School officials express concerns over zero-emission bus transition

School officials from 18 districts in St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES recently met with state representatives in Massena. They expressed concerns about various issues affecting education. Attendees included Patricia F. Murphy from the Massena Central School Board and Superintendent Ronald P. Burke. They talked with Senators and Assembly members including Mark C. Walczyk and Scott A. Gray. One major topic was the transition to zero-emission school buses. New York has mandated that by 2035, all student transportation must use zero-emission vehicles. Districts need to replace traditional buses with electric ones by July 2027. However, they can request a two-year extension. Concerns were raised about the weight of electric buses and whether bus garages can support them. Travel distances for the buses also worried school officials. In colder weather, electric buses may struggle to make multiple trips, affecting how many buses districts need. Additionally, electric buses are nearly three times the cost of diesel buses, and there are concerns about the state's funding to help districts cover these costs. Murphy noted that the lifespan of electric buses is uncertain. She mentioned a fear that the buses might not last long enough to justify the investment. There were also discussions about safety issues, like the potential for electric bus fires. Another topic was the use of cell phones in schools. Governor Hochul's budget includes funding for cell phone pouches to limit phone use during school hours. However, local superintendents prefer to keep decision-making in their hands. They worry about the costs of these pouches, which could reach up to $62,500 for some districts. Finally, officials discussed foundation aid. Many smaller districts are struggling with the current funding formula and may not survive without a complete overhaul. One lawmaker acknowledged that even he found the budgeting process confusing under the current system.