Electric Buses in CVSD

Superintendent Pinckney, COO Jensen, and CVU student Ethan Lisle

Ethan speaks on behalf of CVSD

Ethan and DEC commissioner, Emily Boedecker

The Champlain Valley School District has been selected to be a partner in the Agency of Natural Resources Electric School and Transit Bus Pilot Program! The announcement reads:

"Champlain Valley stood out in both your level of support for and engagement around this pilot and our confidence in your capacity to be a great Project Partner in deploying electric buses."

 At an event announcing the grant recipients on December 19, CVU student and Environmental Action Club (ENACT) member, Ethan Lisle, spoke on behalf of CVSD. The Commissioner from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Emily Boedecker, presented the grant award to Ethan. Superintendent Pinckney and COO Jeanne Jensen were present as well. CVSD is one of three Vermont school districts that are recipients of this grant.

On Town Meeting Day, voters will see a ballot article for our share of the cost of two electric buses (our share is the equivalent of two diesel buses, with the grant making up the substantial difference.) The purchase of two school buses is proposed as part of the continual replacement cycle to ensure that buses in our fleet are no older than 15 years. If approved, the electric buses will be based at the Allen Brook School in Williston.

The Champlain Valley School District community prides itself on being a leader in sustainable practices.This opportunity allows us to not only transport students more safely and efficiently, but to make a concrete example of living up to our values. We are excited to take such an important role in helping Vermont reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. We hope to see the electric buses rolling through CVSD next fall.