Goshen mulls over electric bus opportunities

Jul. 9—GOSHEN — With less federal grant funding than anticipated approved for potential new electric buses, Goshen Community Schools is considering changing routes in its endeavor to add the green tech to its fleet.

GCS Transportation Director Don Graves said the district got quotes from three manufacturers, and Lion Electric Company came in the cheapest.

A tentative estimate says new electric infrastructure to charge the buses would be between $55,000-$65,000 to install chargers at the bus lot, and there are possible rebates of around $40,000 per bus, and $18,000 rebates per charger. The district was awarded a federal grant that will require them to purchase six buses in order to qualify to receive it.

Director of Sales Richard Lee of Lion Electric said the current anticipated lifecycle of their bus battery packs is 12 to 16 years.

Compared to diesel buses, which Graves said cost roughly $162,000 this year, the electric buses are a steep increase at $342,000 with chargers and without the grants or rebates applied. The electric buses would be about $125,000 each after grants and rebates are applied.

To be eligible for the grant funding, schools must spend the money by Nov. 29 with the program finished by spring 2026. Originally, the district had opened to purchase the buses for special needs routes, but with the additional costs, they are hoping to use the buses for traditional route as they learn how they operate.

Board member Ryan Glick said at best, the district saves $60,000 per year, but he doesn't support it.

"Electric buses come at a significantly higher cost than diesel buses and from a budgetary standpoint, they are only financial feasible with the aid of federal grants," he said. "However, these grants, while seemingly providing free money, are ultimately funded by taxpayers and contribute to deficit spending, which carries profound implications for our national fiscal responsibility and our economy."

He argued that the electric vehicle market may someday become financially and ethically valuable for the district, but said it currently is not.

OTHER ITEMS

The last house on 10th Street across from the high school's soccer field was approved for purchase by the board. With a tentative agreement on price at around $125,000, Evans confirmed that the budget from last year's property purchases on the same street will have enough money to make the purchase. If the agreement goes through, the district would take possession of the property in September. It's currently a rental property located at 623 S. 10th St.

Board member Ryan Glick told Evans that he has concerns with the district buying properties without a plan to use them when Goshen currently has a housing shortage.

"I realize it's nice to be able to buy when it's available for sale, but I just I'm thinking about taking another house off the market," Glick said.

Board member Bradd Weddell said the district has to be opportunistic with every school in the district being landlocked.

"This is probably not a prime rental property, however, my position is to look out for Goshen schools and I think this is a good opportunity for Goshen schools," Evans noted.

Glick asked if they purchased it, and how it would benefit the district. Evans said it would provide more opportunities because they would need that access to the corner the lot resides on for any future projects nearby on that road. The home is the sole property on the street unowned by the district.

Glick did not object, and the motion was approved unanimously.

Goshen Junior High School will be receiving a new HVAC system. During the board meeting, Director of Finance Bob Evans told the board that an anticipated bond of $6.2-7 million would fund the HVAC upgrades along with other small projects including the junior high's track field. The projects, scheduled for 2025, will have hearings in August and October. Financing is expected to be structured so as not to require an increase in the tax rate.

Evans also told the board about several renovation projects in the works this summer including creating a second lab at Chandler with an overhead door, carpeting the junior high and Waterford Elementary School; tiling around Waterford cafeteria and in the foyer; bathroom upgrades at the junior high; repairs to the roof at Chamberlain Elementary School over the cafeteria and kindergarten rooms and also Parkside Elementary School's roof over the office; replacing classroom doors at Model Elementary School; remodeling the district's board room at the administrative building; and adding concrete handicap access ramps at Goshen Intermediate School and Parkside.

The board approved a new position to hire a girls varsity wrestling coach after the IHSAA sanctioned the varsity sport for girls this spring. No hire has been named.

Goshen Community Schools will be seeking out programming to help teach Indiana's Employability Skills Standards. The 18 skills were developed by the Department of Workplace Development and educators, and include lifelong learning, self-confidence, self-discipline, independence, perseverance, time management and organization, adaptability, integrity, professionalism, effective communication, aptitude awareness, decision-making, initiative, attention to detail, problem-solving, regulation, connection, and collaboration.

Dani Messick is the education and entertainment reporter for The Goshen News. She can be reached at dani.messick@goshennews.com or at 574-538-2065.