Amanda-Clearcreek Kicks-Off Electric School Bus Implementation May 6

AMANDA, Ohio (April 30, 2024) – The Amanda-Clearcreek Local School District (A-C) will host a celebration on May 6, 2024, at 9 a.m. to kick off the implementation of two electric school buses. The celebration will be held at the A-C bus compound (near the main track entrance) at 328 E. Main St. in Amanda.
 
“We are excited to implement the electric school buses this fall,” said Timothy Edwards, Ed.D, superintendent of Amanda-Clearcreek Local Schools. “These buses will replace older buses in our fleet, while providing our students with a quiet and emission-free transportation experience. They’ll also continue saving the district money over the long-run – it’s a win-win, and we’re so grateful to our treasurer, Lana Fairchild, for completing the application for this program.”
 
A-C was one of six districts in the state of Ohio to receive rebate dollars through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean School Bus Program. A-C was selected by the EPA to receive $790,000 in funds under the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates. The district purchased two Saf-T-Liner^® C2 Jouley^® Electric School Buses, which will be assigned to regular routes beginning Fall 2024. The district was also able to invest $40,000 in associated infrastructure for the buses.
 
“Our bus drivers are undergoing training for the electric buses to ensure they understand how the buses and charging systems operate,” said Lyle Campbell, A-C's transportation coordinator. “We’re excited to add this innovative addition to our transportation department, and to incorporate these new buses into our routes this fall.”
 
The C2 Jouley is emissions-free, noise pollution-free and fossil fuel-free, helping the district save on operating costs. For both buses combined, the estimated annual diesel fuel savings is $39,788 and the estimated annual maintenance savings is $7,628, with a total estimated savings of $47,416.
 
To prepare for the new electric buses, the district issued a request for proposal for the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Project in February 2023, with Veregy being awarded the project.
 
Over $875 million was obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, advance environmental justice, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
 
The EPA received approximately 2,000 applications across the nation. Within the state of Ohio, $5,885,000 was awarded to six school districts (including A-C) through the EPA 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates Program.
 
For more information about Amanda-Clearcreek Local Schools, visit www.amanda.k12.oh.us.

The Amanda-Clearcreek Local School District believes all students can learn, have the right to a quality education, and should be treated with respect and dignity. The district is focused on preparing graduates to become productive community members and life-long learners while being transparent and good stewards of taxpayer dollars. More than 1,500 students in our community are taught and supported by 180 educational professionals. The district office is located at 328 E. Main St. in Amanda, Ohio. More information about the district is available at http://www.amanda.k12.oh.us/.