OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Forestville Superintendent Dr. John O’Connor stated the district is only going to pursue purchasing electric buses at the rate it is required by law, and not any quicker.

FORESTVILLE — New York state’s aggressive timeline for the implementation of electric buses in school districts is not forcing immediate action from the Forestville Central School District.

After a recent meeting following an electric bus and infrastructure study, Superintendent Dr. John O’Connor stated that the district is holding off as long as it can before making the switch to electric buses. The district will not be purchasing any electric buses before it is required to by state mandates.

“We’ve taken the approach that we’re going to move at the level the law requires us to move right now,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor stated the district is “still hoping for some reprieve” from the state’s mandate that schools be fully transitioned to a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035. Prior to that, purchasing diesel buses will be restricted in 2027. While there has been talk of pushing the 2027 cutoff back, the full transition date of 2035 still appears to be in place.

O’Connor stated regarding the current timeline, “There are some challenges coming with that if the timelines don’t change, for sure.”

O’Connor also stated the district’s Clean Green Energy Project is targeting a start date of the end of June, in order to minimize any potential disruption to students and staff. The project consists of the installation of HVAC systems and mechanical upgrades throughout the district at a total cost of $7,466,977.

New rooftop units will be installed at both schools to address heating, air conditioning, and air quality in classrooms, cafeterias, music rooms, and gymnasiums. Windows on the second and third floors of the Middle/High School will also be replaced to reduce energy loss, while electrical upgrades will improve efficiency, as well.

The project, under the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), will be funded at no additional tax impact to district taxpayers, thanks to a grant of $945,377, $100,000 in utility rebates, and roughly $6.4 million of New York State Building Aid.

The district has yet to determine how it plans to utilize up to $100,000 available in state funding for a 2027 Capital Outlay Project. More discussion on the matter will be held in the coming months.