend.

While we are committed to complying with the state mandate, it’s important to understand that transitioning to an all-electric bus fleet will involve significant investment and careful planning. Our goal is to keep families, staff, and community members informed as we navigate this transition, and we will continue to share updates and involve our community in the process.

Thank you for your continued support as we plan for the future of our students and our schools.

Sincerely,
Christopher Barnard
Superintendent of Schools
Manchester-Shortsville Central School District