Westfield Academy and Central School board of Education members had plenty of questions regarding the zero-emission vehicle fleet transition plan that was presented to them at their meeting last month.

Representatives of Wendel, an architectural and engineering firm with an area of focus on transitioning transit fleets to alternative fuels, provided the results of a study designed to assist the district in transitioning its bus fleet to zero emission vehicles.

In April, the State Legislature passed a law that the bus fleet in all school districts must be entirely electric by 2035. Furthermore, by 2027, all new buses purchased must be zero-emission vehicles.

To implement this law, the state amended the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to require that any application for projects related to zero-emission vehicles include a Zero-Emission Transition Plan.

The transition plan must not only include the purchase of buses but must address issues such as creating the necessary infrastructure for an electric bus fleet, a partnership with the local utility provider, and the impact on the local workforce.

John Havrilla, Wendel’s Director of Alternative Fuels, told board members that Wendel is not involved with the state mandate, and he could not answer questions regarding it. However, he added, since the state requires that by 2027, all new buses must be zero emission, and there are no hydrogen buses available, that leaves one option — electric buses.

Havrilla told the board that there are several different funding programs and WACS could be eligible for more than basic state reimbursements. “You are a high priority district,” he said. “You can apply for both the EPA programs and the New York state bus incentive programs.”

He went on to say that the priority district bonus is between $28,500 and $39,000, depending on which type of vehicles are being purchased.

Board member Tom Tarpley asked if he was correct in saying that the cost just to put the infrastructure in place would be $2.5 million. Havrilla answered that is the approximate cost and said, “We suggest you put in all of the infrastructure now, so you don’t have to do it later when you get the charter for the buses.”

Havrilla told the board that getting the infrastructure in place is a two-year project, so it is essential to begin very soon. “You almost need to start now just to meet the mandate,” he said.

Board member Deanne Manzella asked if the taxpayers will have the opportunity to vote on the $2.5 million start-up cost in the same way that they vote on the purchase of new buses. Havrilla answered that the cost would most likely be part of a capital improvement project.

Havrilla told the board that the zero emission vehicle incentives are very good right now and there are also charging vouchers. He cautioned that although assistance is available now, this will not always be the case. “These grants will go away,” he said.

Manzella also asked about the fact that electric buses weigh more than diesel buses, and what type of problems this might cause. Havrilla answered hat they are not significantly heavier, and he does not think the buses will cause extra stress on roadways or bridges.

However, Manzella replied the stress on roads was not the focus of her question. “I’m thinking about going up hills, especially in winter — things like this that cause hazards for our buses now,” she said.

Board members also inquired about fire safety with electric buses and provisions for getting students with disabilities off a bus, should there be a fire, as well as charging times, increased utility costs and battery replacement.

Havrilla concluded by telling the board that districts really have no choice, but to plan for the transition to a zero-emission fleet. “You cannot buy anything but an electric bus after 2027,” he said. “Batteries are expensive, but the cost of the buses and the batteries should come down. Also the cost of maintaining an electric bus should be less than maintaining a diesel bus.”

Board members also received a brief presentation on the 2023-24 annual independent audit, completed by Drescher & Malecki, LLP. Conclusions of the audit were given to board members and a positive change in the general fund balance was noted.

In other business, board members completed a first reading of Policy 8260: Title I Parent and Family Engagement. The policy describes what the district will do to facilitate parent and family participation and involvement. The board will review the policy and make suggestions for changes.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Tarpley told the board that he received word that Chautauqua County Undersheriff Rich Telford had passed away. “The Undersheriff believed very strongly in keeping our children safe and did much work in the background to provide School Resource Officers from the Sheriff’s Office to a number of schools in Chautauqua County,” he said. “The Undersheriff loved serving the residents of this county and he will be greatly missed and never forgotten.”