Transportation budget falls as services moved in-house; district awaits EPA OK to sell electric buses

Interim Transportation Director Colleen Souza presented the FY27 transportation budget summary, saying the overall transportation budget is down a little over 16% primarily because of position reductions and lower contracted-services costs after bringing routing and services in-house. She listed savings from reduced director salaries and an elimination of a double-booked dumpster rental, and said fuel-savings projections are about $20,000.

Souza also identified areas of increased expense: an equipment-repair estimate of +$13,600; a projected district-wide electricity increase of about 20%; and new costs tied to electric-bus upkeep. "We are still waiting to hear from the EPA regarding approval to sell and dispose of those buses," Souza said, adding that electric-bus batteries are valuable and should be maintained between roughly 25% and 75% state-of-charge to preserve battery life. Board members asked for clarification on the 25–75% charging guidance and the policy on charging to 100% earlier in the district’s experience.

The presentation also noted the district removed insurance coverage on the electric buses, which has contributed to savings, and that transportation drug-testing costs have increased, requiring a small budget adjustment. Board discussion focused on clarifying where the electric-bus disposal decision rests and confirming the district’s plans to continue refining in-house operations.

No formal vote was taken on the transportation budget at this meeting; Souza said administrators will be available at a community forum on March 19 to discuss the budget in more detail.