“The Electric School Bus Mandate is yet another one-size-fits-all approach our school districts do not need and did not ask for. If this mandate is fully implemented without providing our schools the full financial support to assist with such an abrupt and drastic transition, so many districts could face economic devastation.

“The average cost of a new electric school bus is approximately $400,000, and this tremendous sum does not even cover the additional cost of upgrading electrical equipment and construction of specialized bus garages built for charging an all-electric fleet of buses. Set aside the financial implications of this switch to all-electric buses, and we are left with the glaring logistical issues of relying entirely on electric vehicles for transportation in rural areas at the mercy of unpredictable and oftentimes cold and harsh weather. It is often much more difficult to charge buses in cold temperatures, the length of charge in differing temperatures is questionable and many buses would need to be stored indoors to be protected from winter weather, requiring larger bus garages, which of course would require additional funding.

“Couple all these disturbing facts about electric buses with the fact that Governor Hochul is considering revoking hold harmless from Foundation Aid and it’s astonishing our schools are still standing—it’s clear our schools and our children’s education are not priorities.”