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East St. Louis School District Celebrates Electric School Bus Initiative

The East St. Louis School District 189 is making significant strides toward sustainability with their electric school bus initiative. On June 12, the district will host a community event to mark the progress made in transitioning to electric vehicles. This initiative is a part of their commitment to providing safe and environmentally friendly transportation for students.

The event will showcase the construction of a new depot designed to support the operations of 25 electric school buses and associated charging infrastructure. Funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program, this initiative reflects a multi-district effort aimed at enhancing air quality and improving student health.

A Community Investment

Superintendent Arthur R. Culver emphasized the importance of this project, stating, "We are proud to roll out 25 new electric school buses for regular routes this coming school year—an investment in both the health of our students and our community." He further explained, "These electric buses reduce harmful air pollution, reflect our commitment to safety, and help ensure that every child arrives at school ready to learn and thrive."

The electric bus fleet will include 25 Thomas Built buses along with 25 Heliox chargers. These vehicles are set to begin operations in the upcoming 2025–2026 school year. This ambitious plan aims to modernize transportation for the approximately 5,000 students within the district.

Strong Partnerships for Progress

The district is collaborating closely with the North American Central School Bus (NACSB) and Highland Electric Fleets, both leaders in student transportation and electrification services. NACSB will operate and maintain the buses, while Highland is tasked with managing the charging infrastructure and providing long-term support. Ameren Illinois is also contributing through its Electric Vehicle Charging Program, offering expertise and funding for the necessary infrastructure development.

NAC's CEO, Jason Walker, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. "Partnering with the East St. Louis School District and Highland to deliver clean, innovative transportation is a powerful step toward empowering tomorrow's leaders. This electric fleet represents our commitment to student safety, community health, and a brighter future," Walker stated.

Highland's Founder and CEO, Duncan McIntyre, added, "We're proud to support the district and NAC as we move into the next phase of the project and prepare for deployment across the community."

Event Details and Community Engagement

At the upcoming celebration, attendees will have the opportunity to experience a ride on one of the new electric school buses, providing a glimpse into the future of student transportation. The event is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. CT, at the Illinois Central School Bus Garage located at 8203 Bunkum Rd, Caseyville, IL 62232. This initiative is not only a step towards improved transportation but also a celebration of community and progress.

The East St. Louis School District 189 is committed to ensuring that its students receive a high-quality education in a safe environment. This move towards electrified transportation underscores their dedication to providing exceptional educational experiences while also fostering a healthier, more sustainable community.

For more information about the district or the electric bus initiative, visit East St. Louis School District 189 or follow them on social media @estl189.