Operator urges Topeka schools to prioritize electric buses in future contracts

Ben Schutzman, chief operating officer of Highland Electric Fleets, told the board that Highland partnered with the district to win a federal grant and deploy 25 electric school buses and urged board members to continue prioritizing electric vehicles regardless of future bus-operator contracts.

Schutzman said the federal grant, combined with cost share from Highland and partners, allowed the district to add electric buses without upfront costs. He cited research—referring to work such as studies at the University of Michigan—suggesting that replacing diesel buses improves student health and readiness to learn, and that electric buses cost less to operate over time.

"For students who ride EVs, research backs up what we see every single day across the country," Schutzman said. He urged the district to keep electrification a priority when considering contractor or operator choices.

The board thanked Schutzman for the presentation; no action was taken at the meeting.